Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Rice
Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Rice is the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, hearty, and packed with flavor. This one-pot meal combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with perfectly cooked rice infused with savory seasonings.
Equipment
- - Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- - Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- - 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
- - 2 cups chicken broth
- - 1 small onion diced
- - 2 garlic cloves minced
- - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots or mixed vegetables
- - 1 tsp paprika
- - 1 tsp dried thyme
- - 1/2 tsp onion powder
- - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- - 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- - 1/4 tsp black pepper
- - 2 tbsp olive oil
- - Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- **Prepare the Instant Pot:**
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- **Sauté Aromatics:**
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- **Layer Ingredients:**
- Turn off the sauté mode. Add the rinsed rice to the pot, spreading it evenly. Place the seared chicken breasts on top.
- **Add Liquid and Seasonings:**
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is submerged. Sprinkle paprika, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken and rice.
- **Cook Under Pressure:**
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.
- **Add Vegetables:**
- Carefully remove the lid and stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Close the lid for 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to steam in the residual heat.
- **Serve and Enjoy:**
- Fluff the rice with a fork, slice the chicken breasts, and serve warm. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.