Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

Imagine tender, juicy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice with savory flavors infused into every grain, ready in a fraction of the time of traditional methods. This one-pot wonder combines succulent chicken thighs with perfectly cooked rice that absorbs all those rich, aromatic juices. The Instant Pot works its magic, creating a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours when it takes just minutes of hands-on time. You’ll learn how to create this comforting, family-friendly dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice is the ultimate convenience meal without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. The pressure cooking method ensures chicken thighs reach a fall-off-the-bone tenderness while maintaining their juicy interior. Meanwhile, the rice cooks to perfection underneath, absorbing the savory chicken drippings and seasonings for an incredible depth of flavor.

The beautiful contrast between the crisp, golden chicken skin (if using skin-on thighs) and the soft, fluffy rice creates a textural symphony that’s utterly satisfying. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates, bathed in a gentle aromatics of garlic, onion, and herbs.

Best of all, this dish is incredibly versatile and forgiving. You can customize the seasonings to suit your family’s preferences, and the Instant Pot’s set-it-and-forget-it nature means you can attend to other tasks while dinner practically makes itself. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without hours of kitchen labor.

Ingredients

For the perfect Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) bone-in chicken thighs (about 6-8 thighs)
• 2 cups (400g) long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 2½ cups (600ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional, for serving)

The bone-in chicken thighs are crucial for this recipe as they provide more flavor than boneless varieties. However, if you prefer, boneless thighs will work with a slight adjustment to cooking time. The long-grain rice ensures fluffy, separate grains that don’t become mushy during pressure cooking, while good-quality chicken broth serves as the foundation for the rich flavor profile.

Pro Tips

Season Aggressively: Don’t be shy with your seasonings when making Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice. The rice will absorb much of the flavor, so season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This creates a more balanced dish where both the chicken and rice are properly flavored.

Sear For Success: While it might be tempting to skip the sautéing step, taking 5-7 minutes to properly brown the chicken thighs creates a flavor foundation that transforms the entire dish. Use the Instant Pot’s sauté function to crisp the skin and render some fat, which will then flavor the rice as it cooks. Make sure your pot is hot before adding the chicken, and don’t crowd the pan – work in batches if necessary.

Perfect Rice-to-Liquid Ratio: The key to perfectly cooked rice in the Instant Pot is maintaining the correct liquid ratio. For this recipe, use exactly 2½ cups of broth for 2 cups of rice. Too much liquid leads to mushy rice, while too little results in undercooked, crunchy grains. Always rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent sticking. This simple step makes a significant difference in the final texture of your Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs generously on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the dried thyme and oregano. Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down (if using skin-on) and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same Instant Pot with the rendered chicken fat, add the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning. This aromatic base will infuse the entire Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice dish with savory depth.

Step 3: Add Rice and Liquid
Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pot, stirring to coat with the oil and aromatics. This helps each grain maintain its integrity during cooking. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (this is flavor gold and prevents the “burn” notice). Add the remaining thyme and oregano, stirring to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Pressure Cook
Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and program to “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual” on older models) on High pressure for 10 minutes. The pot will take approximately 10-15 minutes to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.

Step 5: Natural Release and Serve
Once the cooking cycle completes, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes (this prevents the rice from becoming mushy). After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve your Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice with lemon wedges on the side for a bright finish.

Variations

Mediterranean Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: Transform your Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice with Mediterranean flavors by adding 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the rice before cooking. After cooking, fold in 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and some fresh chopped dill. This variation brings bright, tangy flavors that transport your taste buds to the Greek isles.

Cajun-Style: For a spicy Southern twist, replace the thyme and paprika with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Add a diced bell pepper and celery along with the onions, and stir in a can of drained diced tomatoes before pressure cooking. This creates a dish similar to jambalaya that packs a flavorful punch. After cooking, you can even mix in some sliced pre-cooked Andouille sausage for authentic Cajun character.

Coconut Curry Variation: For an Asian-inspired version, substitute half the chicken broth with coconut milk and add 2 tablespoons of curry powder or paste. Stir in a tablespoon of grated ginger along with the garlic, and finish the dish with a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro instead of parsley. This variation creates a creamy, aromatic Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice with exotic flavor notes.

Storage and Serving

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice to restore moisture, then microwave until heated through, or warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth.

For elegant serving, place the chicken thighs and rice on a large platter, garnish with additional fresh herbs, and surround with lemon wedges for a bright pop of color. This presentation makes the dish look restaurant-worthy for guests.

Pair this versatile dish with simple sides that complement without overwhelming. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness, while roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add nutritional value and textural contrast. For a complete meal, serve with warm flatbread or dinner rolls to soak up any delicious sauce remaining on the plate.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs in this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice recipe. Reduce the pressure cooking time to 8 minutes since boneless thighs cook more quickly. The flavor will be slightly less rich, but the convenience may be worth it for some cooks.

Why did I get a “burn” notice on my Instant Pot?
The burn notice typically occurs when there’s not enough liquid or when rice has stuck to the bottom of the pot. Make sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly after sautéing, scraping up all browned bits, and ensure your rice is evenly distributed in the liquid before pressure cooking.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but brown rice requires longer cooking time. Increase the pressure cooking time to 20 minutes and use 2¾ cups of broth instead of 2½. The chicken may become more fall-apart tender with this extended cooking time.

Is it necessary to rinse the rice before cooking?
Yes, rinsing removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy or sticking together. It’s a small step that significantly improves the texture of your Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice.

Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, but only if your Instant Pot is 8 quarts or larger. Maintain the same proportions and cooking time, but be especially careful not to exceed the maximum fill line of your pot. The time to reach pressure will be longer with a fuller pot.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious one-pot meal where succulent chicken and fluffy, flavor-infused rice come together with minimal effort but maximum satisfaction. It’s the kind of dish that rescues weeknight dinners when time is short but you refuse to compromise on a delicious, home-cooked meal for your family. The Instant Pot transforms what would traditionally be an hour-long cooking process into a convenient, hands-off experience without sacrificing any of the deep, developed flavors you crave. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or explore one of the variations, this dish proves that exceptional meals don’t require exceptional effort—just smart cooking methods and quality ingredients.

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