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For this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, I use fresh and simple ingredients. This dish combines flavors to create a tasty meal. You will love how easy it is! Here’s what you need: - 2 cups brown rice, thoroughly rinsed - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (choose your favorite color) - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 ½ cups chicken broth - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons olive oil The spices bring this dish to life. I use: - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - ½ teaspoon chili powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste These ingredients and spices create a warm, comforting meal. You’ll enjoy each bite! First, grab your Instant Pot. Set it to 'Sauté' mode. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Let it heat up for a moment. You want the oil warm but not smoking. This step helps bring out the flavor. Once the oil is hot, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Stir it gently for about 2-3 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Keep stirring for another minute. The smell will be amazing! Now, toss in 1 diced bell pepper. Cook it for 2 more minutes. This mix is the base of our dish. Now it's time for the fun part! Move the veggies to the side of the pot. Add 1 lb of seasoned chicken thighs in the center. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This step gives the chicken great flavor. Next, pour in 2 cups of rinsed brown rice and 1 can of diced tomatoes, undrained. Then, add 2 ½ cups of chicken broth. Stir well to mix everything together. Secure the lid and set the valve to 'Sealing'. Switch to 'Manual' mode and set the timer for 22 minutes on high pressure. When the time is up, let the pressure drop naturally for 10 minutes. Then, switch the valve to 'Venting' to let out any extra steam. Open the lid carefully. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Mix the shredded chicken back into the pot. Add 1 cup of frozen peas and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the peas to warm up. Taste your dish and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy your Instant Pot chicken and rice! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To get the best rice texture, rinse the brown rice well. This step helps remove excess starch. It keeps your rice fluffy and prevents it from being sticky. I recommend a 1:1.25 ratio of rice to liquid. For this recipe, use 2 cups of brown rice and 2.5 cups of chicken broth. This balance gives you the perfect texture. If you use chicken breasts instead of thighs, reduce the cooking time. Cook the chicken breasts for about 18 minutes instead of 22. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and keep moisture better. If you use bone-in cuts, add five extra minutes to the cooking time. Always check for doneness before serving. To boost flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. A splash of lime juice adds brightness. You can also stir in a tablespoon of soy sauce for a savory kick. For heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Experimenting with spices can create a new twist on this classic dish. For the full recipe, refer to Instant Pot Zesty Chicken & Rice Delight. {{image_4}} You can easily swap chicken for other proteins. Try turkey, beef, or even shrimp. Each protein gives a new taste to your dish. If you use turkey or beef, adjust the cooking time. Shrimp cooks faster, so add it in the last few minutes. This change keeps the meal exciting and fresh. Adding veggies boosts the nutrition and flavor of your meal. You can mix in carrots, zucchini, or spinach. Simply chop them up and add them with the rice. Frozen mixed vegetables work well, too. Adding vegetables helps make your meal colorful and healthy. You can give your dish a global flair. Add soy sauce and ginger for an Asian twist. For a Mexican vibe, use black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. The spices in your kitchen can change the whole meal. Feel free to experiment with flavors. This way, every time you cook, it feels like a new dish. Try different herbs, too, like thyme or rosemary. You’ll discover amazing combinations! For the full recipe, you can refer back to the earlier section. After cooking, let the chicken and rice cool for a bit. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track freshness. To freeze, use freezer-safe containers or bags. Portion the dish into smaller servings for easy use later. The dish can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the microwave or stove. If using the microwave, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. On the stove, warm it in a pan over low heat. Stir it well and add a bit of broth if it’s too dry. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. It adds more texture and nutrients to your dish. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. For brown rice, cook for 22 minutes under high pressure. To make this recipe gluten-free, check the chicken broth label. Some broths contain gluten. Use broth marked gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal without worry. You can serve this dish with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed broccoli or green beans - A fresh garden salad - Sliced avocado for creaminess - Warm tortillas or crusty bread These pair well and add variety to your meal! This blog post covered all you need for a tasty Instant Pot Chicken and Rice dish. We looked at essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for perfect texture. You learned about variations and how to store your meal. I hope you feel ready to try this recipe. It's simple and fun! Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make it your own. With a few tweaks, you'll create a dish that fits your taste. Happy cooking!

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Discover the deliciousness of Instant Pot Zesty Chicken & Rice Delight, a simple recipe that brings flavor and ease to your dinner table! With tender chicken thighs, vibrant veggies, and perfectly cooked brown rice all in one pot, this meal is a weeknight winner. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's perfect for busy families. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this zesty dish! Enjoy a delightful culinary adventure today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups brown rice, thoroughly rinsed

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (choose your favorite color)

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 ½ cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon chili powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup frozen peas

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the 'Sauté' mode. Add the olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is heated, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.

    Add the Bell Pepper: Toss in the diced bell pepper and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

      Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Move the sautéed vegetables to the sides of the pot and place the seasoned chicken thighs in the center. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side, allowing them to turn golden brown.

        Combine Ingredients: Pour the rinsed brown rice and undrained diced tomatoes into the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

          Pressure Cook: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to 'Sealing'. Switch to 'Manual' mode and set the timer for 22 minutes on high pressure.

            Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.

              Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the frozen peas. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, allowing the peas to warm through.

                Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the zesty chicken and rice in individual bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro for an inviting touch. For an extra layer of flavor, add lime wedges on the side for squeezing! Enjoy your delightful meal!