Looking for a quick and healthy dinner option? This Easy and Healthy Instapot Chicken Recipe is your answer. It’s a lifesaver on busy days, with tender chicken that absorbs all the right flavors. Perfect for when you want something tasty without the fuss, this dish will soon become a weeknight favorite.
Steps
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and melt the butter inside. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring them for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Then, add the chopped chicken pieces and cook until all sides are opaque.
- Add the rinsed long-grain white rice, chicken broth, and lemon juice to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients, ensuring you scrape the bottom to loosen any stuck bits.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot with the valve in the Sealing position. Set the pot to Manual High Pressure for 8 minutes, allowing it to pressurize before the cooking time begins.
- Once the cooking time ends, let the pressure naturally release for 2 minutes. Be cautious not to exceed this time to avoid overcooked rice.
- After 2 minutes, perform a Quick Release for any remaining pressure and carefully remove the lid. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add the parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the mixture, stirring until well incorporated. Adjust the seasoning and lemon juice according to taste before serving in your preferred portion sizes.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (approximately 2–3 large chicken breasts)
- 1 cup chopped white onion (approximately 1 medium onion)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (approximately 4 large cloves)
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 3-4 cups chicken broth (3 cups for firmer rice; 4 cups for creamier rice)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice from approximately 1 large lemon)
- 1 cup shredded or grated fresh Parmesan cheese, at room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 5472 | Protein: 432g | Fat: 184g | Saturated Fat: 96g | Trans Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 1248mg | Sodium: 14880mg | Potassium: 7520mg | Total Carbs: 504g | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 16g | Net Carbs: 488g | Vitamin A: 4784IU | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 2824mg | Iron: 16mg
FAQ
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
- No, brown rice is not recommended because it requires a longer cooking time which could result in overcooked chicken.
- What can I expect from the texture of this dish?
- The dish will be thick and creamy, similar to a risotto, but not exactly the same. It won’t have the texture of fried rice or rice pilaf.
- How can I make the rice firmer or creamier?
- For firmer rice, use 3 cups of chicken broth. For a creamier texture, use 4 cups of broth, which will give the rice a more soupy consistency.
- What should I do if my rice turns out sticky or “gluey”?
- If the rice is sticky, it may have been overcooked. Ensure that the pressure is released naturally for only 2 minutes to avoid this texture.
- Can I substitute instant rice or minute rice in this recipe?
- It’s best to avoid instant or minute rice, as they will not work well with the cooking times outlined in the recipe. Stick to long-grain white rice for the best results.
Tips
- Choose the Right Rice: Ensure you use long-grain white rice for this recipe. Avoid substituting with brown, instant, or minute rice, as these can alter the cooking time and texture, potentially leading to overcooked or mushy results.
- Monitor Pressure Release Times: Carefully time the Natural Release of pressure for only 2 minutes. Exceeding this time can result in a sticky, gluey rice texture, so be precise to maintain the desired consistency.
- Adjust Broth for Preferred Texture: For a firmer, less creamy rice, use 3 cups of chicken broth. If you prefer a creamier, risotto-like consistency, opt for 4 cups of broth. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dish to your texture preference.
- Be Cautious with Quick Release: When performing the Quick Release, be cautious of the hot steam that will escape. It can cause burns, so keep your hands and face clear of the vent to ensure safety.
Equipment
- Instant Pot (6-quart size)
