If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, look no further than this Easy Instant Pot Ginger Chicken & Rice That Warms Your Soul Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of tender chicken thighs, fragrant jasmine rice, and zesty ginger all cooked perfectly in an Instant Pot. This recipe not only promises speed and ease but also delivers a delicious meal that comforts as much as it satisfies. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or want a cozy dinner for yourself, this dish is sure to become a favorite go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret behind making this flavorful dish shine. Each one plays a vital role, creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that will make every spoonful delightful.
- 1 lb Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless for tender, juicy results that soak up all the flavors.
- 1 cup Jasmine rice: Rinsed well to prevent stickiness and ensure fluffy grains.
- 2 inches Fresh ginger: Grated or minced for a vibrant, zesty punch that enlivens the dish.
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves: Minced to add depth and warmth in every bite.
- 2 cups Chicken broth: Provides moisture and enriches the overall flavor with savory goodness.
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce: Brings umami and subtle saltiness that ties everything perfectly.
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil: Adds a fragrant aroma and a nutty finish that elevates this one-pot meal.
- 2 stalks Green onions: Sliced fresh for a pop of color and gentle bite at the end.
- 1 tsp Salt: Season to taste, enhancing all the other ingredients naturally.
- 1 tsp Black pepper: Freshly ground for a slight heat and deeper dimension of flavor.
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle kick to awaken the senses.
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Ginger Chicken & Rice That Warms Your Soul Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Begin by hitting the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Drizzle in your sesame oil and add the grated fresh ginger and minced garlic. Cook them together for about two minutes until they become fragrant and just start turning golden, releasing a wonderful aroma that signals deliciousness ahead.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add your boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the pot and sear them for about two minutes on each side. This step isn’t just about color; it locks in the juices and builds a flavor base that makes the whole dish sing.
Step 3: Pour in the Liquid Goodness
Next, pour in the soy sauce and chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits off the bottom of the pot. These caramelized pieces deliver a rich depth that truly warms your soul.
Step 4: Add the Jasmine Rice
Stir in your rinsed jasmine rice, gently ensuring it’s submerged beneath the flavorful liquid. This step guarantees tender and fluffy rice, soaking up all those wonderful flavors from the broth and seasoning.
Step 5: Let the Instant Pot Work Its Magic
Lock the lid securely, set your Instant Pot to High Pressure, and cook for 10 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 more minutes — this slow release helps keep the chicken moist and the rice perfectly textured. Follow by quick-releasing any remaining steam.
Step 6: Final Touches and Fluffing
Carefully open the lid away from you to avoid any steam burns. Fluff the rice and chicken together with a fork, then finish by garnishing with those fresh sliced green onions and red pepper flakes if you want a subtle pop of heat. Now you’re ready to enjoy an Easy Instant Pot Ginger Chicken & Rice That Warms Your Soul Recipe that’s full of flavor and comfort.
How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Ginger Chicken & Rice That Warms Your Soul Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like sliced green onions add freshness and a bit of crunch, while red pepper flakes introduce a delightful zing. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or a splash of lime juice for added brightness. These finishing touches enhance the dish’s aroma and make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but feel free to serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad. A light, refreshing side will balance out the warmth and richness of the chicken and rice, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Easy Instant Pot Ginger Chicken & Rice That Warms Your Soul Recipe in individual bowls topped with a fried egg or crunchy peanuts for texture. You could also wrap leftovers in lettuce leaves for a tasty, low-carb handheld option. Presentation can turn a simple meal into a special experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your next meal just as delightful. Be sure to cool the dish before placing it in the fridge to keep it safe and fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this ginger chicken and rice by placing them in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for a quick, soul-warming meal anytime you need.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered dish in the microwave or warm it up on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out. Stir occasionally to heat evenly throughout, and finish with fresh green onions to revive that just-cooked brightness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, but keep in mind it cooks a little faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking times accordingly and try to avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
Is jasmine rice necessary for this recipe?
Jasmine rice offers a fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture that complements this dish beautifully. However, you can substitute with basmati or any long-grain rice; just adjust the liquid ratios slightly for best results.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The ginger and soy sauce will still provide plenty of comforting flavor.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The optional red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick. You can skip them entirely if you prefer mild flavors or add more if you crave extra heat. It’s all about your personal taste!
Do I really need to rinse the jasmine rice?
Rinsing jasmine rice removes excess surface starch, which helps keep the rice grains from sticking together too much and results in fluffier rice—a small step that makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Instant Pot Ginger Chicken & Rice That Warms Your Soul Recipe is truly a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and heartwarming comfort. It’s one of those dishes you’ll come back to again and again, whether for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. Give it a try and let those beautiful aromas fill your kitchen—the feeling it evokes is simply unbeatable.
Print
Easy Instant Pot Ginger Chicken & Rice That Warms Your Soul Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Instant Pot Ginger Chicken & Rice recipe combines tender, juicy boneless chicken thighs with fragrant jasmine rice, fresh ginger, and garlic, all cooked to perfection in a pressure cooker. The dish is enhanced with soy sauce and sesame oil for a rich, umami flavor, and garnished with green onions and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Perfect for a comforting, quick, and flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Protein & Rice
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup Jasmine rice, rinsed well
Flavorings & Liquids
- 2 inches Fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
Seasonings & Garnish
- 2 stalks Green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 tsp Salt, season to taste
- 1 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Drizzle in the sesame oil to heat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the grated or minced ginger and minced garlic to the hot oil. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and golden, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the pot. Sear for 2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. This step locks in flavor and adds depth.
- Add Sauces and Broth: Pour in the soy sauce and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits, which enhances the flavor of the dish.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the rinsed jasmine rice, gently pushing it down to ensure it is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Lock the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to High Pressure mode. Cook for 10 minutes to allow the rice and chicken to cook fully and absorb the flavorful broth.
- Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes to finish the cooking process gently. After that, perform a quick release to let out any remaining steam.
- Finish and Serve: Carefully open the lid away from you to avoid steam burns. Fluff the rice and chicken together using a fork. Garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle red pepper flakes if using, then serve warm.
Notes
- Rinsing jasmine rice thoroughly helps prevent excess stickiness in the final dish.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor but it may reduce umami richness.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures a tender texture and quicker cooking time in the Instant Pot.
- Natural pressure release is recommended to maintain moisture in both chicken and rice.
