This comforting meal combines tender chicken and nutty wild rice, all cooked effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a wholesome dish that’s both flavorful and quick to prepare.
Start by turning on your Instant Pot and setting it to the sauté mode. Once it’s hot, drizzle in some olive oil and toss in the mushrooms and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell it, then turn off the sauté function.
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the diced apple, wild rice, cranberries, thyme, salt, and pepper. Lay the chicken thighs right on top of the rice mixture—don’t stir everything together. Close the lid, make sure the valve is set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. It will take around 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build up.
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 pressure before opening the lid.
Take the chicken thighs out and shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Stir the chicken back into the rice mixture, sprinkle with some fresh parsley, and serve it up in bowls. Enjoy!
- Use fresh or frozen chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor.
- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes to keep the chicken juicy.
This dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken and hearty wild rice, all cooked quickly in the Instant Pot®. It’s comforting, nutritious, and great for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for added color and crunch. Drizzle with a little lemon juice or your favorite sauce to brighten the flavors and make the meal more vibrant.
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 to keep the rice moist and the chicken tender.
