Instant Pot Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Instant Pot Chicken Rice is a comforting and creamy one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts cook alongside flavorful rice and vegetables, creating a satisfying dish with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pieces boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt the butter and cook the chopped onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Step 3: Stir in the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent the burn notice.
4. Step 4: Close the lid securely and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for exactly 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Perform a quick pressure release immediately after cooking. Carefully remove the lid once the pressure indicator drops.
6. Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas and carrots until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Tips & Variations

• Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Use fresh vegetables in place of frozen peas and carrots for added texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires longer cooking time and more liquid, so it’s not recommended to substitute directly in this recipe without adjusting the settings.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before pressure cooking?

Searing the chicken adds extra flavor and color, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. The dish will still be tasty.

Instant Pot Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 128 reviews

A creamy and comforting Instant Pot Chicken Rice dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts, fluffy long-grain white rice, flavorful chicken broth, and a medley of peas and carrots, all brought together with a touch of heavy cream for a rich finish. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 3–4 pieces boneless chicken breasts

Grains

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

Liquids and Dairy

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables

• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

Others

• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt the butter, then add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly translucent.
2. Sear Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the pot and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown, which helps to lock in flavor.
3. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits to prevent getting a burn warning during pressure cooking.
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for exactly 10 minutes for perfectly cooked chicken and rice.
5. Quick Release: Perform a quick pressure release immediately once the cooking time is up. Carefully remove the lid when the pressure indicator shows it is safe to do so.
6. Finish Dish: Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas and carrots until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm for a creamy, comforting meal.

Notes

• Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps keep the rice from becoming gummy.
• Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish better.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the dish may be less creamy.
• Frozen peas and carrots can be substituted with fresh vegetables if preferred, added after cooking.
• Ensure to scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot after sautéing and adding ingredients to avoid the burn warning during pressure cooking.

Keywords: Instant Pot chicken recipe, chicken and rice, creamy chicken rice, one pot meal, easy dinner, pressure cooker chicken, comfort food