Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice - Instant Pot Cooking

Ingredients:

1 – 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless and skinless, or breasts
2 teaspoons cajun seasoning like this
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon crushed dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onions diced
1 medium red bell pepper seeded and diced
1 medium green bell pepper seeded and diced
2 stalks celery diced
3 cloves garlic clove minced
2 cups chicken broth divided
1 and ½ cups long grain white rice rinsed
12 to 16 ounces andouille sausage optional
14.5 ounces tomatoes diced
chopped green onions for garnish

Directions:

Mix the cajun seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Lightly sprinkle on both sides of the chicken, reserving the remaining seasoning.

Heat the electric pressure cooker on the “saute” setting until hot. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat for about 10 seconds before adding the chicken. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the electric pressure cooker but keep it warm.

Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the electric pressure cooker. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning. Stir in the garlic.

Deglaze the bottom of the electric pressure cooker by adding about ½ cup of chicken stock and scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Make sure to remove all stuck-on pieces to avoid getting a burn notice.

Add the remaining chicken stock and any leftover seasoning to the electric pressure cooker with the rice. Stir to combine making sure the rice is below the liquid. Over the rice, place the chicken and sausage, if using. Top with the tomatoes. Do not stir.

Cover with the lid and set the valve to sealing. Program the pressure cooker using the manual or “pressure cook” function for 8 minutes.

When the cooking cycle has completed, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes before performing a quick release of the remaining pressure.

With two forks, shred the chicken. Stir the rice and chicken together. Serve garnished with sliced green onions if desired.