Quick & Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: Your Ultimate One-Pot Weeknight Meal

Why This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe Works So Well

This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a testament to convenience meeting culinary excellence. Its brilliance lies in its sheer simplicity and the incredible efficiency of the Instant Pot. For those demanding busy weeknights when time is a luxury, this meal stands out as an awesome one-pot solution. Forget spending hours slaving away in the kitchen for a homemade dinner – this recipe boils down to three simple actions: toss, sauté, and cook.

The combination of chicken and rice is a timeless classic, forming the backbone of countless beloved dishes worldwide. From the creamy goodness of chicken broccoli rice casserole to the quick and flavorful chicken fried rice, these two ingredients are culinary soulmates. What sets this Instant Pot version apart is the power of pressure cooking. By utilizing the Instant Pot, we elevate this classic pairing to a whole new level of convenience and flavor saturation. The sealed environment of the pressure cooker ensures that every bit of moisture and aromatic essence is locked in, resulting in incredibly tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth and perfectly fluffy, separate rice grains.

Beyond its delicious taste, this recipe offers practical benefits. The one-pot nature significantly cuts down on cleanup time, a huge bonus after a long day. It’s also a balanced meal, providing lean protein from the chicken, essential carbohydrates from the rice, and a healthy dose of vitamins from the vegetables. This makes it an ideal choice for families looking for nutritious yet fuss-free dinner options. The quick cooking time doesn’t compromise on quality or taste, making it a reliable staple for any home cook.

Essential Ingredients for Your One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards this delightful meal. While you can find all exact measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here’s a closer look at what makes this dish shine, along with some helpful tips:

CHICKEN – We typically use 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into 1-inch pieces. Cutting the chicken into smaller, uniform pieces is crucial as it ensures rapid and even cooking, allowing the chicken to become perfectly juicy and tender in just 5 minutes under high pressure. Using thawed chicken breast is highly recommended. Frozen chicken will drastically increase the cooking time, which can lead to overcooked, mushy vegetables and rice. If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, they also work wonderfully, offering a bit more richness and flavor, though you might need a minute or two more pressure cooking time depending on their thickness.

VEGETABLES – Our go-to combination for this dish includes a classic mirepoix of chopped onions, carrots, and celery, which forms a fragrant and flavorful base. These foundational vegetables perfectly complement the chicken and rice, just as they do in many other beloved chicken and rice recipes. To add a pop of color and sweetness, we incorporate frozen peas towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their vibrant green hue and slight crunch. Feel free to customize your vegetable medley! Diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even fresh spinach (stirred in at the end) are fantastic additions that can boost the nutritional content and personalize the flavor profile.

RICE – The type of rice you choose is critical for the success of this Instant Pot recipe. We highly recommend using long-grain white rice varieties like **Jasmine** or **Basmati** rice. These types of rice cook consistently under pressure and yield fluffy, distinct grains that don’t clump together. It is absolutely essential to avoid “instant rice” or any quick-cooking rice, as these varieties are designed for much shorter cooking times and will turn out mushy and overcooked in the Instant Pot. Always rinse your rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from sticking together.

SEASONINGS – A simple yet effective blend of Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper is all it takes to bring out the best in this dish. Italian herbs provide a wonderful aromatic depth, while salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of paprika, or dried thyme if you want to add your own signature twist.

LIQUID – Chicken stock is our liquid of choice for this recipe, as it imbues the entire dish with a rich, savory flavor that water simply cannot replicate. Using a good quality chicken stock contributes significantly to the overall deliciousness. You can opt for low-sodium chicken stock if you’re mindful of salt intake, or use vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor profile, especially if accommodating dietary preferences.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this incredible one-pot meal. For a complete printable version of this recipe, including exact measurements and detailed instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.

