Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

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by Clara Harper

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The aroma of savory chicken mingling with fluffy rice can fill any kitchen with warmth and comfort. Imagine the satisfaction of pressing a button and letting your Instant Pot work its magic while you kick back on the couch. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this delightful recipe for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice.

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Dish
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Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this dish sets the perfect stage for laughter and connection. I remember the first time I made it; my family couldn’t get enough! The tender chicken practically melts in your mouth as you savor each bite of perfectly cooked rice infused with flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This one-pot wonder is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The flavors are rich and satisfying, combining savory herbs with tender chicken.
  • The vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table.
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various ingredients you may have on hand.

I vividly recall serving this dish at a family gathering where everyone went back for seconds—my sister even suggested we start a support group called “Chicken & Rice Addicts Anonymous”!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose about 3-4 pieces; they cook evenly in the Instant Pot while staying juicy.
  • Long-Grain White Rice: This type absorbs flavors beautifully; rinse it before use to remove excess starch.
  • Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to let your seasonings shine without overwhelming saltiness.
  • Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic adds aromatic depth—don’t skip this! Fresh cloves give the best flavor.
  • Onion: A finely chopped onion enhances sweetness; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor release.
  • Bell Peppers: Use your favorite color; they add crunch and a sweet pop to each bite.
  • Poultry Seasoning: A blend of spices that makes seasoning effortless—just sprinkle it generously!
  • Olive Oil: For sautéing the ingredients; it brings richness without overpowering other flavors.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors—don’t forget to adjust according to taste!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

**Prep Your Ingredients**: Start by gathering all your ingredients together on the counter. Chop your onions and bell peppers while mincing garlic; having everything ready speeds up your cooking process.

**Sauté Aromatics**: Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add olive oil along with chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook until they soften, about 3-5 minutes while stirring frequently until fragrant.

**Add Garlic and Chicken**: Toss in minced garlic along with your chicken breasts. Let them brown slightly on both sides (about 3 minutes) before seasoning everything generously with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.

**Incorporate Rice & Broth**: Pour in rinsed rice evenly over the chicken followed by chicken broth. Make sure not to stir at this point; you want layers here!

**Pressure Cook It**: Close the lid securely ensuring it’s sealed properly. Select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode for 10 minutes at high pressure. Just sit back while your kitchen fills with delightful aromas.

**Release Pressure & Serve**: Once cooking is done, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve away from you—watch out for hot steam! Fluff everything gently using a fork before serving up warm bowls of comfort.

With these simple instructions, you’ll create an unforgettable meal that will become a staple in your household! Each bite combines tender chicken with fluffy rice soaking up all those amazing flavors—you’ll be left wanting more!

Enjoy making this dish as much as I do!

Content

Use the Right Rice: Choose long-grain rice for fluffy texture and even cooking. I learned this the hard way, using short-grain rice once and ending up with a sticky mess.

Season Generously: Don’t skimp on herbs and spices; they elevate flavor immensely. The first time I made this, I thought less was more—wrong!

Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes enhances flavor melding. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you after that little wait.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in your Instant Pot to build flavor, then add chicken and rice in sequence for optimal results.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables or try different spices like curry or cumin for diverse flavors. You can even toss in some frozen peas right at the end.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth for moisture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • This recipe works best with chicken thighs for tenderness and flavor.
  • Ensure you deglaze the pot well after sautéing to avoid burn warnings.
  • Don’t rush the natural release process; it makes all the difference!

I remember when my family first tasted this dish. They devoured it so quickly that I barely got a bite! It felt great to impress them with such an easy recipe.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time to about 22-25 minutes.

Is it safe to freeze Instant Pot Chicken and Rice?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

How do I make it spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes during cooking for some kick!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Dish

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice


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  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken and fluffy rice in a savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s sure to become a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and chop the onions and bell peppers while mincing the garlic.
  2. Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add olive oil, onions, and bell peppers; sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add minced garlic and chicken breasts; brown on both sides for about 3 minutes. Season with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Layer rinsed rice evenly over the chicken, then pour in chicken broth without stirring.
  5. Close the lid securely and select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 10 minutes on high pressure.
  6. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of steam. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • For added flavor, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  •  Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as peas or carrots for variety.
  •  Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Pressure Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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