When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than a one-pot meal that’s healthy, delicious, and ready in no time. This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect blend of tender chicken, flavorful spices, and wholesome grains.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or craving comfort food on a cold evening, this dish has your back!
A Little Backstory 🍲
I first discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week. Between work, gym sessions, and errands, I needed a no-fuss dinner that still felt like a warm hug on a plate. Enter my trusty Instant Pot—a game changer! With just a handful of simple ingredients, this meal became a weekly staple.
Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it gym-goer approved.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Wholesome Ingredients: Nothing processed—just real food.
- Customizable: Add veggies, adjust spices, or use your favorite type of rice.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Perfect for making ahead and enjoying all week.
👩🍳 Sauté Your Ingredients (Step 1)
Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Stir until fragrant and slightly golden—your kitchen will smell amazing! 🌟
Season and Brown the Chicken (Step 2)
Season 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
Add the chicken to the pot and sear on each side for 2-3 minutes. This step locks in flavor.
Add the Rice and Liquid (Step 3)
Stir in 1 cup of long-grain brown rice and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of dried thyme and a bay leaf. Don’t forget a pinch of turmeric for that golden glow! 🌼
Pressure Cook (Step 4)
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Once the timer is up, let it naturally release for 5 minutes before doing a quick release. Carefully remove the lid—hello, deliciousness! 🤩
Fluff and Serve (Step 5)
Use a fork to fluff the rice, mixing in any extra juices. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for a bright finish.
Enjoy your hearty, healthy meal!
Tips for Success 🌟
- Avoid Mushy Rice: Stick to long-grain rice for the best texture. Short-grain rice can get overly sticky.
- Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or curry powder for a flavor boost.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Stir in spinach, peas, or diced carrots after cooking for extra nutrients.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
Pair It With 🥗
1. High-Protein Chicken & Avocado Wraps 🥑
These creamy and protein-packed wraps are a perfect complement to the chicken and rice. The combination of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and a hint of lime offers a refreshing and satisfying side that’s quick to prepare.
2. One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies 🥦
There’s something magical about garlic butter—it transforms simple veggies into a show-stopping side dish. Picture tender, crisp vegetables with caramelized edges, each bite bursting with buttery, garlicky goodness. This dish adds a pop of color and flavor to your plate, perfectly balancing the hearty chicken and rice for a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds!
3. Energizing Green Protein Smoothie 🥤
Round off your meal with this light, refreshing smoothie. Packed with leafy greens, protein powder, and a hint of natural sweetness, it’s the perfect addition to keep your energy high post-workout.
Pin This Recipe for Later! 📌
Save this recipe to your healthy meal board or share it with your gym buddies who need a quick weeknight dinner. Don’t forget to tag #EasyGymRecipes when you make it!
Enjoy your comforting bowl of chicken and rice! 🥰
Healthy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes350
kcalIngredients List 📝
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs 🐔
1 cup long-grain brown rice 🍚
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth 🥣
1 medium onion, diced 🧅
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1 tsp paprika 🌶️
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried thyme 🌿
1 bay leaf 🍃
Pinch of turmeric (optional) 🌟
Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
Nutrition Breakdown 🕒
- Calories (per serving): ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fat: ~6g
Important Recipe Notes
- Choose the Right Rice
Use long-grain brown rice for the best texture. Avoid instant or parboiled rice as they may become mushy during pressure cooking. If you want to use white rice, adjust the cooking time to 8-10 minutes. - Natural Release is Key
Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 5 minutes before quick releasing. This helps the rice absorb the remaining liquid, preventing it from being undercooked or overly wet. - Season as You Go
Layering flavors is crucial. Season the chicken before browning, and taste the rice after cooking to adjust salt and pepper levels. A final squeeze of lemon can brighten up the dish beautifully. - Cut Chicken Evenly
If you’re using chicken breasts or thighs, cut them into evenly sized pieces. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly alongside the rice. - Avoid Overcrowding
Don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot when searing the chicken. Work in batches if necessary to achieve that golden-brown crust that adds depth to the flavor. - Veggie Add-Ins
Add quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, peas, or shredded carrots after pressure cooking. Stir them in and let the residual heat soften them without turning them mushy. - Gluten-Free Friendly
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your chicken broth to ensure it’s labeled gluten-free if needed. - Spice It Up
For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce before serving. This can add a touch of heat without overwhelming the dish. - Make It a One-Pot Meal
Add heartier vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower florets to the pot before pressure cooking for a complete one-pot dinner.
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