1. Prepare the Instant Pot for Sautéing: Begin by turning your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode on normal heat. Once the pot is hot, add the olive oil and butter. Allow them to melt and fully coat the bottom of the Instant Pot insert. This creates a flavorful base for our vegetables and prevents sticking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Toss in your chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté these vegetables for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial for softening the vegetables and coaxing out their sweet, aromatic flavors, which will build a rich foundation for your chicken and rice.
3. Add Chicken and Seasonings: Introduce the 1-inch pieces of chicken breast to the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables. Give everything a quick stir to ensure the chicken is coated and the seasonings are well distributed. While we’re not aiming for a deep sear here, a brief sauté helps develop flavor.
   
4. Prepare and Add the Rice: Rinse the white rice (Jasmine or Basmati) thoroughly in a mesh colander under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step is essential to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky or mushy. Drain the rinsed rice well and add it to the Instant Pot. Stir for about 1 minute, allowing the rice grains to lightly toast and absorb any excess fat and flavors from the pot, further enhancing the dish’s depth.
   
5. Introduce the Liquid: Carefully pour in the chicken stock. Give the mixture a gentle stir, making sure no rice is stuck to the bottom of the pot. This is important to prevent a “burn” notice during pressure cooking. Scrape the bottom if necessary, but avoid excessive stirring after this point to keep the rice from clumping.
   
6. Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing vent is in the “Sealing” position. Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook”) on “High” pressure for 5 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release (NPR) for 5 minutes. This natural release time is crucial for perfectly tender chicken and rice, preventing the chicken from drying out and allowing the rice to fully absorb the liquid. After 5 minutes of NPR, quick-release the remaining pressure by carefully turning the sealing vent to “Venting.” Wait for the float valve to drop before opening the lid.
7. Finish with Freshness: Once the pressure has fully released and the lid is safely opened, add the frozen peas on top of the cooked chicken and rice. Stir gently to incorporate the peas. The residual heat from the dish will perfectly warm the peas, keeping them bright green and slightly crisp, rather than mushy.
   
8. Serve and Enjoy: Fluff the chicken and rice with a fork, and then serve immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for an added burst of color and herbaceous flavor.
   

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success

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Expert Tips for a Perfect Instant Pot Chicken and Rice:

• Rinse Your Rice Religiously: Don’t skip rinsing! It’s the secret to fluffy, non-sticky rice. The cold water washes away excess starch, which would otherwise make your rice gummy.
• Don’t Over-Stir the Rice: Once you’ve added the chicken stock, give it one gentle stir to combine and ensure no rice is sticking to the bottom. Over-stirring can activate too much starch, leading to a gluey texture.
• Natural Release is Key: The 5-minute natural pressure release (NPR) is vital. It allows the pressure to drop gradually, which continues to cook the chicken and rice gently, ensuring they are both tender and perfectly cooked without being dry or mushy.
• Layering Matters: While this recipe is mixed, for other Instant Pot dishes, proper layering (liquids on bottom, delicate ingredients on top) can prevent burn notices and ensure even cooking. Here, ensuring a clean bottom after sautéing is key.
• Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste: Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end. You might prefer a bit more salt, pepper, or a pinch of garlic powder to personalize the flavor.
• Fresh Herbs for Finish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro at the end adds a burst of freshness and color that elevates the dish significantly.

Serving Suggestions for Your One-Pot Masterpiece

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a wonderfully complete meal all on its own, offering a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. However, you can easily enhance your dining experience with a few simple additions:

• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp tossed salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish.
• Warm Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread rolls, garlic bread, or cornbread to soak up all the delicious juices.
• Additional Toppings: Elevate the flavors with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, sliced green onions for a mild oniony crunch, or a generous handful of fresh parsley or cilantro. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the flavors beautifully.
• Creamy Additions: For an extra layer of richness, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can be stirred into individual servings.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a welcome kick.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is guaranteed to be a hit, offering warmth, comfort, and incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Explore More Instant Pot Delights

Once you’ve experienced the convenience and deliciousness of Instant Pot cooking, you’ll want to try more! Here are some other fantastic Instant Pot recipes to add to your repertoire:

• Instant Pot Cheesecake
• Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
• Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
• Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
• Instant Pot Pulled Pork
• Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
• Instant Pot Ribs

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