This Instant Pot Seasoned Chicken and Rice is a quick and delicious one-pot meal that’s ready in less than 30 minutes! The chicken is tender and flavorful, while the rice is perfectly cooked and infused with aromatic spices. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family!
📋 Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced 🍗
- 1 cup long-grain white rice 🍚
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🛢️
- 1 medium onion, diced 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 2 cups chicken broth 🍲
- 1 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🌿
- 1 teaspoon onion powder 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin 🌿
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional) 🥕
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse the rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Dice the chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with a little salt, pepper, and half of the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Sauté the chicken:
- Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic:
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Rice and Seasonings:
- Add the rice and seasonings:
- Pour the rice into the pot along with the remaining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin. Stir well to coat the rice with the seasonings and onion mixture.
- Add the broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any browned bits (this helps prevent the “Burn” warning). Return the chicken to the pot, and add the frozen peas and carrots if using.
4. Pressure Cook:
- Cook the rice and chicken:
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the timer for 8 minutes.
- Quick release:
- Once the cooking time is complete, do a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve to the “Venting” position.
5. Serve:
- Fluff the rice:
- Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and mix everything together. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 20 minutes (including pressure buildup and release)
⏱️ Total Time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per serving
This Instant Pot Seasoned Chicken and Rice is a simple yet flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The Instant Pot makes it quick and easy, and the seasoning blend gives it a deliciously savory taste! 🍗🍚🌿