This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate easy, cozy, and family-friendly meal! Everything cooks together in one pot, giving you tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly seasoned rice—without all the extra dishes. It’s a weeknight lifesaver when you need dinner fast but still want something hearty and homemade.
Contents
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👉 Ingredients
For the Chicken & Seasoning:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
For the Rice & Veggies:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots (or frozen mixed vegetables)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional, stirred in at the end)
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Grated Parmesan or shredded cheese (optional)
👉 Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
- Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add the olive oil or butter.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until lightly browned (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots to the pot. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add the Rice & Broth
- Stir in the rice and let it toast for about 30 seconds to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom (to avoid a burn warning!).
- Return the chicken to the pot, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
- Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
- Cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes.
- Once done, let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Stir & Serve
- Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Stir in the frozen peas (if using) and let them warm up for a minute.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
⭐ What Sides Go Well with This Dish?
- Steamed Broccoli – A simple, healthy side to balance out the meal.
- Side Salad – A quick green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Garlic Bread – Because carbs on carbs is always a good idea!
🔄 Time-Saving Tips
- Use pre-chopped frozen onions and carrots to cut down on prep time.
- Skip the sautéing step and use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, adding it after pressure cooking.
- Use microwavable frozen rice for an even faster version—just mix it in at the end!
🧒 Kid-Friendly Tweaks
- Skip the peas and carrots if your little ones aren’t veggie fans.
- Add a little shredded cheese on top for extra creaminess.
- Serve with a side of buttered bread for picky eaters.
🔄 Ingredient Swaps
- No chicken thighs? Chicken breasts work, but thighs stay juicier.
- No white rice? Brown rice works, but increase the cooking time to 20 minutes and use 2 cups broth.
- No chicken broth? Use water and add a bouillon cube for extra flavor.
This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is the definition of easy comfort food—hearty, delicious, and made in just one pot! Perfect for busy nights when you need a no-fuss meal. Try it out and let me know if your family loves it as much as mine does! 🍽️💛
