Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that comes together in just over 20 minutes, you’ll fall in love with this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice. Juicy chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a dreamy blend of herbs and aromatics make every bite irresistible—and the magic all happens in your Instant Pot, with minimal cleanup!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice recipe comes together with humble kitchen staples, but each ingredient plays a starring role in creating the fragrant, golden goodness that sets this dish apart. Here’s how each element builds layers of flavor and texture you’ll absolutely crave.

• Bone-in Chicken Thighs (6 pieces): Their dark meat stays juicy under pressure and adds incredible savory flavor to the rice.
• Basmati Rice (2 cups): Golden Sella or regular basmati both work—light, fluffy grains soak up all those savory juices.
• Chicken Stock (3 cups): Using stock instead of water infuses the rice and chicken with deep, comforting taste.
• Herbs de Provence (½ tbsp): Or try Italian seasoning—these fragrant herbs make the rice pop with subtle notes.
• Paprika (1 tsp): For a warm color and gentle smoky sweetness that elevates the chicken.
• Ginger Paste (½ tbsp): Brings a touch of zing and freshness without any chopping fuss.
• Garlic Paste (½ tbsp): Adds that quintessential savory backbone and pairs perfectly with the chicken.
• Salt (1 tsp) + Black Pepper (½ tsp): Essential for building up a balanced, mouthwatering seasoning.
• Small Onion (1): Sautéed until sweet and golden, it’s the aromatic base you don’t want to skip.
• Butter (2 tbsp) + Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp): The combo helps develop flavor and prevents sticking while infusing richness into every bite.
• Chopped Chives (2 tbsp): Use fresh chives or spring onions as a vibrant, oniony garnish to finish your dish.

Variations

One of my favorite parts about Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice is just how easy it is to tweak to your taste, add extra veggies, or make it suit any dietary preference. Feel free to treat this recipe as your blank canvas!

• Switch Up the Protein: Use boneless chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or even turkey for a lighter twist—just adjust cook times as needed.
• Add Veggies: Stir in peas, carrots, spinach, or bell peppers before sealing for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap butter with olive oil if you prefer to go dairy-free—still rich, still delicious!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeños for those who love a kick of heat alongside their rice.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and paprika in a large bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor from the start. Let the chicken rest while you prep the other ingredients—this little pause helps the spices soak in.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode (normal heat). Melt the butter together with the vegetable oil, then add the chopped onion. Sauté until soft, golden, and sweet—this is the aromatic backbone that sets the stage for the whole dish.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Brown the Chicken

Stir in the ginger and garlic paste, letting them bloom until fragrant. Next, arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer and let them brown undisturbed for about 3 minutes. Flip and brown the other side another 3 minutes. This step seals in juices and builds irresistible flavor.

Step 4: Deglaze and Add Rice

Remove the chicken temporarily to a plate. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and deglaze the pot thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits. This is the secret to avoiding that dreaded BURN warning and gets all the yummy flavor into your rice. Add the rinsed basmati rice and the remaining cup of broth, stirring gently to combine. Sprinkle in your herbs and extra salt (if needed), but don’t stir again!

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Gently arrange the browned chicken thighs right on top of the rice. Secure the Instant Pot lid, select Manual or Pressure Cook, and set the timer for 6 minutes at high pressure. Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam—this ensures perfect texture in both rice and chicken!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Open your Instant Pot and sprinkle over the chopped chives or spring onions. Gently fluff the rice with a fork and let everything rest, covered, for a minute or two so the flavors meld. Plate up and prepare for pure satisfaction!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

Garnishes

To make your Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice restaurant-worthy, scatter fresh chives or spring onions on top for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. A final crack of black pepper, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, or a smattering of fresh herbs (think parsley or dill) will make each plate look just as vibrant as it tastes!

Side Dishes

While this meal shines as a one-pot star, you can round out dinner with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli for a burst of freshness. Warm naan or crusty bread is fabulous for sopping up every last spoonful of herby, buttery rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special dinner, serve each chicken thigh nestled over a bed of golden rice on individual plates and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds or roasted nuts for texture and wow factor. Or load everything into a big platter family-style, letting everyone spoon up their favorite portion at the table—it’s fantastic for gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. It will happily keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or another weeknight win.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion cooled chicken and rice into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid mushy rice, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent the rice from drying out. Cover and heat until piping hot, fluff, and enjoy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice enough for busy weeknights, comfort food cravings, or whenever you need a warm meal that everyone at the table will cherish. Give it a try, mix in your own twists, and let this cozy recipe bring a little extra joy to your kitchen this week!

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