Say goodbye to long cooking times and endless dishes with this incredible Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe. Designed for maximum flavor and minimal effort, this hearty and comforting one-pot meal is your ultimate solution for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. Get a wholesome, satisfying dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes, making it an instant family favorite!
When the clock is ticking and dinner needs to appear magically, my Instant Pot is always my go-to kitchen hero. It transforms simple ingredients into wholesome, flavorful meals with unparalleled speed and convenience. This particular recipe for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a shining example of its magic. It’s not just fast; it’s a perfectly balanced meal, brimming with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of colorful, healthy vegetables.
This recipe is more than just another dinner idea; it’s a weeknight lifesaver. You’ll likely find most of the ingredients already in your pantry or fridge, making last-minute meal planning a breeze. The beauty of a one-pot meal is truly appreciated on those evenings when you crave comfort food but dread the cleanup. With the Instant Pot, everything cooks together, infusing every grain of rice and piece of chicken with rich, savory flavors, leaving you with just one pot to wash!
If you’re as devoted to your pressure cooker as I am, you’ll love exploring more of its versatility. Be sure to check out some of my other popular Instant Pot creations like my savory Instant Pot Beef Stew, the creamy White Bean Chicken Chili in Instant Pot, and the robust Instant Pot Goulash. Each offers a unique flavor profile and the same beloved Instant Pot convenience.
Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Crafting this flavorful Instant Pot chicken and rice dish requires a selection of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich, comforting flavors you’ll come to love. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Oil: A tablespoon of your preferred cooking oil, such as olive oil, sets the stage. It’s essential for sautéing the aromatics and building a foundational layer of flavor. Any neutral cooking oil you have on hand will work just fine.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses form the heart of the dish’s flavor. Finely chopped onion and minced garlic release their fragrant oils when sautéed, creating a savory depth that permeates the entire meal.
- Rice: For this recipe, we recommend using long-grain white rice. Its texture cooks perfectly in the Instant Pot, absorbing the broth and flavors beautifully without becoming mushy. Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking is a crucial step for achieving that ideal fluffy texture.
- Vibrant Vegetables: A colorful mix of carrots, red pepper, and peas not only adds nutritional value but also brings a delightful sweetness and texture contrast. Feel free to incorporate other favorites like corn, green beans, or even diced zucchini.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base for our rice and chicken. High-quality chicken broth or stock is preferred for a richer taste, but vegetable broth can be used as a delicious alternative if you have it or prefer a vegetarian option.
- Signature Seasonings: Dijon mustard provides a subtle tang and depth, while a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper creates a robust and aromatic profile that perfectly complements the chicken and rice. Don’t be shy with the seasonings – they’re key to a truly memorable dish!
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, offering lean protein that becomes incredibly tender in the pressure cooker. Opt for organic chicken when possible for enhanced flavor and quality. You can also experiment with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Creating this delicious and easy Instant Pot chicken and rice dish is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:
- Sauté Aromatics: Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in your Instant Pot on the “Sauté” setting. Once hot, add your chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns translucent, which typically takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
- Layer Ingredients: Press “Cancel” to turn off the sauté function. Stir in the rinsed white rice, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard. Then, season generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring everything is well combined. This step is crucial for preventing the “burn” notice, as liquids and aromatics should be at the bottom. Carefully add the chopped carrots, bell pepper, and place the boneless chicken breasts on top of the rice and vegetable mixture. Season the chicken breasts directly with an additional pinch of salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure it’s properly sealed. Turn the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to 6 minutes on High Pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This natural release period helps the chicken stay tender and the rice absorb residual moisture. After 10 minutes, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
- Shred, Stir, and Serve: Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve drops, carefully open the lid. Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a separate bowl. Using two forks, easily shred the tender chicken, or chop it into bite-sized pieces, according to your preference. Stir the shredded chicken back into the fragrant rice and vegetable mixture, along with the frozen green peas. The residual heat will quickly warm the peas through. Give everything a good stir to combine all the delicious flavors. For an extra burst of freshness and color, top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.
Meal Prep Friendly: Can You Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe is an excellent candidate for meal prepping. It holds up beautifully, making it perfect for preparing a few days in advance or for enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.
Once the dish has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You might notice that the rice will absorb more of the liquid as it sits, becoming a bit thicker. When you’re ready to reheat, simply stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up and restore its creamy consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
For longer storage, this dish also freezes exceptionally well. Portion the cooled chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed above, adding a little extra liquid if needed.
Clever Shortcut: Can You Use Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saving hack for this pressure cooker chicken and rice recipe! This makes the meal even quicker to prepare, especially on those days when you have even less time.
