Instant Pot Chicken with Mild Coconut Curry Sauce, Red Rice, and Asparagus

Name: Instant Pot Chicken with Mild Coconut Curry Sauce, Red Rice, and Asparagus
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusión
Ingredients: 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup red rice; 13.5 fl oz coconut milk; 1.5 cups chicken broth; 7 oz asparagus; 1 cup yellow onion; 3/4 cup crushed tomato; 4 cloves garlic; 1 tbsp fresh ginger; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp mild curry powder; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp lime zest; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

An original Instant Pot recipe featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a mild coconut curry-tomato sauce, paired with nutty red rice and asparagus. Aromatic, balanced, and practical for a complete one-pot meal.

20 minPrep

30 minCook

50 minTotal

4Servings

Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en trozos large)
220 g red rice (enjuagado)
400 ml coconut milk (without sugar, agitada antes of usar)
360 ml chicken broth (divided)
200 g asparagus (1.5 inch)
150 g yellow onion (chopped fina)
180 g crushed tomato (or passata espesa)
12 g garlic (chopped)
15 g fresh ginger (grated)
15 ml olive oil
8 g mild curry powder
2 g ground turmeric
2 g ground cumin
2 g lime zest (finely grated)
30 ml lime juice
6 g salt (or to taste)
1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
10 g fresh cilantro (chopped, for terminar)

Nutrition facts

per serving

581 kcal

Calories

33 g

Protein

42 g

Carbs

31 g

Fat

5 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

No declared allergens

Instructions

1
1. Rinse the red rice under cold water until the water runs almost clear. Set aside.
2
2. Toss the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, black pepper, curry powder, turmeric, and ground cumin.
3
3. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté on high. Add the olive oil and brown the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring to lightly sear it without fully cooking it. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
4
4. In the same pot, add the onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and fresh ginger and cook for 30 seconds more, stirring constantly.
5
5. Add the crushed tomato and 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom well with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits and help prevent a burn warning.
6
6. Pour in the red rice and the remaining 240 ml (1 cup) chicken broth. Do not stir too much; spread the rice evenly.
7
7. Place the reserved chicken over the rice. Pour the coconut milk and lime zest on top. Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 22 minutes.
8
8. When the cooking time ends, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release the remaining pressure manually.
9
9. Open the pot and place the asparagus over the top. Close the lid again without setting pressure and let it rest for 5 minutes so the asparagus cooks with the residual heat. If you prefer softer asparagus, use Sauté for 1 to 2 more minutes.
10
10. Add the lime juice and fresh cilantro. Gently fold to combine the sauce with the rice and chicken. Taste and adjust with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt if needed.
11
11. Serve hot. If reheating, heat until the center reaches 74°C / 165°F.

Chef tips

For a fluffier rice texture, let the dish sit uncovered for 3 minutes before serving. If your coconut milk is very thick, shake it well so the sauce turns out smooth and even.

Substitutions

You can swap the asparagus for green beans in the same amount. Red rice can be replaced with long-grain brown rice, though the cooking time may vary slightly. Cilantro can be replaced with fresh parsley if you prefer a milder flavor.

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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