A delicious and nutritious curried chicken and brown rice recipe made in the Instant Pot - Turmeric, curry, coriander, and cumin all contribute to this meal's incredible flavor!
Did you know turmeric is known to have an effect on depression that's just as effective as Prozac? (source)
I'm not typically one for citations and studies, as they can be highly biased, but this one I know firsthand.
I often make tea at the end of each night, combining various herbs and spices. Some of my favorites include peppermint, ginger, lemon balm, red raspberry, cinnamon, licorice, and turmeric!
Personally, I find I don't need much turmeric to gain benefit. I am highly sensitive, so small amounts of anything go a long way with me.
I only need add a dash or two of turmeric to achieve better sleep, improved mood, and a more relaxed state of mind.
The natural treatments at our fingertips just astound me sometimes!
I'm always happy to make a recipe that calls for the potent yellow spice, as I feel like the whole fam is reaping the benefits.
It's also great when the recipe is liked by all, which rarely happens.
I usually end up making multiple meals or sides to accommodate everyone's tastes and allergies, but when a recipe hits all the marks, it makes for a happy mama!
Chicken and rice and vegetables is the typical dinner route for us. Often, these ingredients end up in a casserole, smothered with cheese. Other times, these ingredients end up as individual sides on our plate, and lately, these ingredients have been getting thrown into the Instant Pot, for better or worse.
I find that most chicken and rice recipes easily translate to the Instant Pot, which elates me. I throw it all in, enter in the time, and walk away.
The Instant Pot allows me so much freedom, I love it!
This recipe combines the aforementioned turmeric with some of its flavorful partners, including cumin, coriander, and curry.
Add in a smattering of kid-friendly veggies, like peas and carrots, and there's a great dinner for ya!
Instant Pot Curried Chicken and Brown Rice
Ingredients
- 1-2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 6-ounce chicken breasts
- ½ yellow onion chopped
- ½ green bell pepper chopped
- 1 large carrot chopped
- ½ cup celery chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups long-grain brown rice (I enjoy basmati the most!)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp cumin
- cayenne, to your taste (I use just a dash)
- 2 ½ cups water
- ½ cup green peas rinsed
- sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to 'Saute' and add in one tablespoon of oil.
- Place the chicken breasts in whole and allow them to cook on each side for 3-4 minutes, until golden.
- Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Add in a touch more oil, if needed, along with the chopped vegetables (onion, bell pepper, carrot, celery, garlic) and a few dashes of salt.
- Saute for just 1-2 minutes to bring out the aroma. Don't cook too long at this point, or the vegetables will be mushy after the pressure cooking.
- While the vegetables cook, chop the partially cooked chicken into bite-size chunks.
- Add back the chopped chicken along with the spices (turmeric, curry, coriander, cumin, cayenne), rice, and water.
- Hit the 'Keep Warm/Cancel' button on the Instant Pot to end sauteing; then, select 'Manual' and set the timer to 22 minutes (high pressure). Make sure the valve is set to 'Sealing'.
- Once the Instant Pot beeps to signal the end of 22 minutes, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes (in other words, don't touch the pressure release valve or anything else for 10 minutes).
- At the end of the 10 minutes, release the remaining pressure.
- Once the float valve drops, open the lid and add in the peas.
- Place the lid back on for 1-2 minutes just until they warm through. The lid doesn't have to be secured for this.
- Remove the lid, fluff, salt to taste, and enjoy your chicken and rice!
Notes
Nutrition
Adapted from my friend Sharon at The Honour System
Some items I use for this recipe include:
Recipe Steps:
Adding in the chicken...
Flip!
Remove chicken and add in the veggies...
Add in spices...
Add back chicken along with rice and water...
22 minutes...
Rest naturally for 10 miniutes (this is how it will read when done)...
Dig in!
Sharon
In the Instant Pot!! Love this. 😉 I have been making so many dishes in the pot my stove it getting dusty. 🙂
Josie
Great recipe! I can't wait to try this!