Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: A Simple, Flavorful Family Meal

Cooking dinner doesn’t always need to be a big ordeal. If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for simple, delicious meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice has quickly become one of my go-to recipes. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also made in one pot and can be on the table in about 30 minutes! It’s perfect for busy families and anyone who’s looking for a quick, satisfying meal without much fuss.

What I love about this recipe is that it’s so adaptable. You can make it as simple or as fancy as you want. Plus, the Instant Pot takes care of most of the work, leaving you with perfectly cooked chicken and rice every time. Let me walk you through this recipe, and I’ll share some of my favorite tips along the way.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

• Quick and easy: You can have dinner on the table in 30 minutes.
• One-pot wonder: Everything cooks in the Instant Pot, so clean-up is a breeze.
• Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters will love this creamy, cheesy dish.
• Customizable: Add vegetables, change up the seasonings, or even swap in chicken thighs if you prefer.
• Comforting: The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a touch of parmesan makes this dish feel like a big hug on a plate.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every time it’s met with rave reviews. It’s become a family favorite and a recipe I can count on to feed the crew without much effort. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Here’s what you’ll need for this Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe. It’s a short list of ingredients, but each one adds so much flavor to the dish.

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 2-3 large breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup chopped white onion (about 1 medium onion)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (around 4 large cloves)
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed (to remove excess starch)
• 3-4 cups chicken broth (use 3 cups for firmer rice, 4 cups for softer rice)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
• 1 cup shredded fresh parmesan (or grated, at room temperature)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (more or less to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (more or less to taste)

Instructions for Making Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

This recipe comes together quickly in the Instant Pot, so let’s dive in!

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode.
2. Add the butter to the pot and let it melt completely. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
3. Sauté the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.

Tip: Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot as you sauté to prevent any bits from sticking. These little bits are full of flavor!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Add the chicken breast pieces to the pot. Sauté the chicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the chicken to be opaque on all sides.

Tip: If you’re short on time or don’t feel like sautéing the chicken, you can skip this step and just add the chicken directly with the rice. But sautéing first adds a lot of flavor to the final dish!

Step 3: Add Rice, Broth, and Lemon Juice

1. Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth (3 cups for firmer rice, 4 cups for softer rice), and fresh lemon juice.
2. Stir everything to combine, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any stuck bits of onion or garlic. These will add extra flavor to the rice.

Tip: If you want to add some extra veggies, you can toss in peas, carrots, or spinach before sealing the Instant Pot. They’ll cook right along with the chicken and rice.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

1. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing.
2. Set the Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure and cook for 8 minutes.
3. Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 2 minutes.
4. After 2 minutes, carefully Quick Release any remaining pressure by moving the valve to Venting.

Tip: Don’t release the pressure for longer than 2 minutes, or the rice can become overcooked and mushy. A quick release is key!

Step 5: Stir and Add Cheese

1. Open the Instant Pot lid carefully (watch out for hot steam!).
2. Stir the chicken and rice mixture. If there’s any excess liquid, turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and stir until the liquid has absorbed into the rice.
3. Add shredded parmesan, salt, and pepper to the mixture, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.

Tip: Taste the dish before serving! Add more lemon juice, parmesan, or salt if desired. Sometimes, a little extra cheese or a dash of lemon juice can really elevate the flavor.

Step 6: Serve

1. Spoon the chicken and rice mixture onto plates, and garnish with more parmesan cheese if you like.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice turns out perfect:

• Rinse the rice: Always rinse your rice before adding it to the pot. This helps remove excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.
• Adjust the liquid for your preferred texture: If you like firmer rice, go with 3 cups of broth. If you prefer a more soupy or creamy texture, go with 4 cups.
• Add veggies: Feel free to throw in veggies like peas, spinach, or carrots for extra nutrition. You can even sneak in some mushrooms if your family loves them.
• Swap the chicken breasts for thighs: If you like chicken thighs, they work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces as well.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can always serve it with some tasty sides to round out the meal:

• A green salad with lemon vinaigrette is perfect to balance the richness of the chicken and rice.
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans are a great way to add some extra color and nutrition to your meal.
• If you’re craving something extra indulgent, serve this with garlic bread to soak up the delicious flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! If you’re using brown rice, you’ll need to increase the cook time. Set the Instant Pot to 22 minutes on high pressure and use 4 cups of broth. Keep in mind that the texture will be a bit different, but it’s still delicious.

Can I make this with frozen chicken?

You can use frozen chicken for this recipe, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Set the Instant Pot to 25 minutes on high pressure, and make sure the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). The rice may need a few extra minutes as well.

Can I add other seasonings to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can play around with different herbs and spices. Thyme, oregano, or paprika would all make great additions. You could also add a bit of garlic powder or onion powder to the mix for extra flavor.

Related Recipes You Might Love

If you loved this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out these other chicken and rice dishes:

• One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice – A creamy, comforting version of chicken and rice made all in one pan.
• Smothered Chicken and Rice – This creamy, flavorful chicken and rice dish is perfect for a cozy dinner.
• Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls – A tasty chicken and rice bowl with a sweet and savory glaze.

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