Cajun Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 shallot
or small onion
- 1 red bell pepper
cut into small chunks
- 1 green bell pepper
cut into small chunks
- 3 green scallions
cut into small chunks
- 3 cloves garlic
chopped
- 2 cups chicken stock)
(divided
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning)
(more to season chicken
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1.5 cup jasmine or basmati white rice)
(rinsed several times
- 1 pound chicken breast)
(cut in strips
- Salt and pepper)
(to season chicken
- Dried Oregano Seasoning)
(to season chicken
Directions
- 1
Preheat Instant Pot by pressing the "sauté" button.
- 2
Sautéing Veggies: Once IP is hot, add olive oil and then add chopped shallot, red and green bell peppers, scallions, garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- 3
Deglaze: MANDATORY STEP! Next add 1/4 cup of chicken stock to deglaze the bottom of the Instant Pot, making sure no bits and pieces are stuck to the bottom. This will ensure that nothing is stuck on the bottom to prevent BURN Warning. DO IT VERY WELL - BE GENEROUS WHEN DEGLAZING.
- 4
Next add remaining chicken stock, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder and sea salt. Mix and stir to combine and to make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom.
- 5
Now add rinsed rice and make sure it's submerged into the liquid.
- 6
Add sliced chicken and season it generously with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning and Oregano (or Italian Seasoning) right in the pot.
- 7
Then IMMEDIATELY close lid (IMPORTANT!) to avoid water from evaporating. Lock the lid and put valve to Sealing position.
- 8
Push Pressure Cook (this button is also called Manual on some models), set to High Pressure and set the time on the digital display for 8 minutes.
- 9
Pressure Release Method: When the time is up, use 10 minutes of natural pressure release: put the wet towel over the lid, move your face and body away from the lid and move the valve from Sealing to Venting.
- 10
If not using a towel, you will see a straight line of steam shooting vertically from the lid into the sealing, which perfectly normal. Wait until all the steam is out and until the red pin drops, then open the lid.
- 11
Shred the chicken strips with the fork and stir to combine with the rice. Taste an adjust the seasoning at this point.
Cajun Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal that comes together in a flash? This Cajun Instant Pot Chicken and Rice delivers a taste of the South with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
The magic of the Instant Pot truly shines here, infusing every grain of rice and tender chicken strip with vibrant Cajun spices while cooking everything simultaneously. This one-pot wonder means less cleanup and maximum flavor absorption, making it a weeknight hero that’s both quick and satisfying.
Prepare for a deeply savory and aromatic experience, where each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of tender chicken and fluffy white rice. The Cajun seasoning provides a wonderful kick, balanced by the sweetness of bell peppers and the subtle sharpness of shallots and garlic. It's a robust, comforting dish that feels like it simmered all day but is ready surprisingly fast, making it an ideal choice when you need a hearty meal without the fuss.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to experiment with this versatile dish. You can easily swap chicken breast for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. While red and green bell peppers add classic color, yellow or orange peppers would also work beautifully, or you could add a handful of frozen peas for extra color and sweetness. For a milder spice level, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preference.
This hearty Cajun Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is ideal for a satisfying family dinner or a cozy meal on a cool evening. Serve it simply on its own, or alongside a crisp green salad to round out the meal.