Instant Pot Turmeric Chicken and Basmati Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant one-pot chicken and basmati rice dish infused with warm turmeric and aromatic spices, cooked effortlessly in the Instant Pot for tender, flavorful results. This indian-inspired rice & grains ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, basmati rice, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.6 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces, searing for 3 minutes until lightly browned.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
  5. Step 5: Rinse 1 1/2 cups basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear, then add it to the Instant Pot, stirring gently to combine.
  6. Step 6: Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  8. Step 8: Fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Turmeric Chicken and Basmati Rice take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Instant Pot Turmeric Chicken and Basmati Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep basmati rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Turmeric Chicken and Basmati Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Instant Pot Turmeric Chicken and Basmati Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Instant Pot Turmeric Chicken and Basmati Rice?

Indian rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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