Instant Pot has become a popular kitchen appliance due to its versatile nature and ability to cook meals quickly. One recipe that you can easily prepare using the Instant Pot is Chicken Thighs and Rice. This flavorful and satisfying dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your guests. In this article, we will guide you on how to cook this delicious recipe in your Instant Pot.
Preparing the Ingredients
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients for this recipe. You will need:
1. Chicken Thighs – 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2. Rice – 1 cup of long-grain white rice
3. Chicken Broth – 1 ½ cups of chicken broth
4. Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
5. Onion – 1 medium-sized, finely chopped
6. Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
7. Paprika – 1 teaspoon
8. Salt – 1 teaspoon
9. Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
10. Dried Thyme – 1/2 teaspoon
11. Dried Rosemary – 1/2 teaspoon
12. Lemon Zest – 1 teaspoon
13. Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon
14. Parsley – Fresh, finely chopped for garnish (optional)
Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can move on to the next step.
Preparing the Chicken Thighs
Start by patting dry the chicken thighs using paper towels. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Make sure to coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with the seasoning.
Sautéing the Chicken Thighs
Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to “Sauté” mode. Add olive oil to the pot and wait until it heats up. Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the pot, skin side down. Allow them to cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken thighs and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken Thighs and Rice
Adding the Rice and Vegetables
Once the chicken thighs are browned, remove them from the Instant Pot and set them aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for a couple of minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. Add the rice and stir it around to coat it in the flavorful mixture.
Adding the Liquid Ingredients
Next, pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients. Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the rice and vegetables, ensuring they are nestled in the liquid. This will help keep them moist during cooking.
Cooking Under Pressure
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Cancel the “Sauté” mode and select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” option. Adjust the cooking time to 10 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time starts.
Allowing the Natural Release
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure in the Instant Pot to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully move the valve to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid once the float valve drops.
Serving the Chicken Thighs and Rice
Gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing it with the vegetables and juices. Transfer the chicken thighs and rice onto serving plates. You can garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness.
This recipe for Chicken Thighs and Rice in the Instant Pot provides a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. The Instant Pot allows for convenient and quick cooking, making it a popular choice among busy individuals and families. With its tender chicken and flavorful rice, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table. So, grab your Instant Pot, gather the ingredients, and give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!