Instant Pot Chicken with Chickpeas, Spinach and Paprika Rice with Lemon Yogurt

Name: Instant Pot Chicken with Chickpeas, Spinach and Paprika Rice with Lemon Yogurt
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusión mediterránea
Ingredients: 1.3 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup yellow onion; 1 cup red bell pepper; 4 cloves garlic; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup crushed tomato; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 whole lemon; 1/4 cup fresh parsley

An original Instant Pot recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs, tender chickpeas, fresh spinach, and paprika-scented rice. It is finished with a spoonful of lemon yogurt for a creamy, bright contrast.

20 minPrep

22 minCook

42 minTotal

4Servings

High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

600 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en trozos large)
220 g long-grain rice (enjuagado)
240 g cooked chickpeas (escurridos and enjuagados)
90 g fresh spinach (lightly chopped)
150 g yellow onion (chopped diced small)
120 g red bell pepper (chopped diced)
12 g garlic (chopped)
360 ml chicken broth (low sodium if possible)
120 g crushed tomato (or passata espesa)
15 ml olive oil
6 g sweet paprika
2 g ground cumin
1 g dried oregano
6 g salt (or to taste, divided)
1 g black pepper (or to taste, divided)
120 g plain Greek yogurt
1 unit lemon (zest fina and 2 tbsp of juice)
15 g fresh parsley (chopped, for terminar)

Nutrition facts

per serving

498 kcal

Calories

35 g

Protein

43 g

Carbs

19 g

Fat

6 g

Fiber

37 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Dairy

Instructions

1
1. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Refrigerate until needed.
2
2. Season the chicken thighs with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, and the ground cumin.
3
3. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté on high. When the pot is hot, add the olive oil. Brown the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring once or twice, until it loses its raw color. It does not need to cook through. Transfer to a plate.
4
4. Add the onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring, until they begin to soften. Add the garlic, remaining sweet paprika, and dried oregano, and cook for 30 seconds more.
5
5. Add the crushed tomato and scrape the bottom of the pot well with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits.
6
6. Add the rinsed rice, cooked chickpeas, and chicken broth. Stir gently only once. Place the browned chicken and any juices on top of the mixture without over-stirring. Sprinkle in the remaining salt and pepper.
7
7. Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully release the remaining pressure.
8
8. Open the lid and add the fresh spinach and the remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the rice is fluffy.
9
9. Serve hot with a spoonful of lemon yogurt on top and finish with the chopped fresh parsley.
10
10. If you want to hold the dish warm, use the Instant Pot Keep Warm function; safe holding temperature should be at least 140°F / 60°C until serving.

Chef tips

For fluffier rice, rinse it until the water runs almost clear. If your crushed tomato tastes very acidic, add an extra spoonful of yogurt at serving to balance the flavor.

Substitutions

You can use chicken breast instead of thighs, reducing the sautéing time slightly. Basmati rice works well, though it may turn out a bit drier. For a dairy-free version, omit the yogurt or use unsweetened plant-based yogurt.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
Ninja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
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Illustrative image
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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