If you’re craving a comforting yet adventurous dish, this Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice recipe has got you covered. It’s a savory medley of tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and rich seasonings that will take you on a culinary journey, all in the convenience of your Instant Pot.
It’s a meal that feels both familiar and globally inspired, perfect for those looking to explore new flavors without leaving the comfort of home. This dish pairs wonderfully with a zesty vodka margarita and a vibrant broccoli salad, bringing together the warmth of the rice with the sharpness of the drink and the crispness of the salad.
The blend of textures and flavors in this pairing mirrors the best of both Southern and international cuisine, creating an unexpected yet delightful culinary combo. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, allowing the rice to absorb the chicken’s juices, while you enjoy a stress-free cooking experience.
Chef tip: don’t skip browning the chicken before pressure cooking—this step locks in the flavor and creates a rich, caramelized base that adds depth to the entire dish. If you’re feeling experimental, try adding a dash of soy sauce or sesame oil for a twist of umami, elevating the flavors with a touch of global influence. Experiment with this recipe, and soon it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen for those busy nights.
Why You’ll Be Hooked?
- Saves Time: I’ve found that the Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time without sacrificing flavor, making it perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food but don’t have hours to spare.
- Customizable: I love swapping in different veggies, like carrots or celery, depending on what I have in the fridge. It’s a great way to clean out the produce drawer!
- Tastes amazing with drinks: The chicken and wild rice dish tastes amazing when paired with a vodka margarita, the acidity of which balances the savory depth of the dish perfectly.
Instant Pot Chicken And Wild Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Instant pot
- Instant pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
- Forks (for shredding)
Ingredients
- 2 stalks Celery – Diced
- ½ tsp Pepper
- 1½ lb Chicken – Breast or Thighs
- 1½ cups Broth – Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 cup Wild Rice blend
- 2 Carrots – Peeled and Chopped
- ½ Onion – Diced
- 1 tsp Thyme
Instructions
- Chop half of a medium onion, two stalks of celery, and two peeled carrots.
- Add the diced vegetables to the Instant Pot, followed by one cup of a wild rice blend.
- Place chicken breasts on top, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Pour in the broth, secure the lid, and close the pressure valve.
- Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 15 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, remove the chicken, and shred it using forks.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the cooked wild rice, then serve hot.
Notes
- Vegetables at the bottom create liquid pockets, helping prevent the burn notice.
- Try Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder for a different flavor profile.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 136kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Protein | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 41g |
Variations To Help You Customize This Dish!
- Protein Options: Switch out the chicken breasts for boneless skinless thighs or even turkey breasts for a different flavor and texture. You can also try adding cooked sausage for a hearty twist!
- Rice Blends: Experiment with other wild rice blends or even brown rice for a more earthy flavor. If you’re short on time, quinoa is a great, quick-cooking substitute that still gives a nice texture.
- Vegetable Combinations: Play around with different veggies—try adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor, sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness, or corn for a pop of color and flavor.
- Seasoning Twist: Try adding a bit of curry powder for a warming spice or a splash of lemon juice at the end for a refreshing tang. You can even add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness and flavor.
- Herb Variations: While thyme is fantastic, rosemary, sage, or oregano can all add their unique touch to this dish. Try using fresh herbs for a burst of flavor or dried herbs for a more mellow taste.
