Instant Pot Chicken with Leeks, Dried Apricots, and Mild Turmeric Rice

Name: Instant Pot Chicken with Leeks, Dried Apricots, and Mild Turmeric Rice
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 basmati rice; 2 cups leek; 3.2 oz dried apricots; 1 cup carrot; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tsp mild ras el hanout; 3/4 tsp ground turmeric; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 oz sliced almonds; 1/4 cup fresh parsley

An original Instant Pot dish with tender chicken thighs, softened leeks, dried apricots, and gentle spices. The rice cooks in an aromatic turmeric-cinnamon broth for a complete, balanced, and comforting meal.

20 minPrep

22 minCook

42 minTotal

4Servings

High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

600 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en trozos large)
220 g basmati rice (enjuagado and escurrido)
200 g leek (en medias lunas finas, solo the parte blanca and verde clara)
90 g dried apricots (cut in strips)
120 g carrot (en cubitos small)
12 g garlic (chopped)
15 ml olive oil
375 ml chicken broth (low sodium if preferred)
120 g plain Greek yogurt (for terminar the sauce)
6 g mild ras el hanout
2 g ground turmeric
1 g ground cinnamon
6 g salt (or to taste)
1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
1 g lemon zest
15 ml lemon juice
25 g sliced almonds (lightly tostadas)
10 g fresh parsley (chopped)

Nutrition facts

per serving

548 kcal

Calories

33 g

Protein

45 g

Carbs

19 g

Fat

4 g

Fiber

41 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

DairyTree Nuts

Instructions

1
1. In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 teaspoon of the ras el hanout, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
2
2. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode on medium heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and cook the leek and carrot for 4 minutes, stirring, until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
3
3. Stir in the remaining ras el hanout, turmeric, and cinnamon. Cook for 15 seconds so the spices release their aroma without burning.
4
4. Add the seasoned chicken and lightly brown it for 2 minutes, stirring so it gets coated with the spices and vegetables.
5
5. Add the basmati rice, dried apricots, and chicken broth. Stir only once to distribute everything evenly, and gently scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
6
6. Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. When finished, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
7
7. Open the pot and let it rest for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the Greek yogurt with the lemon zest and lemon juice in a small bowl.
8
8. Stir the yogurt mixture into the pot little by little, mixing gently until creamy. If you want to serve it hotter, use the Keep Warm setting; it should stay above 140°F and 60°C for safe service, without boiling so the yogurt does not split.
9
9. Serve topped with the toasted sliced almonds and fresh parsley.

Chef tips

For fluffier rice, rinse it until the water runs almost clear. Toast the almonds in a separate pan for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat before serving to deepen their flavor.

Substitutions

You can substitute the leek with sweet onion, the almonds with pistachios if tree nuts are not an issue, and the Greek yogurt with lactose-free plain yogurt. Basmati rice can be replaced with jasmine rice, adjusting the liquid slightly if needed.

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
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
View on Amazon
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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Illustrative image
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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