Creamy, Cheesy & Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: Your Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

Discover the magic of Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – an incredibly easy dinner that brings together a deliciously creamy and cheesy texture with tender, flavorful chunks of chicken. This ultimate comfort food is a perfect weeknight meal you can get on the table in minutes, making busy evenings stress-free and delicious!

There’s something truly special about a homemade chicken and rice dish. Growing up, my mom’s baked version was a consistent family favorite, a classic comfort food that always hit the spot. That beloved recipe evolved into my popular Stovetop Creamy Chicken and Rice. However, with today’s fast-paced lifestyle, we often need dinner on the table even faster. Enter the Instant Pot!

This Instant Pot adaptation takes all the creamy, savory goodness of the original – without relying on canned cream soups – and dramatically slashes the cooking time. It’s the perfect solution for those hectic evenings when you crave a hearty, homemade meal but have very little time to spare. The pressure cooker locks in flavor and moisture, resulting in chicken that’s unbelievably tender and rice that’s perfectly cooked and infused with rich taste. It’s truly a one-pot wonder that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort.

Why This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe Will Be Your New Go-To

This recipe isn’t just about speed; it’s about delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for families and individuals alike. Here’s why you’ll love adding this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice to your regular meal rotation:

• Unbeatable Speed: From the initial sauté to the final natural pressure release, this entire meal is ready in approximately 30-35 minutes. This incredible efficiency means you can have a wholesome, homemade dinner on the table even on the busiest of weeknights.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Rich, creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, this dish delivers all the nostalgic warmth of classic chicken and rice, elevated by the convenience of modern cooking. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a comforting hug in a bowl.
• Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You won’t find any obscure ingredients here. This recipe utilizes common pantry staples and fresh components, ensuring easy preparation and a natural, homemade taste. It’s a clean and hearty option without relying on processed ingredients.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything, from sautéing the aromatics to pressure cooking the chicken and rice, happens in a single pot. This significantly cuts down on dishes, making cleanup a breeze and giving you more time to relax after dinner.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: This dish is a proven crowd-pleaser for all ages. The tender chicken, creamy rice, and mild flavors are appealing even to picky eaters, making it a reliable choice for family dinners.
• Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with lean protein from the chicken, essential vitamins from the vegetables (onions, carrots, peas), and complex carbohydrates from the rice, it’s a well-rounded meal you can feel good about serving to your loved ones.

Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards a delicious meal. This recipe uses straightforward items that combine beautifully to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish.

• Olive Oil & Butter: The synergy of olive oil and butter creates a rich, flavorful base for sautéing the vegetables and chicken, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
• Aromatics (Garlic & Onion): Finely diced onion and minced garlic are crucial for building the foundational flavors. They release their sweet and pungent notes as they sauté, infusing the entire dish with irresistible aroma and taste.
• Chicken: One pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, ensures even cooking and tender results. For an even more succulent and flavorful experience, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute – their slightly higher fat content adds extra moisture.
• Carrot: Chopped carrots add a touch of natural sweetness, a vibrant pop of color, and extra vitamins, contributing to a more wholesome meal.
• Long Grain White Rice: The cornerstone of this dish, long grain white rice is preferred for its ability to absorb flavors and cook to a perfect, fluffy texture under pressure without becoming mushy. Rinsing it before use can help prevent stickiness.
• Chicken Broth: Crucial for cooking the rice and infusing the entire dish with a rich, savory essence. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to maintain control over the saltiness of the final product.
• Parmesan Cheese: Stirred in at the very end, freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts into the hot rice, creating an incredibly creamy texture and imparting a delightful salty, umami flavor that makes this dish truly special.
• Frozen Peas: A convenient addition, frozen peas add a burst of fresh flavor, vibrant green color, and extra nutrients. They cook perfectly from frozen using the residual heat of the dish.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic yet essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors in the recipe. Always taste and adjust to your preference.

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

Making this creamy chicken and rice in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect meal every time:

1. Prepare the Instant Pot for Sauté: Begin by turning your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting (ensure it’s on “Normal” or “Medium”). Allow it a few minutes to heat up thoroughly until the display indicates “Hot.” Add the olive oil and butter to the inner pot, letting the butter melt completely. This combination creates a rich and aromatic fat base for the initial cooking.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Carrots: Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrots to the hot pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant. This crucial step develops a foundational layer of flavor for the entire dish.
3. Brown the Chicken: Next, add the bite-sized chicken pieces, which you’ve seasoned generously with salt and pepper, to the pot. Brown the chicken for just a minute or two, stirring to get a light sear on all sides. The goal here is not to cook the chicken through, but to develop some rich, browned bits that contribute significantly to the dish’s depth of flavor.
4. Deglaze and Add Rice & Broth: Pour in the rinsed long grain white rice and the chicken broth. Immediately use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits that may be stuck to the bottom of the pot. This vital step is called deglazing and is important to prevent a “burn” notice from your Instant Pot. Mix everything gently until well combined, ensuring the rice is mostly submerged in the liquid. Do not stir too vigorously after adding the rice, as this can release excess starch.
5. Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making absolutely sure that the sealing vent is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting, set it to “High Pressure,” and cook for 7 minutes. The pot will take some time to come to pressure before the 7-minute countdown begins.
6. Natural Release, Then Quick Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes. This crucial 5-minute natural pressure release helps the rice finish cooking evenly and prevents it from being mushy, while also ensuring the chicken remains incredibly juicy. After 5 minutes, carefully move the sealing vent to the “Venting” position to perform a quick release, allowing any remaining pressure to escape before unlocking and removing the lid.
7. Stir in Finishing Touches: Gently stir in the frozen peas and the grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat from the dish will be more than enough to perfectly thaw the peas and melt the cheese into a luscious, creamy consistency, coating every grain of rice and piece of chicken.
8. Rest for Creaminess: For an even creamier result, place the lid back on the Instant Pot (without turning on any heat) for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the peas to fully thaw and the cheese to finish incorporating, creating a wonderfully cohesive and rich texture.
9. Garnish and Serve: Serve your Instant Pot Chicken and Rice hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous aroma. Enjoy your quick, delicious, and homemade meal!

