When life gets hectic, having a delicious, hearty, and easy dinner recipe in your back pocket is a lifesaver. Enter Instant Pot Chicken and Rice—the ultimate one-pot meal. This dish comes together in no time, thanks to the magic of your pressure cooker, and it’s packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and mouthwatering flavors. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver satisfaction with minimal effort.
Get ready to save time without compromising on flavor. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to make this Instant Pot delight.
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather these simple, wholesome ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 pound (about 2-3) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine, rinsed thoroughly)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (or any veggies of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
With these step-by-step directions, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time:
1. Sauté the Ingredients
- Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and allow it to heat for a minute or two.
- Add the olive oil (or butter). Once hot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned (it doesn't need to be fully cooked, as it will finish in the pot).
2. Add the Rice and Liquid
- Turn off the Sauté function and stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring it's mixed well with the chicken and seasonings.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to make sure everything is evenly distributed, but don’t stir too vigorously, as you want the rice to cook properly without sticking to the bottom.
3. Cook on High Pressure
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Select the Pressure Cook (or Manual) setting and adjust the time to 8 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure by carefully turning the valve.
4. Add Veggies and Fluff
- Remove the lid and stir in the frozen peas and carrots (the residual heat will cook them perfectly).
- Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Use a fork to fluff the rice, mixing everything evenly.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Scoop the chicken and rice into bowls or plates, garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Customization Tips
This recipe is super flexible! Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Switch the protein: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness or swap with diced turkey, shrimp, or tofu for a variation.
- Add more veggies: Throw in chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a colorful medley.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes, Cajun seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Use different grains: Opt for brown rice or quinoa, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the grains cook fully.
- Creamy version: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese after cooking to give the dish a creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a meal on its own, but you can take it to the next level with these serving ideas:
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a light side dish.
- Add a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread for a satisfying accompaniment.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki for a tangy topping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Instant Pot recipe is a go-to for countless reasons. It’s quick, nutritious, and full of comforting flavors. Plus, the entire process—from prepping the ingredients to serving the meal—requires just one pot to clean. That means more time to kick back and relax after a busy day. It doesn't get much better than that!
Give this recipe a try, and it might just become a regular in your weekly dinner rotation. Happy cooking!
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