Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

When it comes to weeknight dinners, few things are as satisfying as a hearty, home-cooked meal that comes together in a flash. Enter the Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe—your new go-to for a delicious, nutritious meal that the whole family will love. With tender chicken, fluffy brown rice, and colorful veggies all cooked together in one pot, this dish is not only simple but also bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in those essential nutrients without any fuss. Let’s dive in!

Top Reasons to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

• Time-Saving: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal with family and friends.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this dish is a wholesome choice.
• Flavorful: The combination of spices and aromatics creates a robust flavor profile that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredient Checklist

• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 ½ cups uncooked long grain brown rice, rinsed*
• 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into diagonal slices (about ¾-inch thick)
• 2 large red bell peppers, cut into wide strips (about ¾ inch), halved if long
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger or substitute 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or unsalted chicken broth
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• Chopped fresh cilantro for serving

Gear Up: What to Grab

• Instant Pot: The star of the show that makes this recipe possible.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping veggies with ease.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you get the right amounts.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring everything together.
• Serving Spoon: To dish out the deliciousness when it’s ready!

From Start to Finish: Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by selecting the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot. Add the 2 teaspoons of coconut oil and let it melt. Once hot, toss in the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Add the carrots and red bell peppers to the pot, sautéing for an additional 3-4 minutes. The veggies should start to soften, adding a beautiful color and flavor to your dish.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, kosher salt, ground turmeric, and ground coriander. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables with the spices, cooking for about 1 minute to release their flavors.

Step 4: Incorporate the Rice

Add the rinsed long grain brown rice to the pot, stirring well to combine with the vegetables and spices. Toasting the rice slightly in the sauté function will enhance its flavor.

Step 5: Pour in the Liquid

Slowly pour in the almond milk or chicken broth, ensuring to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent any sticking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cooked rice.

Step 6: Add the Chicken

Nestle the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the rice mixture, making sure they are submerged in the liquid for even cooking.

Step 7: Cook Under Pressure

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 22 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

Step 8: Stir in the Peas

Once the pressure has been fully released, carefully open the lid and add the thawed peas. Gently fluff the rice and stir everything together, allowing the residual heat to warm the peas through.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Instant Pot Chicken and Rice to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

Ingredient Flex Options

• Swap the almond milk for vegetable broth if you prefer.
• Use any color bell peppers you have on hand—green, yellow, or orange work beautifully.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini.
• For added protein, incorporate cooked chickpeas or white beans.

Pro Perspective

If you’re looking to elevate your meal prep game, this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is a fantastic choice. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—feel free to experiment with different spices or add your favorite herbs. You can also double the recipe and freeze leftovers for a quick meal on busy days. Trust me, this dish freezes beautifully and reheats well!

Make Ahead Like a Pro

Planning ahead can make your weeknight dinners even smoother. You can chop the vegetables and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Additionally, you can marinate the chicken in your favorite spices for enhanced flavor. Just be sure to add a bit more cooking time if the chicken is cold when you start the Instant Pot.

Handy Q&A

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can use white rice, but the cooking time will be shorter—about 10 minutes on high pressure. Make sure to adjust the liquid as well, reducing it by about ½ cup.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

No worries! You can make this dish in a regular pot. Sauté the ingredients as directed, then add the rice and liquid, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for about 45 minutes or until the rice is tender.

Can I add more spices for flavor?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spice blend to your liking. A pinch of paprika or chili powder can add a nice kick!

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life.

Try These Next

• One Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Veggies
• Creamy Cajun Chicken And Rice Orzo
• Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Bring It Home

This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is everything you could want in a meal: it’s quick, easy, and offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that your family will adore. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also warms the heart. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that Instant Pot, and you’re just moments away from a delicious home-cooked dinner. Enjoy!

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