This Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo is a flavorful one-pot Spanish-style chicken and rice dish infused with saffron, smoked paprika, and a colorful mix of vegetables. Think of it as a simplified, quicker version of paella—without seafood but loaded with comfort. Perfect for weeknights, this version uses the pressure cooker to cut down on time while preserving rich flavor and tender, juicy chicken.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Saffron Water:

• ¼–½ tsp saffron threads

• 2 tbsp warm water

Other Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 carrot, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, chopped

• 1½ cups chicken stock

• ¼ cup white wine

• 2 tsp dried oregano

• 2 tsp smoked paprika (additional)

• 2 tsp cumin

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 2 tsp salt

• ½–1 tsp chili flakes

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

• 1 cup medium- or short-grain white rice (rinsed)

• ¼ cup sliced green olives

• 1–2 cups peas (frozen or fresh)

• Juice of 1 lime

Optional Garnishes:

• Lime wedges

• Avocado slices

• Queso fresco or sour cream

• Warm tortillas

• Fresh parsley

Directions

1. Season the Chicken: Rub chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Optional: Brown the chicken briefly in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.

2. Make the Saffron Water: Steep saffron threads in 2 tbsp warm water. Set aside.

3. Sauté Vegetables: Using the sauté function, heat olive oil. Cook onions for 2–3 minutes, then add garlic, carrots, and bell pepper. Cook another 3 minutes.

4. Deglaze & Add Liquid: Add saffron water, chicken broth, and wine. Scrape the bottom to deglaze fully (prevents burn error).

5. Add Seasonings: Stir in oregano, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, chili flakes, and canned tomatoes with juice.

6. Add Rice: Rinse rice and sprinkle evenly over mixture—do not stir.

7. Add Chicken: Place chicken on top, nestling it slightly into the rice mixture.

8. Pressure Cook: Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.

9. Finish & Serve: Shred chicken with forks, stir in olives and peas. Cover and keep warm for a few minutes until peas are heated through. Add fresh lime juice. Serve with garnishes.

Nutrients (Per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 382 kcal

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 10.9g

• Saturated Fat: 2.2g

• Carbohydrates: 44.3g

• Sugar: 5.1g

• Fiber: 3.5g

• Cholesterol: 106.5mg

• Sodium: 1095mg

The Roots and Variations of Arroz Con Pollo

Arroz Con Pollo has countless regional interpretations. In Spain, it draws inspiration from paella, while in Latin American countries like Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Colombia, the dish takes on unique flavors and techniques based on local traditions and ingredients. In some areas, it’s stewed slowly on the stovetop; in others, baked in the oven or pressure-cooked. What unites these versions is the satisfying combination of seasoned chicken, seasoned rice, and flavorful broth—comfort food at its finest.

This Instant Pot version merges the classic Spanish-style flavor profile with modern convenience. Ingredients like saffron and smoked paprika lend the dish a golden hue and aromatic complexity, while tomatoes and wine build a savory, umami-rich base. Green olives and peas add bursts of briny and sweet freshness, balancing the warmth of the spices with light, vegetal notes.

By using the pressure cooker, the rice cooks to a perfectly tender texture without constant stirring or tending to the pot. The chicken comes out fork-tender and juicy, and the dish is finished with bright lime juice and optional garnishes for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal.

A Symphony of Bold Flavors

What makes this Arroz Con Pollo truly stand out is the blend of spices and aromatics. Smoked paprika provides a deep, earthy richness that permeates the chicken and rice, while cumin and chili powder lend a subtle heat and warmth. Dried oregano brings herbal complexity, and a touch of chili flakes adds a gentle kick without overwhelming the palate.

The saffron, though used in a small quantity, plays a critical role. Steeped in warm water, it releases its golden hue and distinctive fragrance, infusing the broth and rice with its floral, slightly honeyed essence. Saffron is often reserved for special dishes, and here, it lends elegance and authenticity without complicating the cooking process.

Tomatoes and wine add acidity and depth, balancing the spices with brightness. When everything comes together in the Instant Pot, the ingredients meld beautifully under pressure, resulting in layers of flavor that taste as if they’ve been simmering all day.

Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Rice

In a traditional Arroz Con Pollo, managing the timing of the chicken and rice is key to achieving the right textures. Undercooked rice or dry chicken can ruin the experience. With the Instant Pot, this challenge is virtually eliminated. The appliance creates an ideal cooking environment, sealing in moisture and flavor under high pressure.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the cut of choice for this dish. They stay juicy and tender during pressure cooking and easily shred into the rice after cooking. If you prefer bone-in pieces for added flavor, those work as well with a slight adjustment in cooking time.

The rice, rinsed before cooking to remove excess starch, cooks directly in the seasoned broth without stirring. This method prevents it from becoming mushy or clumpy, delivering a satisfying texture that’s slightly firm but fully cooked. The layering method—adding rice after the liquid and avoiding stirring—ensures even cooking without triggering the Instant Pot’s burn warning.

Colorful Additions and Optional Garnishes

While the core of Arroz Con Pollo is chicken and rice, the vegetables and finishing touches elevate it into something truly special. Diced carrots and bell peppers add sweetness and color. Green peas, stirred in at the end, provide freshness and contrast, while green olives offer a savory pop that cuts through the richness of the dish.

A generous squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens the entire pot, bringing the flavors together with a zingy finish. For added visual appeal and extra flavor, garnishing with fresh parsley, avocado slices, queso fresco, or even a dollop of sour cream enhances both presentation and taste.

Tortillas on the side can also be a fun way to scoop up the dish or wrap it into handheld bites, making it even more versatile for serving.

A Practical and Flavorful Weeknight Option

What truly sets this version of Arroz Con Pollo apart is how easy it is to make—without sacrificing flavor. In less than an hour, from start to finish, you have a deeply comforting meal on the table with very little hands-on effort. The Instant Pot handles the heavy lifting, allowing you to prep a salad, enjoy a drink, or simply relax while it cooks.

This recipe is ideal for meal prep or leftovers, as the flavors deepen over time. Reheating is simple, and the rice retains its texture well for several days. It’s also a fantastic way to stretch a small amount of chicken into a full, satisfying meal for the whole family.

Whether you’re cooking for one, a couple, or a household of hungry eaters, this dish adapts easily. You can double the recipe, freeze portions for later, or adjust spice levels to your liking.

Nutritional Highlights and Smart Adaptations

In addition to being full of flavor, this dish offers a well-rounded nutritional profile. With roughly 382 calories per serving and 28 grams of protein, it provides energy and satiety. The use of olive oil keeps fats on the healthier side, and a variety of vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

To make it lower in sodium, reduce the amount of salt or opt for low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes. For a spicier version, increase the chili flakes or add fresh jalapeños. If you’re looking to make it dairy-free or gluten-free, the base recipe already fits those requirements naturally.

You can even swap out the white rice for brown rice or quinoa with adjusted cook times. It’s an incredibly flexible dish that works well across a range of dietary preferences.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo brings together all the elements of a comforting, hearty meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s a dish rooted in tradition yet adapted for the modern kitchen—rich in spices, loaded with tender chicken, and bursting with vibrant vegetables. Thanks to the magic of the pressure cooker, it offers a deep, slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time.

Whether you’re craving something cozy on a cool evening, looking for a nutritious and flavorful weeknight meal, or entertaining guests with global flavors, this dish checks every box. It’s a celebration of bold spices, satisfying textures, and the joy of sharing good food. Once you try it, it will likely become a staple in your kitchen—a go-to recipe that delivers every single time.