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)
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