Instant Pot Quick Meal: 30-Minute Chicken and Rice

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, stirring until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot, seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Sauté the chicken until lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance flavor.
4. Add the rinsed rice and frozen peas and carrots to the pot, then gently press the ingredients down so they are submerged in the liquid. Place the bay leaf on top.
5. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on high for 10 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes before quickly releasing any remaining pressure.
6. Open the lid, remove the bay leaf, and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve the chicken and rice hot, garnished with fresh parsley.