Prepare to be transported to comfort food heaven with this ridiculously easy Instant Pot chicken and rice dish that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, with colorful vegetables that transform a simple meal into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you're a busy professional, a tired parent, or just someone who loves delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your ultimate weeknight savior that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function. Add a small amount of oil and brown the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown color. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same Instant Pot, add the long-grain rice and stir briefly to toast the grains for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Carefully place the browned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, ensuring they are not fully submerged.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables around the chicken pieces.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Check that chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Don't skip the sautéing step - it builds incredible depth of flavor in your dish.
- Use long-grain rice for the best texture and prevent mushiness.
- Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Allow a natural pressure release for the first 5 minutes to help the rice cook evenly.
- For extra flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of white wine.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and rice to absorb remaining moisture.
- Customize with your favorite herbs or spices like garlic powder, dried thyme, or smoked paprika.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 233kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 13g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
