Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a soul-soothing, one-pot dinner that tastes like hours of slow simmering—but it’s ready in a fraction of the time—look no further than these Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice. Juicy, tender, and flavored with herbs and buttery rice, this is the coziest comfort food you can whip up any night of the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a mile-long shopping list to make a show-stopping Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice. Each simple ingredient plays a crucial role—bringing juicy texture, rich flavor, and just the right amount of seasoning to every bite.

• Bone-in Chicken Thighs (6 pieces): Using bone-in chicken keeps the meat ultra-juicy and infuses the rice with incredible flavor as it cooks.
• Basmati Rice (2 cups): Choose golden Sella, pure basmati, or any long grain variety for fluffy, non-sticky rice that soaks up all the savory juices.
• Chicken Stock (3 cups): This is your flavor booster—stock adds an extra savory dimension compared to plain water and makes the rice irresistible.
• Herb de Provence (½ tbsp): These classic French herbs make the whole dish feel fancy and fragrant—sub in Italian seasoning or your favorite blend if needed.
• Paprika (1 tsp): Lends both a touch of warmth and a pop of appetizing color to your chicken.
• Ginger Paste (½ tbsp): Brightens and lifts the flavor, pairing beautifully with the herbs and chicken.
• Garlic Paste (½ tbsp): A must for depth; fresh garlic paste melts right into the rice and sauce.
• Salt (1 tsp) & Black Pepper (½ tsp): Use to season in layers—first the chicken, then the rice.
• Small Onion (1): Sautéed onion offers sweetness and builds a delicious, savory foundation.
• Butter (2 tbsp) & Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp): Using both gives you flavor plus the gentle browning power to sear without burning.
• Chopped Chives (2 tbsp): Stirred in at the end, they add color and a burst of freshness—swap with spring onions if you prefer.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice is how easily you can switch up the flavors—or accommodate what you have on hand. Here are a few fun ideas to make this recipe your own every single time.

• Make It Spicy: Add a chopped chili or a sprinkle of cayenne in with the ginger and garlic for a little extra kick.
• Add Veggies: Fold in frozen peas, diced carrots, or bell peppers before sealing the pot for pops of color and nutrition.
• Swap the Protein: Use boneless skinless thighs, drumsticks, or even firm tofu for a lighter or vegetarian spin—just adjust cooking times a little.
• Try Different Herbs: Italian seasoning, za’atar, Cajun blends, or even fresh dill can all work deliciously in place of the herb de Provence.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry, then tossing them in a little salt, black pepper, and paprika. Giving the chicken a few minutes to absorb the spices will mean every bite is perfectly seasoned and deeply flavorful.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Chicken

Switch your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and melt the butter with the vegetable oil. Sauté the chopped onion for a few minutes until soft and golden. Next, stir in the ginger and garlic paste for a fragrant base. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in, browning them on each side—this step locks in flavor and ensures gorgeous color!

Step 3: Deglaze and Prep the Rice

Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside for a moment. Pour in about 2 cups of chicken stock and, using a wooden spoon, scrape up all the tasty browned bits from the bottom—this not only brings more flavor, it also prevents the dreaded BURN notice!

Step 4: Assemble and Pressure Cook

Rinse your basmati rice until the water runs clear, then add it to the pot with the remaining cup of chicken stock. Sprinkle over herb de Provence and a pinch more salt, but don’t stir. Carefully lay the browned chicken thighs on top of the rice. Seal the Instant Pot, select Manual/Pressure Cook, and set for 6 minutes. When it’s done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.

Step 5: Finish and Fluff

Open the pot and add your fresh chives or spring onions. Give everything a gentle stir, then let the rice sit covered for an extra minute or two—this helps make the rice extra fluffy. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork, pile up the chicken, and you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

Garnishes

I absolutely love finishing Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice with a big sprinkle of fresh chives or scallions. You can also add a dusting of extra paprika, or even a squeeze of lemon for a touch of brightness that wakes up every bite!

Side Dishes

This dish is perfectly hearty on its own, but it loves a little company—try pairing it with a crisp garden salad, roasted green beans, or steamed broccoli for a boost of veggies and color on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow factor, serve the chicken thighs nestled right on a bed of their golden rice in a big platter, family-style. Or, scoop into individual bowls and top each with a swirl of yogurt and more fresh herbs for a cozy, modern touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice keeps perfectly in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. I recommend storing the chicken and rice together so the flavors continue to mingle for even tastier leftovers!

Freezing

You can freeze portions in individual containers for up to 2 months. For best results, let the dish cool completely, then wrap well to avoid freezer burn—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water, stirring occasionally until piping hot. This keeps the rice moist and the chicken nice and tender—just like fresh!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for an easy dinner that’s guaranteed to comfort and delight your whole table, these Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice will never let you down. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for your Instant Pot again tomorrow!

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