Easy Wild Rice and Chicken Bowls in the Instant Pot®
A hearty meal combines tender chicken and nutty wild rice for a comforting dish that’s ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together quickly using the Instant Pot® with minimal cleanup.
Prep Time15 min
Cook Time45 min
Total Time1 hr
Difficulty
Hard
Expert Cooking Tips
Rinse the wild rice before cooking to remove any debris and improve texture.
Use fresh chicken breasts or thighs for the best flavor and juiciness.
Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for a few minutes to keep the chicken tender.
Ingredients
0/12
What Makes This Recipe So Good
A wonderful combination of hearty wild rice and tender chicken, all cooked quickly in one pot. It’s full of flavor and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Step 1
Turn on your Instant Pot and setting it to the sauté mode. Once it’s hot, add a splash of olive oil along with the mushrooms and onions. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Toss in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can really smell the aroma, then turn off the sauté function.
Step 2
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the apple, wild rice, cranberries, thyme, salt, and pepper. Nestle the chicken thighs right on top of the rice mixture without stirring everything together. Close the lid, seal the valve, and set the pot to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. It’ll take around 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build.
Step 3
When the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully switch to quick release to let out any remaining steam. Open the lid once it’s safe.
Step 4
Take the chicken thighs out and shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Stir the chicken back into the pot so everything is well combined. Sprinkle with some fresh parsley and serve it up in bowls for a cozy, hearty meal.
105
people cooked this recipe
ByMichael Davis
Michael enjoys creating straightforward meals that are easy to prepare at home.
Best Foods To Serve With This
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice on top can brighten the flavors and add a creamy touch.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist. This meal also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and could dry out, so check for doneness early.
Do I need to soak the wild rice before cooking?
No, soaking isn’t necessary since the wild rice cooks fully in the Instant Pot with the chicken broth.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead?
You can, but cooking times will be longer—about 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high.
What can I use instead of dried cranberries?
Raisins, chopped dried apricots, or dried cherries work well as substitutes.
Is it okay to add more liquid if I want softer rice?
Yes, adding an extra ¼ cup of broth can help make the rice softer without affecting the recipe much.
How do I store leftovers and reheat them?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?
Yes, you can chop everything ahead and store separately, but add the rice and liquids just before cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Dried thyme works fine; use about half the amount since it’s more concentrated.
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