Magical Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe Everyone Loves

Craving a hassle-free meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort?

This instant pot chicken and rice recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure right in your kitchen.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this one-pot wonder comes together.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly alongside fluffy, seasoned rice, creating a comforting dish that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.

Aromatic spices dance through each bite, promising a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Minimal prep work means you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Ready to transform your weeknight cooking with this simple yet delicious recipe?

Why Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Is So Easy

• Conquer Quick Weeknight Dinners: This Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe transforms busy evenings into stress-free meal experiences, delivering a complete one-pot meal in minutes without multiple cooking steps.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and colorful vegetables like carrots and peas, this dish provides a balanced and wholesome meal for families.
• Master Hands-Off Cooking: The Instant Pot does most of the work, allowing you to walk away and return to a perfectly cooked meal without constant monitoring or complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add different spices to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable to various dietary needs.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

• Chicken: Tender, bite-sized pieces that provide the primary protein for this hearty one-pot meal.
• Rice: A staple grain that absorbs the rich flavors and creates a satisfying base for the dish.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and infuses the entire dish with savory depth.

• Onions, Garlic: Fresh ingredients that build a robust flavor foundation for the chicken and rice.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Carrots, Frozen Peas: Colorful vegetables that add nutrition, texture, and a pop of freshness to the final meal.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the recipe.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sizzle and Soften Onions

Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using the Saute mode. Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown, releasing their sweet aroma (about 3 minutes).

Step 2: Build Flavor with Garlic and Chicken

Add minced garlic and stir quickly. Introduce bite-sized chicken pieces, letting them brown slightly to create depth of flavor.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

• Rinsed rice
• Chicken broth
• Diced carrots
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Gently mix everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing position.

Select Manual or Pressure Cook mode and set the timer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Release and Finish

After cooking, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.

Then carefully switch to venting mode. Stir in frozen peas just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the steaming chicken and rice, creating a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.

Tips for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for richer flavor and more tender meat compared to chicken breasts.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before adding to remove excess starch and ensure a fluffy, non-clumpy texture.
• Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced aromatic profile.
• Adjust paprika and pepper quantities to match your preferred heat intensity, or include red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a delicious plant-based alternative.

Variations for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

• Low-Sodium Version: Replace regular salt with a low-sodium chicken broth and use herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor without extra sodium.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free and use brown rice or quinoa as alternative grain options.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a protein-packed plant-based meal.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or sriracha sauce during cooking to increase heat and create a zesty flavor profile.

Pairings for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the chicken’s mild flavor and cut through the creamy rice texture.

Serve a fresh Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and acidity to the main dish.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top to introduce a vibrant, aromatic element that enhances the overall flavor profile and adds visual appeal.

Whip up a quick tzatziki with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, and dill to provide a cool, tangy counterpoint to the warm chicken and rice.

Proper Storage for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Package chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm leftovers in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase cooking time to 22-25 minutes and add slightly more liquid since brown rice requires more moisture and longer cooking.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Cut into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always double-check ingredient labels to confirm.

• Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Diced celery, bell peppers, or zucchini can be great additions. Just ensure they’re cut to similar sizes for even cooking.

Instant Pot Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, where tender chicken nestles perfectly with fluffy rice. Savory spices and quick preparation make this one-pot meal your go-to solution for delicious, stress-free dining that satisfies hungry families in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Vegetables:

• 1 onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function and heat olive oil until shimmering, then caramelize onions to a rich golden hue in approximately 3 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and sear chicken pieces until they develop a light golden exterior, enhancing the dish’s depth of flavor.
3. Incorporate rinsed rice, chicken broth, diced carrots, and seasonings, gently mixing to ensure even distribution of ingredients throughout the pot.
4. Secure the lid, positioning the valve to sealing configuration, and execute a high-pressure cooking cycle for 10 minutes.
5. After cooking completes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then transition the valve to venting mode.
6. Fold in frozen peas just before serving, creating a vibrant and fresh final touch to the one-pot meal.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting paprika or adding chili flakes for a kick.
• Use brown rice for added nutrition, but increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes to ensure proper tenderness.
• Transform this dish into a gluten-free option by confirming chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
• Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version, reducing cooking time to 8 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg