If you're craving a dish that bursts with flavor and is incredibly easy to make, look no further than this Instant Pot Turmeric Chicken and Rice! This vibrant Indian-inspired recipe combines tender chicken thighs with aromatic basmati rice, all infused with the golden goodness of turmeric. In just 35 minutes, you can serve up a meal that's not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Ready to impress your family or guests? Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a comforting, one-pot wonder that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by trimming excess fat from chicken thighs and patting them dry with paper towels. Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, and half of the turmeric powder.
- Turn on Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add olive oil and allow it to heat for 1-2 minutes until shimmering.
- Place seasoned chicken thighs into the pot and brown for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove chicken and set aside on a clean plate.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add basmati rice to the pot and stir to coat with the onion and garlic mixture. Sprinkle remaining turmeric powder over the rice.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, stirring to combine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Carefully place browned chicken thighs on top of the rice, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the Manual/Pressure Cook function. Cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, check that chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Fluff rice with a fork, plate the chicken thighs over the turmeric rice, and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prep your ingredients the night before. Chop the onions and garlic, and season the chicken thighs so they're ready to go when you are.
- Use Quality Chicken: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless thighs work well too.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the chicken adds a rich depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Scrape the Pot: When adding the chicken broth, make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. This adds even more flavor to your rice.
- Check the Temperature: Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. A meat thermometer is a handy tool to have!
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the dish beautifully.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices such as cumin or coriander to customize the flavor profile to your liking.Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
