If you’re looking for a quick, comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect solution. Made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, savory broth, and simple seasonings, this one-pot meal delivers hearty flavor with minimal effort. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy to cook everything together, allowing the rice to soak up the delicious juices from the chicken while keeping the meat moist and tender.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a wholesome homemade meal on the table in no time.
Another reason this recipe is so popular is its versatility. You can easily add vegetables like peas, carrots, broccoli, or mushrooms to make it a complete meal in one pot. It also works great with either chicken breasts or chicken thighs, allowing you to customize the flavor and richness depending on your preference.
Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or already love using your Instant Pot, this easy chicken and rice recipe is a reliable go-to meal that delivers comfort, flavor, and convenience all in one bowl. It’s the kind of simple, cozy recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Print
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory seasonings into a hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. The Instant Pot locks in moisture and flavor, allowing the chicken to cook perfectly while the rice absorbs delicious broth and spices. It’s simple, satisfying, and easy to customize with vegetables or different herbs.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil or butter, then cook diced onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add Chicken and Seasoning
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and sprinkle with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken with the seasonings.
Add Rice and Broth
Pour in the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Stir gently and scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
Pressure Cook
Close the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
Natural Release
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release.
Add Vegetables
Stir in frozen peas and carrots. Let them sit in the hot rice for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
Finish and Serve
Fluff the rice with a fork. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Cooking Tips
Rinse the Rice
Rinsing removes excess starch and helps keep the rice fluffy instead of sticky.
Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor
Boneless chicken thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor compared to chicken breast.
Deglaze the Pot
After sautéing, scrape the bottom of the pot well to avoid the Instant Pot burn warning.
Add Vegetables at the End
Adding frozen vegetables after cooking prevents them from becoming mushy.
Variations
Creamy Chicken and Rice
Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese or ½ cup heavy cream after cooking for a richer dish.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
Mexican Style
Add 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, and stir in black beans and corn.
Garlic Herb Version
Add rosemary, extra garlic, and finish with lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Chicken Broccoli Rice
Replace peas and carrots with steamed broccoli florets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
