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Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice - The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food dinner that comes together in minutes, featuring tender juicy chicken and perfectly fluffy rice cooked together in one pot for incredible flavor infusion. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup, this family-friendly meal will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Add olive oil and heat for 1 minute. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Push aromatics to the side and add chicken pieces. Brown for 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds flavor but isn't necessary to cook through completely.
  4. Spread rinsed rice evenly over the chicken. Pour in chicken broth and add dried thyme. Do not stir - just make sure all rice is submerged in liquid.
  5. Close lid, set valve to sealing position. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
  6. Open lid carefully. Remove chicken pieces and shred or slice as desired. Fluff rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Don't skip rinsing rice to prevent gummy texture; Place chicken on bottom, rice on top to prevent burning; Allow 10-minute natural release for rice to finish cooking; Great for meal prep - stores well for 3-4 days.