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Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

This Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe creates a delicious, comforting meal that comes together quickly using a pressure cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features tender chicken and fluffy rice cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Brown the chicken on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
  2. Add the diced onion to the Instant Pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the rice and stir to coat with the oil and aromatics. Add the chicken broth and stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. Return the chicken to the pot, placing it on top of the rice mixture. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  5. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  6. Remove the chicken, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve together. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Don't skip browning the chicken for better flavor. Use long-grain white rice for best results. Measure rice-to-liquid ratio accurately. Natural pressure release prevents mushy rice. Customize with your favorite herbs and spices.