Instant Pot Portuguese Chicken and Rice
Make this Instant Pot Portuguese Chicken and Rice recipe! Tender chicken in aromatic coconut turmeric sauce, paired with perfectly cooked fried rice, topped with creamy melted cheese
Make this Instant Pot Portuguese Chicken and Rice recipe! Tender chicken in aromatic coconut turmeric sauce, paired with perfectly cooked fried rice, topped with creamy melted cheese
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- salt (to taste)
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 3 cloves (minced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 200 ml coconut milk
- kosher salt (to taste)
- black pepper (ground to taste)
- 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine
- 3 chicken quarters (drumsticks and thighs, deboned,
- 1 medium carrot (cut into chunks)
- 2 small potatoes (quartered)
- 1 small shallot (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (cubed)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water)
- 1 dash white pepper (ground)
- 250 grams jasmine rice (already cooked)
- 1 large egg ( beaten)
- grated cheese (optional flavour enhancing ingredi
- Carbohydrate 94.525772652324 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 41.5913640124108 g
- Fiber 1.9768922744694 g
- Protein 11.0705422707194 g
- Saturated Fat 21.6030270955299 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (374g)
- Sodium 1992.47440235954 mg
- Sugar 92.5488803778546 g
- Trans Fat 2.39442993235843 g
- Calories 798 calories
Step-by-step
- Marinate the Chicken Thighs: Marinate chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, a dash of ground white pepper, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Pressure Cooker: Heat up pressure cooker Press Sauté button and click adjust button to go to Sauté More function. Wait until indicator says HOT to sauté onions.
- Sauté the Onion, Shallot, and Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil into the pressure cooker. Add sliced onion & shallot, sauté until brown & fragrant. Add minced garlic, sauté until fragrant. Season layering with kosher salt & ground black pepper if desired.
- Sauté the Chicken Thighs: Pour in the chicken, sauté until slightly browned (let the chicken caramelize on one side first before stirring, you don’t have to stir continuously). Add in 1 1/2 teaspoons of turmeric powder & 1 teaspoon cumin powder. Sauté and mix well to let the spices release their aroma. Add quartered potatoes, carrots, and 2 small bay leaves. Mix well.
- Deglaze: Pour in 200 ml of coconut milk & 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, completely deglaze the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
- Pressure Cook the Portuguese Chicken and Rice: Place a steamer rack into the pressure cooker and carefully place a bowl with 1 cup of Jasmine rice onto the rack. Pour water into the bowl of rice. Make sure all the rice is soaked with water. Immediately close lid and cook at High Pressure for 4 minutes. Turn off the heat and Full Natural Release. Manually release the remaining pressure by carefully turning the venting knob to the venting position. Open lid carefully.
- Optional Flavor Enhancing Step - Preheat Oven: While the Portuguese chicken and rice is cooking in the pressure cooker, preheat oven to 425°F.
- Thicken the Coconut Sauce: Fluff rice and set aside to allow it to cool down. If you are making the optional fried rice, preheat a wok or skillet on high heat with 2 tablespoons of peanut oil.
- Press sauté button once Instant pot is cleaned out. Add green pepper, cook for one minute, taste the seasoning. Add more light soy sauce, coconut milk, or salt if desired. Mix the cornstarch with water and mix it into the coconut sauce one third at a time until desired thickness. Turn off the heat.
- Optional Flavor Enhancing Steps - Fried Rice: When the oil starts to smoke, add in the fluffed rice and press them against the wok with a wok chuan (wok spatula) to separate the rice from each other. Repeat for roughly 20 - 30 seconds. Add 1 beaten extra-large egg on top of the rice and quickly stir-fry the rice to allow the beaten egg to coat the rice evenly. Stir-fry for another minute until fragrant, then season with sea salt. Mix well and turn off the heat.
- Optional Oven Step: Fill an oven-safe container half-way full with fried rice. Fill up the container with Portuguese chicken and vegetables. Add grated cheese (as much as you like!) over the top and place into oven for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately (piping hot!) Enjoy!
My Go-To Weeknight Meal: Instant Pot Portuguese Chicken and Rice
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like an impossible task. Between work, school pick-ups, extracurricular activities, and trying to squeeze in some personal time, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become obsessed with my Instant Pot. It's a lifesaver! This Instant Pot Portuguese Chicken and Rice recipe is my absolute go-to weeknight meal. It's incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and it's all done in one pot, meaning less cleanup – a huge bonus in my book! The tender chicken, infused with the aromatic spices of turmeric and cumin, combined with the perfectly cooked fluffy rice and a touch of creamy melted cheese, is a symphony of flavors that the whole family loves. It's a meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. I often adjust the vegetables based on what's in season or what I have on hand. Sometimes I add broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers for extra color and nutrients. The coconut milk adds a creamy richness that perfectly balances the savory spices. And don't even get me started on the optional fried rice – it's a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken and adds a fun, almost restaurant-quality touch. It’s quick, it's efficient, and it consistently delivers a satisfying and delicious meal that pleases everyone. I highly recommend experimenting with different vegetables and spices to create your own unique variation. The possibilities are endless!
Why this recipe works: The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, ensuring the chicken is perfectly cooked and the rice is fluffy. The sauté function allows for a quick browning of the chicken and vegetables, developing deeper flavors. The optional oven step adds a nice crispy topping and melty cheese, taking the dish from a comforting weeknight meal to something a bit more special. The whole process takes less than an hour from start to finish, and the clean-up is minimal. Trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients that elevate the dish: The use of Shaoxing wine adds a subtle depth of flavor to the chicken, while the turmeric and cumin create a warm, aromatic base. The coconut milk lends a creamy texture and subtle sweetness, while the optional fried rice offers a delicious textural element. And a sprinkle of grated cheese on top brings everything together. This recipe is more than just a meal, it is an experience!
Tips for success: Ensure your rice is fully submerged in water during the pressure cooking process. Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and spices! The key to great fried rice is using cooked rice that has been cooled down, this allows the rice to become crispy and separate from each other easily when stir-fried. Don't overcrowd the wok or skillet when making fried rice – work in batches for even cooking. Using good quality ingredients will make a big difference in the taste and texture of your dish.
Beyond the weeknight: This recipe is also perfect for entertaining. It’s impressive enough to serve to guests, yet easy enough to make without feeling stressed. Just prepare the components ahead of time and assemble it right before serving. Your guests will be amazed by the flavor and effortlessness of the dish.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will love, give this Instant Pot Portuguese Chicken and Rice recipe a try. It’s a true lifesaver for busy moms (and anyone who appreciates a good, easy meal!). Trust me, you'll be thanking yourself later!
