Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice! In just 25 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that serves up to six hungry mouths. Imagine tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory blend of Cajun spices, perfectly cooked rice, and colorful veggies—all in one pot! This recipe is not only a time-saver but also a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine and discover how effortless it is to create a delicious family dinner tonight!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, diced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes, finely chopping onion and bell pepper, and mincing garlic cloves.
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add a small amount of oil. Brown diced chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables become slightly softened.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add long-grain rice and chicken broth to the pot, stirring gently to combine all ingredients and ensure rice is evenly distributed.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- After cooking completes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform quick release for remaining pressure.
- Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time during cooking, chop your vegetables and dice the chicken thighs ahead of time. This way, you can simply toss everything into the Instant Pot when you're ready to cook.
- Customize Your Spices: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
- Use Quality Broth: The flavor of your dish heavily relies on the chicken broth. Opt for a low-sodium or homemade broth for a richer taste without the excess salt.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sauté step! Browning the chicken and softening the vegetables before pressure cooking enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid and improves the texture.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of chopped green onions not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh flavor that elevates the dish.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your Cajun Chicken Rice with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal and soak up all that delicious flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 306kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 80mg
