Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: Quick and Nutritious Dinner in 30 Minutes
Chicken and rice is a classic dish loved by many. It’s easy to prepare, comforting, and makes for a versatile meal that can be adjusted to fit different tastes. Using an Instant Pot makes this recipe even quicker, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and nutritious dinner in just 30 minutes!
Why you’ll love it
This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Not only is it speedy, but it is also packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the rice and any vegetables you may choose to include. Plus, cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup!
introduction
What is an Instant Pot Chicken and Rice dish? It’s a wholesome meal made by cooking chicken and rice together in an Instant Pot. This method infuses all the flavors and creates a moist, tender dish that’s full of taste. It is ideal not just for families but also for anyone looking to prepare a hearty meal without a lot of fuss.
why make this recipe
This recipe is loved for its ease and flavor. Not only does it save time, but it’s also nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this dish can be easily adapted to serve any number of people. Plus, you can customize it with various spices and vegetables to keep things exciting.
how to make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (about 450g) chicken thighs or breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (like basmati or jasmine)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Sauté: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the olive oil, and once it’s hot, add the chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add Chicken: Season the chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in the Instant Pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until browned.
Add Rice and Broth: Pour in the rice and the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is evenly spread out in the pot. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom to avoid the burn notice.
Cook Under Pressure: Close the lid, ensure the release valve is set to sealing, and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Quick Release: Once cooking is done, perform a quick release to let out the steam. Open the lid carefully.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots if using and let them heat through for a few minutes.
Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
how to serve Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Serve the Instant Pot Chicken and Rice warm, straight from the pot. This meal pairs nicely with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. It’s also great on its own or as a filling main dish.
how to store Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
If you have leftovers, allow the chicken and rice to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
tips to make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
- Use boneless, skinless chicken: This ensures quicker cooking and makes shredding easier.
- Choose the right rice: Long-grain white rice works best. Avoid using brown rice, as it will require a different cooking time.
- Don’t skip the sauté step: Browning the chicken and onions adds depth of flavor.
variation
Feel free to change up the vegetables or add spices based on what you have or prefer. You can also experiment with different types of chicken, such as drumsticks or wings, while adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but frozen chicken will require a bit longer cooking time. Still, you can use the Instant Pot to cook frozen chicken right away. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes.
2. Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to increase the cooking time to about 22-25 minutes and possibly extend the water slightly due to the increased cooking time.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or some crusty bread to soak up all the flavors.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a simple and satisfying dish that is perfect for busy families. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and offers great nutritional value. Give it a try and enjoy a homemade meal in just 30 minutes! If you like this recipe, consider sharing it with friends or trying different variations to make it your own.
Links to related recipes
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
- One-Pot Vegetable Pasta
- Easy Beef Stroganoff
- Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw
- Vegetable Quinoa Bowl
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breast, boneless and skinless Use boneless, skinless chicken for quicker cooking.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (like basmati or jasmine) Avoid using brown rice as it requires a different cooking time.
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional) Can be omitted or substituted with other vegetables.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the olive oil, and once it’s hot, add the chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft.
- Season the chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in the Instant Pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until browned.
- Pour in the rice and the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is evenly spread out in the pot. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom to avoid the burn notice.
Cooking
- Close the lid, ensure the release valve is set to sealing, and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is done, perform a quick release to let out the steam. Open the lid carefully.
Finishing Touches
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots if using and let them heat through for a few minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.