Imagine a mouthwatering dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular meal that'll have your family begging for seconds! This Spanish-inspired Instant Pot Chicken Yellow Rice is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your dinner table. With golden, succulent chicken, aromatic turmeric-infused rice, and a perfect blend of vegetables, this one-pot wonder is about to become your new weeknight hero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes, finely chopping onion and bell pepper.
- Turn Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add a small amount of oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Brown chicken pieces in Instant Pot for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until edges are golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same Instant Pot, sauté chopped onions and bell peppers for 2 minutes until they become translucent.
- Add turmeric and stir quickly to prevent burning, releasing its aromatic flavors into the vegetables.
- Return browned chicken to the Instant Pot, then add yellow rice and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform quick release for remaining pressure.
- Open lid, fluff rice with a fork, and let stand for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Chicken Selection: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness. They're more forgiving in the Instant Pot and stay juicier than chicken breasts.
- Turmeric Trick: Toast the turmeric briefly to enhance its flavor and prevent a raw, bitter taste. Be quick when adding it to prevent burning.
- Liquid Ratio: Always maintain the 1:2 ratio of rice to liquid for perfect rice consistency. If you prefer slightly firmer rice, reduce liquid by 1/4 cup.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow a 5-minute natural release to help the rice absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
- Garnish Game: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can elevate the dish's flavor and presentation. Don't skip this final touch!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
