Instant Pot has gained immense popularity in recent years for its versatility and convenience in preparing meals. It has revolutionized the way we cook, allowing us to make delicious meals in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods. One such dish that you can easily make in your Instant Pot is frozen chicken and rice. In this quick and easy guide, we will show you how to cook frozen chicken and rice in your Instant Pot, ensuring a flavorful and tender result every time.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s start by gathering all the ingredients you will need to make this delicious frozen chicken and rice dish. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
– Frozen chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
– Basmati rice (or any rice of your choice)
– Onion, finely diced
– Garlic cloves, minced
– Chicken broth or stock
– Olive oil or any cooking oil of your preference
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Additional spices or herbs as desired (such as paprika, thyme, or rosemary)
Preparing the Frozen Chicken
The first step in cooking frozen chicken and rice in your Instant Pot is to properly prepare the frozen chicken breasts. Start by rinsing the frozen chicken breasts under cold running water to remove any ice crystals. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Once the chicken breasts are dry, season them with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs you prefer. This will help enhance the flavor of the chicken while it cooks in the Instant Pot.
Sautéing the Onion and Garlic
Next, it’s time to sauté the onion and garlic in the Instant Pot. Start by pressing the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot and allow it to heat up. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or any cooking oil of your choice to the pot and let it heat for a minute.
Once the oil is hot, add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them for a few minutes until they become translucent and aromatic. This will help release their natural flavors and add a delicious base to the dish.
Cooking the Frozen Chicken and Rice
Now that the onion and garlic are sautéed, it’s time to cook the frozen chicken and rice in your Instant Pot. Begin by adding the seasoned chicken breasts to the pot, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Then, add the rice on top of the chicken.
Pour in the chicken broth or stock over the rice and chicken, making sure all the ingredients are submerged in the liquid. This will help cook the rice and chicken evenly, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.
Setting the Instant Pot
Once all the ingredients are in the pot, it’s time to set the Instant Pot for cooking. Secure the lid in place and ensure the venting knob is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting, depending on the model of your Instant Pot.
Set the cooking time to around 10-12 minutes for frozen chicken breasts and rice. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the type of rice you are using. Refer to your Instant Pot’s manual for specific guidelines on cooking times.
Natural Release and Fluffing the Rice
Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 10 minutes. This will ensure the chicken and rice are fully cooked and tender. After the natural release, carefully switch the venting knob to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure.
Open the Instant Pot lid and using a fork or tongs, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and set them aside. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains and mix them well with the onions and garlic.
Serving the Dish
Your frozen chicken and rice in the Instant Pot is now ready to be served! Slice the cooked chicken breasts into desired portions and serve them on top of a bed of fluffy rice. You can also garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
This quick and easy guide allows you to make a delicious and satisfying meal of frozen chicken and rice in no time using your Instant Pot. With its convenience and efficiency, the Instant Pot has become a kitchen favorite for busy individuals and families. So why spend hours in the kitchen when you can have a flavorful and tender chicken and rice dish ready with just a few simple steps? Try this recipe today and enjoy a hassle-free cooking experience!