. Enjoy cooking! - Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. - Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. - Next, add 1 diced bell pepper and sauté for another 2 minutes. Stir it often. - Season 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. - Push the veggies to the sides of the pot. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side. - Add 2 cups of rinsed brown rice, 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juices), and 2 ½ cups of chicken broth. Stir well to mix everything. - Close the lid of the Instant Pot. Set to 'Manual' high pressure for 22 minutes. - After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' for any leftover pressure. - Remove the chicken thighs. Shred them with two forks and return to the pot. Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and let it sit for 5 minutes. - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For the full recipe, check out Instant Pot Zesty Chicken & Rice Delight. - Importance of rinsing rice: Rinsing rice removes excess starch. This helps keep your rice fluffy and prevents it from getting sticky. You want each grain to stand out. - Achieving perfect chicken texture: Use boneless chicken thighs for moist meat. They cook well and won’t dry out. Searing the chicken adds flavor and a nice texture. - Natural pressure release benefits: Allowing the pot to release pressure naturally helps keep the chicken tender. It also gives the flavors more time to blend together. Wait about 10 minutes before opening the lid. - Best garnishes for flavor enhancement: Fresh cilantro adds a bright taste to your dish. You can also use lime wedges for a zesty kick. A sprinkle of cheese can add creaminess, too. - Pairing options for complete meals: Serve with a simple salad or crusty bread. These sides balance the meal and add crunch. You can also pair it with a light soup for a cozy dinner. - Overcooking rice: Using too much liquid or cooking too long can make rice mushy. Stick to the recipe for the right balance. - Not seasoning enough: Don’t skip the spices! Seasoning adds depth to your dish. Taste before serving and adjust as needed for the best flavor. For the full recipe of this comforting dish, check the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can switch up your chicken cuts in this recipe. Chicken thighs offer great flavor, but you can also use chicken breasts. If you prefer leaner meat, breasts work well. Just remember that breasts may cook faster, so check for doneness. Adding more veggies can boost nutrition and taste. Try diced carrots, zucchini, or spinach. These additions not only add color but also provide vitamins. Just chop them small so they cook evenly with the rice. Spice blends can change the taste of your dish. You can use Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a Mediterranean twist. For a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or curry powder. These spices will take your meal to a new level. You can also try different sauces or liquids. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a lighter option. A splash of soy sauce can add a savory depth. If you want creaminess, mix in coconut milk instead of broth. These choices will keep your meal exciting! For the full recipe, check out Instant Pot Zesty Chicken & Rice Delight. After cooking, let your chicken and rice cool down. Place it in a clean, airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Always check for any off-smells before eating. If it smells fine, it should be good to eat! To freeze, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. This allows for expansion when freezing. You can freeze the dish for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place it in a pot on low heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Add diced bell pepper and cook for a couple more minutes. Season chicken thighs with smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Sear them in the pot until golden brown. Next, add rinsed brown rice and canned tomatoes with their juice. Pour in chicken broth and stir. Close the lid, set it to 'Manual' for 22 minutes, and let it cook. Afterward, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Shred the chicken, mix in frozen peas, and adjust the seasoning. This method keeps the rice fluffy and the chicken tender. Yes, you can use white rice instead of brown rice. White rice cooks faster than brown rice. If you use white rice, reduce the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes on high pressure. Make sure to adjust the broth quantity slightly, too. White rice will give you a softer texture, while brown rice offers a nuttier flavor. The total cooking time for this recipe is about 45 minutes. This includes 10 minutes for prep, 22 minutes for high-pressure cooking, and about 10 minutes for natural pressure release. The rest is for shredding chicken and warming the peas. This time is quick for a meal that tastes so good. Yes, you can add other vegetables to enhance the dish. Vegetables like carrots, green beans, or corn work well. Just chop them into small pieces and add them with the rice. Keep in mind that different veggies may change the cooking time slightly. You want everything to cook evenly and be tender. While canned tomatoes add great flavor, they are not strictly necessary. You can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just chop them finely and add them to the pot. If you skip tomatoes altogether, consider adding more broth for moisture. This change can affect the dish's overall taste, so adjust your spices accordingly. This blog post covered all you need for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and essential tips to make it perfect. Remember to rinse your rice and season well. You can customize the dish with different veggies or spices. Store leftovers properly for the best taste later. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe. It’s simple, delicious, and great for any meal. Get cooking and have fun with it!](https://easycookingbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5b90fd1d-8c48-490c-af77-330abd1de0e6-250x250.webp)
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Discover the deliciousness of Instant Pot Zesty Chicken & Rice Delight! This flavorful dish combines tender chicken thighs, brown rice, and vibrant veggies, all cooked to perfection in just 45 minutes. With a hint of smoked paprika and cumin, this meal is sure to impress any dinner guest. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners?