Imagine coming home after a long day, the aroma of a delicious meal wafting through your home. This is exactly what you’ll experience with Instant Pot Chicken and Rice. It’s a dish that merges simplicity with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to whip up a mouthwatering meal without the fuss. You can savor each bite, knowing you made something nutritious with minimal effort.
Why We Love This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
The beauty of this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe lies in its versatility and ease. You can enjoy creamy, flavorful chicken and rice in just one pot, saving you time on cooking and cleaning. It’s a balanced meal loaded with protein from the chicken and nutrients from fresh broccoli. Plus, the Parmesan cheese adds a lovely richness that brings everything together. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a group, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients about Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
To prepare this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion, Diced
- 1 1/2 Pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 3 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1 1/2 Cups Long Grain White Rice
- 3 Cups Fresh Broccoli Florets
- 1 Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
These ingredients are common and easy to find, making it accessible for anyone to create this delightful dish. Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to prepare this tasty meal.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Directions
To begin, you’ll want to initiate the cooking process by turning your Instant Pot to sauté mode. This allows you to melt the butter. Once the butter has melted and starts to bubble, add in the diced yellow onion. Sauté the onion for about 2-3 minutes, or until it’s softened and slightly translucent.
Next, it’s time to season the chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the garlic powder, salt, onion powder, dried oregano, and pepper. Mixing these spices will ensure that each bite is packed with flavor. Add the seasoned chicken to the Instant Pot, allowing it to cook until it turns golden, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
After your chicken has that beautiful golden color, it’s crucial to deglaze the pot. Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom. This step is essential as it adds flavor and prevents any burning during the pressure cooking.
Once you’ve deglazed the pot, turn the Instant Pot off entirely. Carefully add the remaining chicken broth and the long-grain white rice into the pot. Give everything a good stir, ensuring all the rice and chicken are well combined and submerged in the liquid.
Next, close the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the pot to cook on manual high pressure for just 5 minutes. It’s incredible how quickly the Instant Pot can create a hearty dish! After cooking, let the pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before switching to a quick release to ensure that the rice cooks perfectly.
When you open the lid, you’ll notice that the chicken and rice have absorbed all those wonderful flavors. At this stage, it’s time to add the fresh broccoli florets. Stir the broccoli into the mix, then let it sit for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the broccoli to steam lightly, keeping its vibrant color and nutritional goodness intact.
Finally, sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Give everything a gentle stir, allowing the cheese to melt into the dish, creating a creamy sauce that coats the chicken and rice. Serve your Instant Pot Chicken and Rice immediately, and watch as your family digs in with smiles on their faces!
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
When it comes to serving Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, simplicity is key. You can serve it straight from the pot or transfer it to a large serving dish. If you want to elevate the presentation, consider adding a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan on top before serving. You might also garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon to add a pop of color and flavor.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra cheesy goodness. If you have leftovers, they can be easily reheated. The flavors often deepen after a day in the fridge, making it great for meal prep.
Expert Tips: Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
- Use Quality Chicken: For best results, use fresh, high-quality chicken breast. Frozen chicken can be used, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Don’t Skip the Deglazing: This step is vital to avoid the “burn” notice on your Instant Pot. Scrape the bottom thoroughly to get those flavorful bits.
- Rice Variations: If you want to experiment, try substituting the long grain rice with a different type of rice, but be mindful of the liquid ratios and cooking times.
- Modify the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers along with the broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can use shredded mozzarella or a mix of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
To ensure the longevity of your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can typically stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing the container to avoid any moisture accumulation, which can affect the texture.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the rice appears dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back its creamy consistency.
Variation of Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
One of the best things about cooking is getting creative! You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences:
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to kick up the heat.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added for an aromatic touch.
- Curry Flavor: For a different twist, consider adding coconut milk and curry powder to create a creamy, curried chicken and rice dish.
- Mexican Flair: Swap out spices for taco seasoning and add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes for a vibrant Mexican-style meal.
With these variations, you can make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice that fits any craving.
FAQ
What can I serve with Instant Pot Chicken and Rice?
You can serve this dish with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables to make it a complete meal.
How long does Instant Pot Chicken and Rice take to prepare?
Once all your ingredients are prepped, the cooking time in the Instant Pot is just 5 minutes. However, consider additional time for sautéing and pressure release.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but be mindful that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust the recipe accordingly.
How do I enhance the flavor of my Instant Pot Chicken and Rice?
Experiment with different spices, herbs, and even stock instead of water for cooking the rice. Fresh garlic or ginger can also make a delicious addition!
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
For the main dish
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion, Diced
- 1.5 Pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon Pepper
- 3 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1.5 Cups Long Grain White Rice
- 3 Cups Fresh Broccoli Florets
- 1 Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the butter.
- Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, onion powder, dried oregano, and pepper.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Deglaze the pot with 1/4 cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom to remove any browned bits.
- Turn off the Instant Pot, then add the remaining broth and long-grain rice, stirring to combine.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
Finishing
- Let the pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.
- Stir in the fresh broccoli florets and let sit for 5 minutes to steam.
- Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
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