Imagine transporting your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Spain without leaving your kitchen - and doing it in less time than it takes to watch your favorite TV show! This Instant Pot Chicken Paella is your culinary magic carpet, blending traditional Spanish flavors with modern convenience. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary adventurer, this recipe promises restaurant-quality paella with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the chicken thighs are diced into bite-sized pieces, the bell pepper is diced, the onion is chopped, and the garlic is minced. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Allow it to heat for a few minutes. Once hot, add a splash of oil to the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the diced chicken thighs to the pot, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Pour in the Arborio rice, stirring well to combine it with the chicken and vegetables. Toast the rice for about 1-2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that all the rice is submerged. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the 'Sealing' position. Switch the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' mode and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and gently fluff the paella with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the chicken paella hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious and easy Instant Pot Chicken Paella!
Tips
- Choose the right rice: Arborio rice is crucial for achieving that authentic paella texture. Its high starch content helps create the signature creamy consistency.
- Don't skip the sautéing step: Browning the chicken and toasting the rice develops deep, rich flavors that are essential to a great paella.
- Timing is everything: The 10-minute pressure cook time is perfect for tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice. Resist the urge to overcook!
- Natural pressure release matters: The 5-minute natural release helps the rice finish cooking and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Customize your paella: Feel free to add traditional ingredients like chorizo, peas, or seafood to make this recipe your own.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the paella sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to settle.
- Garnish for extra flavor: Fresh herbs like parsley or a squeeze of lemon can brighten up the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 120mg
