Instant Pot Tamarind Chicken with Sweet Potato and Brown Rice
⚡ Instant Pot
Intermediate

Instant Pot Tamarind Chicken with Sweet Potato and Brown Rice

An original Instant Pot dish featuring juicy chicken thighs cooked in a balanced tamarind, garlic, and cumin sauce, with tender sweet potato and brown rice that soak up all the savory juices.

20 minPrep
35 minCook
55 minTotal
4Servings
Dairy-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en trozos large)
  • 190 g long grain brown rice (enjuagado)
  • 300 g sweet potato (pelado and diced of 2 cm)
  • 150 g yellow onion (chopped)
  • 15 g garlic (chopped)
  • 45 g tamarind paste (without semillas)
  • 480 ml chicken broth (low sodium if possible)
  • 120 g crushed tomato (en conserva or casero)
  • 15 ml olive oil
  • 4 g ground cumin
  • 3 g sweet paprika
  • 1 g dried oregano
  • 1 g black pepper
  • 6 g salt (or to taste)
  • 15 ml honey
  • 10 g fresh cilantro (chopped, for terminar)
  • 15 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)

Nutrition facts

per serving

495 kcal
Calories
34 g
Protein
43 g
Carbs
20 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
38 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

    1. In a bowl, combine the chicken with the cumin, sweet paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

  2. 2

    2. Turn on the Instant Pot sauté function. When the pot is hot, add the olive oil and brown the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until lightly colored on the outside. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

  3. 3

    3. Add the onion to the pot and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds more, stirring so it does not burn.

  4. 4

    4. Add the tamarind paste, crushed tomato, honey, chicken broth, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Scrape the bottom well with a spoon to loosen any browned bits and prevent a burn warning.

  5. 5

    5. Add the brown rice and stir only once to distribute it. Place the chicken on top, then scatter the sweet potato over it without mixing too much.

  6. 6

    6. Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 22 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release the remaining pressure.

  7. 7

    7. Open the pot, add the lime juice, and gently fold to combine the rice, chicken, sweet potato, and sauce. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

  8. 8

    8. If you want a slightly firmer top texture, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and broil for 3 to 5 minutes at 220°C/425°F. This step is optional.

  9. 9

    9. Serve hot with fresh cilantro on top.

Chef tips

For deeper flavor, let the chicken sit with the spices and salt for up to 30 minutes before cooking. Avoid over-stirring once the rice is added so it cooks evenly.

Substitutions

You can substitute the sweet potato with firm pumpkin. If you do not have cilantro, use fresh parsley. The honey can be replaced with maple syrup in the same amount.

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: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative 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

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