Delicious Recipe Variations to Try

One of the best things about this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is its incredible versatility. It serves as an excellent base for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your specific tastes, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative with these fantastic variations:

• Add More Vegetables: If peas aren’t your preference, or you simply want to boost the vegetable content, the possibilities are vast:
  • Mushrooms: Sliced fresh mushrooms can be added when you brown the chicken. They will cook down beautifully and absorb all the savory flavors, adding an earthy depth.
  • Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) can be added along with the onions and carrots. They will soften and contribute a sweet, vibrant flavor and appealing color.
  • Broccoli: Steam fresh or frozen broccoli florets separately until tender-crisp. Stir them into the Instant Pot after you unlock the lid. This is particularly delicious if you’re swapping Parmesan for a milder cheese like cheddar.
  • Spinach or Kale: For a quick nutrient boost, stir a few handfuls of fresh baby spinach or finely chopped kale into the hot rice at the very end; the residual heat will quickly wilt it.
  • Corn: Frozen corn kernels can be added along with the peas for an extra touch of sweetness and color.
• Chicken Alternatives: While the recipe calls for chicken breasts, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute. They tend to be more forgiving and remain incredibly juicy and flavorful under pressure due to their higher fat content. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces, and the cooking time remains the same. For more Instant Pot chicken thigh inspiration, check out this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe. You could also use rotisserie chicken, shredded and stirred in at the very end (skip the browning step).
• Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with different types of cheese to change the flavor profile. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a blend of Italian cheeses can offer distinct and equally delicious results.
• Herb & Spice Boost: Enhance the aromatic profile with additional herbs and spices. Consider adding dried Italian seasoning, a pinch of smoked paprika for depth, or a bay leaf (remember to remove it before serving) along with the broth. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also be lovely additions during the sautéing stage. A dash of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle kick.
• Extra Creaminess: For an even richer, more indulgent dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream, a tablespoon or two of cream cheese, or a dollop of sour cream along with the Parmesan and peas. This will create an extra luxurious texture.
• Rice Options: While long grain white rice is recommended, you can experiment with other types. Be aware that cooking times and liquid ratios will need to be adjusted for brown rice or different varieties to achieve optimal results.

Perfect Pairings: What To Serve With Instant Pot Chicken & Rice

This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, offering a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. However, sometimes a little something extra can truly elevate the dining experience and add more texture or freshness. Here are some fantastic side dishes that complement its rich, creamy flavors beautifully:

• Simple Tossed Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing and zesty contrast to the creamy main dish, cutting through its richness.
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts, especially in an air fryer, yields wonderfully crispy edges and a tender interior, providing a delightful textural contrast and earthy flavor that pairs well.
• Roasted Asparagus: Tender-crisp roasted asparagus spears add a touch of elegance, a subtle bitterness, and a hint of freshness that complements the savory chicken and rice.
• Italian Cheese Pull Apart Bread: This cheesy, garlicky bread is the ultimate accompaniment for soaking up any extra creamy sauce from the Instant Pot chicken and rice. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
• Steamed Green Beans: Simple, quick, and vibrantly green, steamed green beans offer a mild flavor and pleasant crunch, adding more healthy vegetables to your plate without overpowering the main course.
• Garlic Bread: A timeless classic, warm and buttery garlic bread is always a welcome addition, providing another delicious option for enjoying every last drop of the creamy sauce.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is so incredibly good, you might not have any leftovers! But if you do, rest assured that they are fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying later. Proper storage ensures your meal stays delicious and safe to eat.

• Refrigeration: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator as soon as they have cooled down to room temperature (within 2 hours of cooking). They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. This makes for a super quick and satisfying lunch the next day, perfect for packing.
• Reheating: To reheat individual portions, simply place them in a microwave-safe dish and microwave until hot, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If the rice seems a bit dry or thick after chilling, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating to restore its creamy texture. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding liquid as needed.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for future meals! Once the chicken and rice has cooled completely, transfer it to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. For ultimate convenience, freeze in individual portions. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thawing & Reheating from Frozen: To enjoy from frozen, it’s best to thaw the container overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little liquid (broth or water) if needed to bring back its creaminess. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen in the microwave, using shorter intervals and stirring frequently until heated through.

