Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Instant Pot chicken and rice is a delicious and hearty one-pot meal that's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. This savory dish is packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a blend of flavorful seasonings that come together in perfect harmony. Using an Instant Pot makes this recipe a breeze, as it cooks everything together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. This recipe is not only delicious, but it's also healthy and satisfying, making it a great choice for busy families who are looking for a quick and easy dinner solution. Whether you're new to the Instant Pot or a seasoned pro, this chicken and rice recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Arroz con pollo is a popular dish in many Latin American countries, but the exact origin of the dish is unclear. Some sources suggest that it originated in Spain and was brought over to Latin America during colonial times. Others suggest that it was developed in Latin America using local ingredients.

The use of an Instant Pot to make arroz con pollo is a relatively new trend. Instant Pot is a brand of multicooker that has become very popular in recent years. It allows you to cook food quickly and easily, using pressure cooking and other cooking modes. The Instant Pot has become a popular tool for making arroz con pollo because it simplifies the cooking process and reduces the amount of time required to make the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great. Reduce the pressure cook time to 10 minutes instead of 12.

2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts tend to be drier. If using boneless chicken breasts, reduce the pressure cook time to 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.

3. Do I have to rinse the rice?

Yes, rinsing removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming mushy or sticky.

4. What type of rice works best?

Jasmine rice is ideal for this recipe. If using brown rice, increase the pressure cook time to 22 minutes and add an extra ½ cup of liquid.

5. Can I make this recipe with a different seasoning blend?

Absolutely! You can customize it by substituting Sazón and Adobo with cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or just salt and pepper.

6. What can I use instead of a chicken bouillon cube?

You can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of chicken base (such as Better Than Bouillon) or simply use chicken broth instead of water.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño for extra heat.

8. Can I make this with frozen chicken?

Yes, but you won’t be able to sear the chicken first. Increase the pressure cook time to 15 minutes for frozen bone-in thighs.

9. What if my rice comes out too soft or mushy?

This usually happens if there's too much liquid or if the rice isn't rinsed properly. Try reducing the liquid by ¼ cup next time.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just double all ingredients, but keep the pressure cooking time the same.

11. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.

12. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, but rice can become a bit mushy after thawing. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months and reheat with a little added broth.

13. Can I make this dish in a regular pot instead of an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sear the chicken in a large pot, follow the same steps, cover, and simmer over low heat for 20–25 minutes until the chicken and rice are fully cooked.

14. What side dishes go well with this?

This dish pairs well with avocado slices, fried sweet plantains, tostones, or a fresh salad.

15. How do I prevent a "Burn" warning in the Instant Pot?

Make sure to:
✔️ Deglaze the pot after sautéing by scraping up any stuck bits.
✔️ Avoid stirring the rice after adding liquid—just push it down gently.
✔️ Use enough liquid—at least 2 ½ cups of water or broth.

Make it

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

A flavorful, one-pot meal packed with bold seasonings and tender, juicy chicken. This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a quick and satisfying dish inspired by classic Arroz con Pollo flavors.

⏲ Cooking Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Sauté Time: 8 minutes
Pressure Cook Time: 12 minutes
Natural Release: 10 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes

Ingredients:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
½ lemon, juiced
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon dried cilantro
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 packet Sazón
1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 medium onion, diced
½ green bell pepper, diced (or red bell pepper)
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2½ cups water (or low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor)
2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken

Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken thighs. Season evenly with minced garlic, oregano, dried cilantro, cumin, paprika, Sazón, Adobo seasoning, and black pepper. Toss to coat thoroughly.

2. Caramelize the Sugar

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the olive oil and granulated sugar, allowing the sugar to caramelize until it turns a light golden brown. Be careful not to burn it.

3. Sear the Chicken

Once the sugar is caramelized, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

4. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the chicken bouillon cube and tomato paste, cooking for another minute to enhance the flavors.

5. Add Rice and Liquid

Pour in the water and rinsed jasmine rice, stirring well to combine all ingredients.

6. Return Chicken to the Pot

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the rice mixture. Ensure they are partially submerged in the liquid.

7. Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to Pressure Cook (High) for 12 minutes.

8. Natural Release

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

9. Fluff and Serve

Carefully open the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

🍽 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Calories: ~550 kcal
Protein: ~38g
Carbohydrates: ~55g
Fat: ~18g
Saturated Fat: ~4g
Cholesterol: ~100mg
Sodium: ~750mg (varies based on seasoning and broth)
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~3g

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs perfectly with:
✔️ Avocado slices
✔️ Fried sweet plantains
✔️ A fresh side salad

Recipe Notes:

✔️ For extra flavor, substitute water with low-sodium chicken broth.
✔️ Prefer boneless chicken? Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but reduce the cooking time to 10 minutes.
✔️ For a spicier kick, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort meal with minimal effort. Try it today and enjoy a rich, satisfying dish in under 40 minutes!

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