Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
This Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. It is warm, creamy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups chicken breast diced
- 1 ½ cups long grain rice rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese optional but tasty
Instructions
Sauté the aromatics
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select sauté mode. Add olive oil and let it heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and light golden. Then add garlic and stir for a few seconds until fragrant. This step builds the base flavor for your Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe.
Cook the chicken
- Add diced chicken pieces into the pot. Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir well so chicken is coated with spices. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is slightly browned. It does not need to be fully cooked yet. This step adds deep flavor to the dish.
Add rice and broth
- Now add rinsed rice into the pot. Stir gently so it mixes with chicken and spices. Pour in chicken broth and mix everything once. Make sure rice is evenly spread. This is important for even cooking in your Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe.
Pressure cook
- Close the lid and set valve to sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will build pressure and cook everything together. This step makes the rice soft and the chicken juicy.
Release pressure
- After cooking is done, wait for 5 minutes natural release. Then carefully do a quick release for remaining pressure. Open the lid slowly. You will see soft rice and tender chicken inside.
Add creaminess
- Turn on sauté mode again. Add milk or cream and stir gently. Then add frozen peas and carrots. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes. The mixture will become thick and creamy. This is what makes the Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe so special.
Finish with cheese
- Add parmesan cheese if you like extra richness. Stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Your dish is now ready to serve warm.
Notes
- Always rinse rice to avoid stickiness.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier texture.
- Add mushrooms for earthy flavor.
- Replace cream with coconut milk for a lighter version.
- Do not overcook after pressure cooking.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Add chili flakes if you like spice.