Expert Tips for the Best Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

While this recipe is incredibly easy, a few simple tips can elevate your Instant Pot Chicken and Rice from great to absolutely exceptional. Follow these pointers for perfectly tender chicken, fluffy rice, and maximum flavor every single time:

• Don’t Skip the Sautéing Steps: The initial sauté of the aromatics (onion, garlic, carrots) and browning of the chicken pieces are crucial. This process builds layers of deep flavor through caramelization that you simply won’t achieve by dumping all ingredients into the pot at once. It’s a non-negotiable step for a truly flavorful dish.
• Deglaze Properly: After browning the chicken and adding the chicken broth, take a moment to thoroughly scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot’s inner liner using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. These bits are packed with flavor, and removing them prevents the dreaded “Burn” message, ensuring a smooth cooking process.
• Use the Correct Rice: This recipe is specifically developed for long grain white rice. Its starch content and cooking characteristics are ideal for pressure cooking, resulting in distinct, fluffy grains. Avoid substituting with short-grain, arborio, or brown rice without significant adjustments to liquid ratios and cooking times, as these can lead to gummy or undercooked results.
• Accurate Liquid Ratio: The ratio of 1.5 cups of rice to 3 cups of chicken broth is precisely calibrated for Instant Pot success with long grain white rice. Altering this ratio too much can drastically affect the texture of your rice, making it either too wet and mushy or too dry and crunchy.
• Respect the Natural Release Time: The 5-minute natural pressure release (NPR) is not optional; it’s a critical step. This gradual release of pressure allows the rice to finish cooking gently, steam properly, and prevents the grains from bursting, resulting in a perfectly fluffy and evenly cooked texture. Rushing this step with a full quick release can lead to less desirable results.
• Season Thoughtfully: While salt and pepper are included, always taste and adjust the seasonings after the dish is cooked. Since chicken broths vary in sodium content, you might find a little extra salt or a crack of fresh pepper is needed to bring out the best flavors. A pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can also be stirred in for an extra aromatic touch.
• Garnish for Freshness: A final sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also introduces a bright, fresh flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy richness of the dish. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making Instant Pot Chicken and Rice:

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? This recipe is specifically designed for long grain white rice due to its cooking time and liquid requirements in the Instant Pot. Brown rice requires a different cooking time (typically longer, around 20-25 minutes) and often a slightly different liquid ratio. If you wish to use brown rice, you will need to adapt the recipe significantly, usually with a longer cooking time and a 10-minute natural release.
• What if my chicken is not cooked through? If your chicken pieces are particularly large or irregularly cut, they might not cook through completely in 7 minutes. Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces before cooking. If it’s still undercooked, you can set the Instant Pot to sauté for a few minutes with the lid off, stirring constantly, until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Why did I get a “Burn” error on my Instant Pot? The most common reason for a “Burn” error is that food (especially browned bits from sautéing) is stuck to the bottom of the inner pot. It’s crucial to properly deglaze the pot after sautéing the chicken and vegetables by scraping all those delicious browned bits off the bottom before adding the rice and broth and starting the pressure cooking cycle.
• Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Omit the butter (use an equivalent amount of olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative) and skip the Parmesan cheese. For a similar creamy texture, you could stir in a splash of full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative at the end. Nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy, umami flavor if desired.
• Do I need to rinse the rice? While optional, rinsing long grain white rice thoroughly before adding it to the Instant Pot can help remove excess starch, leading to fluffier, less sticky rice. Simply rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.

More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes

If you loved this quick, creamy, and delicious Instant Pot chicken and rice, you’re sure to find more family favorites and convenient meal ideas among these other easy chicken dinner recipes:

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap
• Easy Chicken Tenders
• Orange Glazed Chicken
• Chicken Caesar Salad
• French Onion Chicken
• Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
• Margarita Grilled Chicken
• Fiesta Lime Chicken

5 from 2 votes

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

By Erin Sellin

This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe delivers a deliciously creamy and cheesy dinner, featuring tender, flavorful chicken chunks. It’s a fantastic, easy weeknight meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy schedules!

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Additional Time: 10 minutes mins

Total: 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

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Ingredients 

• ▢ 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 1 Tablespoon butter
• ▢ 1 small onion, finely diced
• ▢ 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ▢ 2 small carrots, chopped
• ▢ 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ▢ 2 teaspoons salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
• ▢ 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• ▢ 1/2 cup frozen peas
• ▢ 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions 

• Turn the Instant Pot to the Sautee sending, and let it get hot. add the oil and butter to melt.
• Add onion, garlic, and carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
• Next add in the cubes of chicken that are seasoned with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken for a minute or two.
• Pour in the rice and chicken broth, and mix until everything is well combined.
• Close the lid and make sure the vent is closed. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 7 minutes.
• Let the pressure cooker naturally release for 5 minutes before using the quick release to unlock.
• Stir in the frozen peas and Parmesan cheese and mix everything together.
• Place the lid back on for about 5 minutes to set the peas thaw.
• Garnish with fresh parsley to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 437kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 1474mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 437

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