Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a delicious family favorite that brings comfort and convenience to your dinner table. This one-pot meal combines tender chicken, wholesome brown rice, and vibrant veggies for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this recipe stands out for its ease of preparation and rich flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you can have a hearty meal ready in under an hour with minimal hands-on time.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich brown rice, and colorful vegetables, this dish is both healthy and filling.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: The combination of Dijon mustard and Italian seasoning creates a unique taste that complements the chicken perfectly.
• One-Pot Wonder: Simplify cleanup with everything cooked in one pot—just serve and enjoy!
• Family-Friendly: Kid-approved flavors make this dish perfect for families looking to please picky eaters.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. These will streamline your cooking experience and ensure success.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This multifunctional appliance speeds up cooking times while enhancing flavor through pressure cooking.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Essential for prepping ingredients quickly and safely.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accuracy in ingredient quantities for consistent results every time.

Ingredients

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a family dinner favorite! Brown rice, chicken, and veggies all cook together in your Instant Pot in this easy homemade chicken and rice recipe.

Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup chopped yellow onion
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 4 medium carrots (chopped)
– 1 ½ cups long grain brown rice (uncooked, rinsed well and drained, do not substitute other types of rice)
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ¾ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 ¾ cups low sodium chicken broth (one 14.5 ounce can)
– 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup frozen peas (cooked according to package directions)
– fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a 6 quart or larger Instant Pot using the sauté setting.
* Add the chopped onion and sauté until it starts to soften, about 3 minutes.
* Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
* Turn off the Instant Pot.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

Add the following ingredients to the pot:
* Chopped carrots
* Rinsed brown rice
* Dijon mustard
* Garlic powder
* Italian seasoning
* Salt
* Black pepper
* Chicken broth

Stir well to combine everything thoroughly while scraping any bits stuck at the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Layer the Chicken

Ensure all rice and vegetables are submerged in liquid.
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture without stirring.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid securely. Set the pressure valve to sealing.
Pressure cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Remember that it will take about 15 minutes to come to pressure before cooking begins.

Step 5: Natural Release

Once cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes by leaving it off after finishing.

Step 6: Quick Release Remaining Pressure

Carefully switch the steam release valve to venting position to do a quick pressure release. After all steam has escaped and pin drops down, open the lid cautiously.

Step 7: Finish Chicken Prep

Remove chicken breasts from pot onto a cutting board. Let them rest for a few minutes before chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Stir these back into the rice mixture along with cooked frozen peas.

Step 8: Serve

Serve warm with fresh parsley sprinkled on top and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Chicken and Rice!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Serving Instant Pot Chicken and Rice can be a delightful experience, enhancing the flavors of this comforting dish. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Chives: Thinly sliced chives provide a mild onion flavor that complements the dish.

Add a Citrus Twist

• Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest brightens the flavors and adds acidity.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for a tangy burst when squeezed over the rice.

Pair with Crunchy Vegetables

• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances the richness of the chicken and rice.
• Pickled Vegetables: Serve alongside pickled veggies for a tangy contrast.

Create a Family-style Presentation

• Large Serving Bowl: Present the chicken and rice in a large bowl for family-style serving.
• Individual Plates: Plate each serving with extra peas on top for visual appeal.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Perfecting your Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these recommendations for optimal results.

• Bold Cooking Time: Ensure you cook on high pressure for exactly 20 minutes to achieve tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
• Bold Rinse Your Rice: Rinsing brown rice well before cooking removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy.
• Bold Use Low Sodium Broth: Opting for low sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Bold Natural Release: Allowing for natural pressure release helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
• Bold Stir Gently: When adding back the chicken, stir gently to avoid breaking up the rice grains too much.
• Bold Taste Before Serving: Always taste before serving; adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt or pepper.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Complement your Instant Pot Chicken and Rice with these delicious side dishes. They enhance your meal while providing variety.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and crunch.
2. Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread offers a satisfying contrast to the creamy rice dish.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and pair beautifully with chicken flavors.
4. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the heartiness of chicken and rice.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Tender grilled asparagus adds an elegant touch to your dinner table.
6. Corn on the Cob: Juicy corn on the cob offers sweetness that complements savory dishes like this one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, even small mistakes can impact the final dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Sauté Step: Neglecting to sauté the onions and garlic can lead to a bland dish. Always start by sautéing to release those delicious flavors.
• Using the Wrong Rice: Using different types of rice like white or jasmine can affect cooking time and texture. Stick to long grain brown rice for best results.
• Ignoring Liquid Measurements: Not measuring the chicken broth correctly can result in undercooked rice or a soupy consistency. Always measure your liquids precisely.
• Overcrowding the Pot: Adding too many ingredients can prevent proper cooking and pressure building. Ensure you follow the recipe measurements closely.
• Not Allowing Natural Release: Skipping natural pressure release can make the chicken tough and dry. Always allow for at least 10 minutes of natural release before quick releasing.
• Forgetting to Stir After Cooking: Not stirring the mixture after cooking may lead to uneven flavor distribution. Mix everything well before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Let it cool down completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

• Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed. Stir frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Chicken and Rice?

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a one-pot meal that combines seasoned chicken, brown rice, and vegetables cooked together in an Instant Pot for a flavorful dish.

Can I use other meats in Instant Pot Chicken and Rice?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or lamb according to your preference while keeping the rest of the recipe intact.

How do I customize my Instant Pot Chicken and Rice?

You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or swap seasonings based on your taste preferences.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is perfect for meal prepping as it stores well in the fridge or freezer.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. By customizing ingredients, you can create a dish that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try for your next family dinner!

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