If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free meal, this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Combining tender chicken pieces, fluffy rice, vibrant veggies, and a medley of spices, this dish comes together effortlessly in your Instant Pot, making weeknight dinners or busy day meals incredibly satisfying without the stress. The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way all the ingredients harmonize to create a cozy dinner that warms both heart and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding depth, texture, or a pop of color. The beauty is in how simple and accessible everything is, yet each element perfectly complements the others to make a wholesome and delicious dish.
- Olive oil: Creates a flavorful base for sautéing the aromatics and chicken, adding a subtle richness.
- Small onion (diced): Provides sweetness and a tender bite that melts into the rice.
- Garlic (minced): Offers a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Tender and protein-packed, these bite-sized pieces cook perfectly in the Instant Pot.
- Long-grain white rice (rinsed): Absorbs all the savory broth and spices for that fluffy, separate grain texture.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses the dish with savory notes without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Frozen peas and carrots: Adds bright color, natural sweetness, and a pop of vegetable goodness.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
- Dried thyme: Delivers a warm, herbaceous undertone that ties the dish together.
- Paprika: Lends a hint of smoky sweetness and gorgeous color.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A burst of freshness and a lovely final touch.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and chicken
Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heating the olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it becomes tender and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and let it cook just for 30 seconds — you want that fragrance to fill your kitchen without burning it. Next, add your chicken pieces and sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly browned. This step locks in flavor and textures, setting the stage for the rest of the recipe. Once done, turn off the Sauté mode.
Step 2: Combine the rice and seasoning
Rinse your long-grain white rice to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming gummy. Add the rice directly to the Instant Pot over the sautéed chicken and aromatics. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then add the frozen peas and carrots for a pop of color and sweetness. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika, then stir everything gently to combine the ingredients evenly without stirring too vigorously.
Step 3: Pressure cook to perfection
Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to Sealing. Select Manual or Pressure Cook mode and set the timer for 10 minutes. When time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes — this helps the rice finish cooking gently. After that, carefully perform a quick release to let out the remaining pressure. Open the lid and fluff the rice and chicken mixture with a fork to separate the grains and blend all the flavors.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Let the dish rest a few minutes for the flavors to settle and the rice to become perfectly tender. Before serving, scatter the chopped fresh parsley on top to add brightness and a lovely visual contrast. Now your Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a classic way to finish this dish, adding a fresh herby note and a burst of color. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a scattering of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost that balances the savory components deliciously.
Side Dishes
Though this recipe is a one-pot meal, pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables can make the dinner feel even more well-rounded and nutritious. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette provide lovely contrasts that won’t overshadow the rich flavors of the chicken and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken and rice in shallow bowls for a casual family-style meal or plate it elegantly on warm, colorful dishes with garnished herbs arranged artfully. For a cozy dinner, scoop it into warm pita pockets or stuff roasted bell peppers for a fun twist that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice absorbs more flavor overnight, making leftovers even tastier. Just be sure to keep it chilled promptly to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers. It should last well for up to 2 months. When freezing, let the dish cool completely before sealing to avoid excess moisture, which could affect texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist. Stir occasionally for even heating. A quick reheat brings back that fresh-from-the-pot warmth and flavor you loved the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can! Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook, so increase the broth to 2 cups and set the pressure cooker for 22 minutes with a full natural pressure release for the best results.
Is it okay to use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken breasts can be used and will cook well in this recipe. They may be slightly leaner and less juicy than thighs, but the pressure cooking helps keep them tender and flavorful.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Definitely feel free to customize! You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn. Just be mindful of cooking times—freeze vegetables like peas and carrots work best mixed in from the start, while fresh veggies might require sautéing first for optimal texture.
What can I do if my rice turns out mushy?
If your rice is mushy, it might be due to too much liquid or overcooking. Rinsing the rice before cooking helps prevent this. Next time, adjust the liquid slightly or reduce the pressure cooking time by a minute or two.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but if you want to add creaminess after cooking, skip the butter or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or olive oil instead.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about a meal that comes together quickly, tastes incredible, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe ticks all those boxes and more. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or whenever you want a cozy, nourishing meal with minimal effort. Once you taste it, I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.
