Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a one-pot meal that delivers comfort, flavor, and convenience all in one. The chicken turns out tender and juicy while the rice is perfectly cooked with a rich and savory broth that absorbs all the flavors of the dish. The use of seasonings like garlic, onion, and herbs adds depth to the recipe, making it the ultimate cozy dinner that’s easy to prepare in your Instant Pot. This is a great option for busy days when you want a hearty meal in under an hour.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

• ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Set your Instant Pot to “Saute” mode and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

2. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Place the chicken into the Instant Pot and sear for 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. You don’t need to cook the chicken through at this point, just give it a good sear.

3. Add the rice and chicken broth to the Instant Pot, making sure the rice is evenly spread out. Stir to combine.

4. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” on high for 10 minutes if using chicken breasts, or 12 minutes for chicken thighs.

5. Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining steam.

6. Open the Instant Pot and stir in the heavy cream (if using) for extra richness. If you used chicken breasts, shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks. If you used thighs, you can either shred or serve the thighs whole.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 10-12 minutes

• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Add-ins: Add frozen peas, carrots, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for a colorful and nutritious boost.

• Creamy Version: Stir in some cream cheese or sour cream to make the dish even creamier.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to bring some heat to the dish.

• Brown Rice Version: If you prefer brown rice, you can substitute it for white rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time to 22-25 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave the chicken and rice, or reheat in a pan on the stove. If the rice has dried out, add a splash of chicken broth to help bring it back to life.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work perfectly and may even add a bit more flavor and moisture to the dish.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time to 22-25 minutes, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can skip the heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half, milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.

Can I freeze Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly when you’re ready to eat.

How do I make sure the rice doesn’t burn in the Instant Pot?

Ensure you add enough liquid to the pot and scrape the bottom to remove any browned bits before closing the lid.

Can I use a different type of rice?

You can try using jasmine rice or basmati rice, but be sure to adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time accordingly.

How do I make this a one-pot meal?

This recipe is already a one-pot meal! Just make sure to add everything into the Instant Pot, including the rice and chicken, and you’re all set.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

If you’re unsure, you can check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked.

Can I make this without the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, though the cooking times will vary. Use a heavy pot or skillet with a lid for stovetop preparation.

Conclusion

Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is the ideal meal for busy nights when you need a comforting dish that’s both easy and delicious. The tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice are infused with rich, savory flavors that will satisfy your whole family. With a variety of variations to suit your preferences, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

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Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a creamy, one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, Parmesan cheese, and a fresh lemon twist. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, providing comfort and flavor in every bite.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces




• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces




• 1 medium onion, chopped




• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic




• 1½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed




• 3–4 cups chicken broth (3 cups for firmer rice; 4 cups for softer, creamier rice)




• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice from approximately 1 lemon)




• 1 cup shredded or grated fresh Parmesan cheese, at room temperature




• 1½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)




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Instructions

• Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are opaque on all sides.

• Deglaze the Pot: Pour ¼ cup of chicken broth into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom to prevent the “burn” notice.

• Add Rice and Broth: Turn off Sauté mode. Stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring it’s well mixed with the chicken and aromatics. Pour in the remaining chicken broth (3 cups for firmer rice; 4 cups for softer rice) and add the lemon juice. Stir to combine, making sure no rice is sticking to the bottom.

• Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select Manual High Pressure and set the cook time to 8 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before cooking begins.

• Natural Release: Once the cooking time ends, let the pressure naturally release for 2 minutes. Then, carefully perform a Quick Release to release any remaining pressure.

• Finish the Dish: Remove the lid and stir the chicken and rice. If there is excess liquid, set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and cook until absorbed. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

• Serve: Spoon the chicken and rice onto serving plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• Rice Texture: Use 3 cups of broth for firmer rice or 4 cups for softer, creamier rice.

• Rice Type: It’s best to use long-grain white rice for this recipe; brown rice or instant rice require different cook times and may not work as well.

• Vegetable Add-ins: Add steamed broccoli florets at the end, stirring them in and letting the residual heat cook them to tenderness.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.