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Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Thighs with Brown Rice

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Thighs with Brown Rice is a flavorful one-pot meal that brings together juicy chicken thighs, zesty lemon, and nutty brown rice. This easy-to-make dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, filling your kitchen with delightful aromas. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, it’s both satisfying and impressive, ensuring everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 2 fresh lemons (juiced)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary) (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients, thaw chicken thighs if frozen, and rinse brown rice until water runs clear.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté,' add olive oil, and sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side). Remove from pot and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add lemon juice while scraping up browned bits for flavor.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and add rinsed brown rice; stir well before returning seared chicken thighs to the pot.
  5. Close the lid and cook on 'Manual' high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
  6. Fluff rice with a fork and serve hot, garnished with lemon slices or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Substitute brown rice with white or jasmine rice; adjust cooking times accordingly. Add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.