Imagine coming home after a long day and having a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality meal ready in just 25 minutes with minimal cleanup. This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is your ultimate weeknight dinner superhero – delivering tender, juicy chicken nestled in perfectly fluffy rice that will make your family think you've been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this foolproof, flavor-packed dish that proves delicious meals don't have to be complicated!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Dice the onion finely, mince the garlic, and pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Set Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering. Sear chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same Instant Pot, sauté chopped onions for 2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add long-grain rice to the pot and stir, coating the rice with the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in chicken broth and gently stir to combine.
- Place seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, ensuring they are not fully submerged. Close the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 12 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open lid, fluff rice with a fork, and check chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F. If needed, cover and let rest for 3-5 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions. Enjoy your one-pot meal!
Tips
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden sear.
- Use long-grain rice for the best texture and prevent mushiness.
- Don't stir the rice after adding broth – this helps prevent a sticky consistency.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee it reaches 165°F.
- Let the pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes to keep chicken moist and tender.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary during seasoning.
- If rice seems too firm, you can add a splash more broth and do a quick 1-2 minute additional cook.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 252kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 17g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 60mg
