Chances are you’re already very familiar with these two ingredients, and may even have them in your kitchen at this very moment. If not, they’re very easy to procure, and typically cost less than similar foods like beef and quinoa. Thanks to the Instant Pot’s general awesomeness, all you usually need to do when using it to make chicken and rice dishes is utilize the “sauté” function. The result, for those who don’t already know, is tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice every time. Per this standard chicken and rice Instant Pot recipe, you can have a balanced meal ready in a matter of minutes if you follow the below steps:
Start by seasoning the uncooked chicken. Then add some fat (such as cooking oil and/or butter) to the Instant Pot before sautéing the chicken for a few minutes, removing it, and setting it aside. You can then pour in the rice along with some water or broth, and give everything a stir. Last but not least, rest the chicken on top of rice, hit “cancel” and close and lock the lid, and cook everything on high pressure for about 15 minutes.
While the spices, broths, and other ingredients you use will vary depending on the specific recipe, consider this easy method a blueprint for preparing chicken and rice in an Instant Pot. Once you’ve got the fundamentals down, you can use these staples to make a myriad of easy meals. Curious to know what your Instant Pot can do with little more than some chicken and rice? Keep reading for stress-free dishes you can make with (basically) the touch of a button. Start by cooking the chicken using the “sauté” function. Once the chicken starts to brown, toss in some aromatics, like garlic and scallions. Then, go ahead and pour in some broth, along with uncooked rice and whatever veggies you like, such as mushrooms, frozen peas, and broccoli florets. Before you know it, you’ve got an easy, well-balanced meal on your plate. RELATED: These Are the 3 Healthiest Types of Rice You Can Eat Believe it or not, this flavorful meal is ready in less than 30 minutes. Once you plate it, feel free to add some shredded cheese and chopped cilantro for even more flavor. RELATED: 12 Trader Joe’s Shopping Mistakes You Should Avoid at All Costs As usual, start by cooking the chicken using the “sauté” function. Once the chicken thighs are browned, remove them and set them aside. Next, sauté some of the heftier vegetables—bell pepper and onion—with garlic before adding the spices. When the veggies have cooked down a bit, add the tomatoes and chicken broth, followed shortly by the uncooked rice. Once the rice is nestled in your Instant Pot, top it with the chicken. By the time you set the table and make a side salad, your dinner will be ready!