Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: A Simple, Delicious, and Healthy One-Pot Meal
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe! This one-pot wonder is packed with flavor and requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking with different vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Why Choose This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe?
This recipe is a winner for several key reasons:
- Convenience: Everything cooks in one pot, minimizing dishes and maximizing your free time.
- Speed: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time compared to stovetop methods. Dinner will be ready in under 30 minutes!
- Flavor: The chicken is incredibly juicy and tender, and the rice is perfectly cooked and fluffy. The combination of savory chicken broth and aromatic herbs creates a delicious and comforting meal.
- Health: This recipe is a great source of lean protein and complex carbohydrates, making it a healthy and satisfying choice.
- Adaptability: Easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices. Get creative!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a heartier meal)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sauté (Optional): If desired, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in the Instant Pot using the "sauté" function for 3-5 minutes until softened. This step adds extra flavor but is not essential.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the chicken, rice, chicken broth, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to "sealing." Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes for white rice or 12 minutes for brown rice.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and Serve: Carefully open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Leftovers: Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's simple, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy! Let us know in the comments how you customized your dish!
