Instant Pot Chicken and Rice consist of tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and savory seasonings come together in one pot for a fuss-free meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate weeknight hero – easy to make, family-approved, and oh-so-delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With the magic of the Instant Pot, this recipe goes from prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
- One-Pot Cleanup: Forget about piles of dishes—everything cooks in a single pot.
- Customizable: From seasonings to add-ins, this dish can easily be tailored to suit your family’s preferences.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein, carbs, and veggies, it’s a wholesome meal everyone will enjoy.
The Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice for a fluffy texture.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the flavor of the rice.
- Onions and Garlic: For an aromatic base.
- Carrots and Peas: Classic veggies that add color and nutrition.
- Seasonings: Paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Tips and Tricks
- Rinse the rice well before cooking (very important!).
- You can use water if the broth is not available but when you adding broth to the pot, be sure to scrape up any bits with a spatula stuck to the bottom of your Instant Pot before adding the chicken (this will avoid getting burn warning during pressure cooking).
- You can add your favorites veggies like chopped bell pepper along with the carrots. You can also add in some steamed broccoli after pressure cooking (Broccoli will get too mushy if added with everything else during pressure cooking).
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Chicken and Rice: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese after cooking for a creamy finish.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Mediterranean Twist: Use oregano, lemon juice, and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- Mexican Style: Replace chicken broth with tomato sauce, and add cumin, black beans, and corn.
- Vegan Version: Swap chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes definitely, take an airtight container and freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
Is Slow-Cooker good for this recipe?
Look, this recipe is mainly for instant pot and cannot be made in a slow cooker because when the rice gets cooked it will become complete mushy and also it requires a different amount of liquid.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with simple sides:
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic naan for a comforting touch.
- Condiments: A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds a burst of freshness.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion the dish into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice has a longer cooking time. Cook the chicken first, then add the rice and adjust the cooking time to about 22 minutes.
How do I prevent the “burn” warning?
Ensure the rice is fully submerged in the broth and avoid stirring after adding the rice and liquid.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Increase the pressure cooking time to 15 minutes, but make sure the chicken is fully thawed before sautéing.
What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to experiment with zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Frozen mixed vegetables also work well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice consist of tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and savory seasonings come together in one pot for a fuss-free meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate weeknight hero - easy to make, family-approved, and oh-so-delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ cups long grain brown rice uncooked, rinsed well and drained (do not substitute other types of rice)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion 1 small onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 medium carrots cut lengthwise and then chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Turn on your Instant Pot (6 quart or larger) to saute mode. Add the olive oil, carrots, and onion. Saute for 3-5 minutes, stirring, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in the brown rice, garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring and turn off Instant Pot.
- Add chicken broth and stir until well combined, scrape up any bits with a spatula that are stuck to the bottom of the pot. Make sure that all of the vegetables and rice are in the liquid (not on the sides of the pot).
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture (do not stir). Place the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing. Pressure cook for 20 minutes on high.
- Allow a natural pressure release for 12 minutes (leaving it off after it finishes cooking).
- Then do a quick pressure release for the remaining steam and pressure.
- Once the float valve drops down, open the Instant Pot and remove the chicken to a cutting board and chop into bite-size pieces. Stir the chicken pieces along with the peas back into the rice mixture.
- Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
6Amount Per Serving Calories 273Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 65mgSodium 373mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 4gSugar 5gProtein 29g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice?
Still Hungry! Try These Other Delicious Chicken Recipes:
- Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Chicken Gizzard Stew
- Chicken Saltimbocca Baked
- Easy Chicken Milanese Recipe
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food that brings together simplicity, versatility, and mouthwatering flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will satisfy every craving.
Thumbs up! I did all frozen veggies at the end and it was delicious. It did need more salt than stated above and I used chicken stock instead of low sodium broth. I also cut up the chicken before cooking and it made things easier to serve when done.