To use rotisserie chicken, simply follow the recipe instructions as written, but omit adding raw chicken breasts at step two. Proceed with sautéing the aromatics, adding the rice, broth, and vegetables, and pressure cooking the mixture for the specified 6 minutes (with 10 minutes natural release). Once the cooking cycle is complete and the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid. Then, stir in your shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken along with the green peas. The residual heat from the rice mixture will quickly warm the cooked chicken through, ensuring it’s ready to serve in no time. This method is also a brilliant way to utilize any leftover cooked chicken you might have on hand!
Brown Rice Variation: Can You Use Brown Rice in This Recipe?
While this Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe is designed for white rice, you can certainly adapt it to use brown rice. However, it’s important to note that brown rice requires a longer cooking time due to its tougher outer bran layer.
If you choose to use brown rice, you will need to adjust the cooking time significantly. Instead of the 6 minutes on high pressure for white rice, brown rice will need approximately 15 minutes of high-pressure cooking. Remember to also maintain the natural pressure release for 10 minutes to ensure the rice is perfectly cooked and absorbs all the delicious flavors. Always ensure you have sufficient liquid when cooking brown rice, as it tends to absorb more than white rice.
EXPERT TIPS FROM THE KITCHEN
Recipe Notes and Pro Tips for Success
- Preventing the “Burn” Notice: To ensure a smooth cooking process and avoid the dreaded Instant Pot “burn” notice, always stir the rice into the chicken broth thoroughly before adding the chicken and vegetables. This ensures the starchy rice isn’t sitting directly at the bottom of the pot, which can lead to scorching. Also, make sure to scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot after sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Customize Your Veggies: This recipe is incredibly flexible when it comes to vegetables. Feel free to raid your fridge and add other veggies you enjoy or need to use up. Mushrooms, green beans, corn, broccoli florets, or even diced zucchini would be wonderful additions. Add quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or frozen corn during the stirring phase with the peas, so they don’t overcook.
- Complete Meal or Side Dish: This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is truly a full meal on its own, offering protein, grains, and vegetables in one comforting bowl. However, if you’re looking to round out the meal or add a touch of freshness, serving it with a simple side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or a crusty piece of bread is always a great idea.
- Brown Rice Adjustments: As mentioned, if you opt for brown rice instead of white rice, remember to increase the high-pressure cooking time to 15 minutes. This adjustment is crucial for achieving perfectly tender brown rice.
- Enhance Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, consider browning your chicken breasts lightly in the Instant Pot on the “Sauté” setting before adding other ingredients. Remove them, proceed with the recipe, and then place them back on top before pressure cooking. This step adds a beautiful sear and locks in juices.
- Garnish for Freshness: Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh garnish! A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the overall flavor of the dish.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your food before serving. Adjust seasonings like salt and pepper as needed. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors beautifully.
Explore More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
If you’re loving the convenience and delicious results of cooking chicken in your Instant Pot, you’re in for a treat! The versatility of this appliance truly shines with poultry. Here are a few more must-try Instant Pot chicken recipes that are sure to become new family favorites:
- Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken: A vibrant, sweet, and savory dish that brings tropical flavors to your dinner table.
- Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala: Achieve authentic, restaurant-quality Indian flavors with incredible ease and speed.
- Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken: Sticky, sweet, and perfectly savory chicken that’s better than takeout.
- Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore: A rustic Italian classic, featuring tender chicken in a rich tomato sauce, made effortlessly.
If you’ve whipped up this delightful Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe or any other fantastic dish from my blog, I would be absolutely thrilled to hear from you! Please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and sharing your experience in the 📝 comments section below. Your feedback and ratings help others discover and enjoy these recipes. Thank you so much for stopping by and happy cooking!
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Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion (1 small onion)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup white rice, uncooked and rinsed
- 1 cup organic chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 medium carrots, cut lengthwise and then chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- fresh chopped parsley for serving, optional
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in Instant Pot using the Saute setting. When hot add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant about 30 seconds.
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Stir in rice, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Add chopped carrots, bell pepper and chicken breasts. Season generously again with salt and pepper.
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Close the lid, turn the valve to sealing and cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes. When done, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do quick release.
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Carefully open the lid, transfer the chicken breasts to a bowl and using 2 forks, shred chicken or chop them in bite-size pieces. Stir the chicken back into the rice mixture along with the green peas. Top with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Stir the rice into the chicken broth to avoid getting the burn notice.
- You can add in other veggies that you have in your fridge like mushrooms or green beans.
- This is a full meal on its own, but you can serve it with an additional side salad if you like.
- If you are using brown rice, you have to adjust the cooking time to 15 minutes instead of 6 minutes.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 56g |
Protein: 33g |
Fat: 9g |
Saturated Fat: 2g |
Cholesterol: 73mg |
Sodium: 534mg |
Potassium: 1013mg |
Fiber: 7g |
Sugar: 8g |
Vitamin A: 11450IU |
Vitamin C: 61mg |
Calcium: 75mg |
Iron: 3mg
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
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