Imagine a dinner that's so incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare, it'll become your new weeknight superhero meal! This Rosemary Lemon Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food that combines zesty lemon, aromatic rosemary, and perfectly tender chicken in just 35 minutes. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned home chef, this recipe will transform your dinner routine from mundane to magnificent with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by patting chicken thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, brown chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden, then remove and set aside.
- In the same Instant Pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add long-grain rice to the pot and stir to coat with onion and garlic, toasting lightly for about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and chopped rosemary. Stir to combine and ensure rice is evenly distributed.
- Carefully place browned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, ensuring they are not fully submerged.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
- After cooking, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
- Remove lid, fluff rice with a fork, and let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh rosemary and lemon wedges if desired. Serve hot.
Tips
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and crispy exterior.
- Use fresh rosemary if possible - it makes a significant flavor difference compared to dried herbs.
- Don't skip the browning step; it adds depth and richness to the overall dish.
- Ensure your chicken thighs are not fully submerged in the rice to prevent soggy skin.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly moist.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or dried thyme to your seasoning.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time to prevent drying.
- Leftover dish reheats beautifully - store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
