Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Try this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe.
Try this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoons oil ((i used avocado oil))
- 3 small shallots (diced)
- 3 carrots (diced)
- 2 cloves medium fresh garlic (minced)
- 1.5 cups chicken stock or broth (plus another 1/3 cup for
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (chopped and divided (or 2 tea
- 1.5 cups uncooked white jasmine rice (rinsed and drained)
- Carbohydrate 0.18942 g
- Cholesterol 62.7469445166667 mg
- Fat 2.97554527783333 g
- Fiber 0.0577500000000001 g
- Protein 15.0335976175 g
- Saturated Fat 0.758470533333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (83g)
- Sodium 91.1423230333333 mg
- Sugar 0.13167 g
- Trans Fat 0.560995216833334 g
- Calories 91 calories
Step-by-step
- Using the sauté setting, preheat on normal for 1.5 minutes
- Generously salt and pepper your chicken thighs.
- Use tongs to put chicken in the pan (watch out for oil splatter!)
- Sear chicken thighs, 5 min on side one, season the opposite side and 3 min on side 2 (pan will be hotter)
- Chicken will render a little fat, but you can add a little more oil if you want to
- Remove and set aside chicken on a plate
- Add 1/3 cup broth to deglaze the pan, scrape the bits with a wooden spoon
- Add shallot, mushroom and carrots, and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add garlic, and continue to cook for another minute.
- Add remaining 1 and 1/2 cups of chicken stock, rice, thyme and stir together.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the mixture.
- Place the lid on, and lock it, setting the valve to sealing.
- Cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes, and allow the Instant Pot to release naturally (do not use the quick release lever, but let the pressure indicator lower on its own. (mine took 18 minutes, FYI)
- Switch the valve release, and remove the lid carefully.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken, and stir the pot.
- Serve immediately.
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and delicious – a trifecta that often feels impossible to achieve. That's why I've fallen head over heels for my Instant Pot. It's become my culinary superhero, transforming weeknight meals from stressful chores into enjoyable experiences. This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is a perfect example of its magic; a complete, healthy, and flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes (including prep time!).
Forget spending hours in the kitchen slaving over a hot stove. This recipe leverages the power of the Instant Pot to cook the chicken and rice simultaneously, ensuring everything is perfectly cooked and tender. The result? Juicy, flavorful chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a satisfyingly savory sauce – all without the fuss. The best part? It's incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out the vegetables for whatever's in season or your family's favorites. Broccoli, peas, zucchini – the possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Recipe: Embracing Efficiency in a Busy Life
This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about reclaiming precious time in my busy schedule. It's about creating a space for myself, even amidst the chaos of work, kids, and daily life. The simplicity of this recipe allows me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time connecting with my family. It's a small change that has had a significant impact on my well-being and my family's.
Tips and Tricks for Instant Pot Success
Over time, I've developed a few tips that have elevated my Instant Pot cooking:
- Rinse your rice: This simple step removes excess starch, leading to fluffier, less sticky rice.
- Don't overcook: Even a minute or two can make a difference in the texture of your rice. Start with the recommended cooking time and adjust according to your Instant Pot's quirks.
- Natural pressure release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally creates a more tender chicken and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
- Season generously: Don't be shy with the salt and pepper. It's the foundation of flavor.
- Experiment with flavors: This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Add different herbs, spices, or vegetables to create your perfect bowl.
More Than Just a Meal: A Symbol of Self-Care
In the hustle of modern life, it's easy to overlook the importance of self-care. For me, this recipe represents more than just a quick and easy dinner; it's a small act of self-care. It's a way to nourish myself and my family with delicious, healthy food without sacrificing my valuable time. By simplifying my dinner routine, I've created more space for the things that truly matter – spending quality time with my family, pursuing my passions, and simply enjoying the quieter moments in life.
So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the power of the Instant Pot! This Chicken and Rice recipe is a delicious gateway to a simpler, more enjoyable cooking experience. Give it a try, and I'm confident that it will become a weeknight staple in your home, too.
