Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
If you love a hearty, soul-warming meal that comes together with almost suspicious ease, Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is about to become your weeknight hero. With juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful veggies all snuggled together in one pot, this recipe feels like a cozy hug in a bowl—plus, it’s ready in thirty minutes flat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a hands-off dinner that tastes like you spent all afternoon over the stove, Instant Pot Chicken and Rice delivers comfort and convenience in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the nicest things about Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is its simplicity—you probably have most of the ingredients already! Each element brings something special, ensuring layers of flavor, perfect texture, and appealing color in every spoonful.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs diced for quick, even cooking and juicy results every time.
- Olive Oil: Adds just enough richness and helps brown the chicken for a deeper flavor base.
- Long-Grain Rice: Rinsed so each grain stays fluffy rather than sticky or mushy as it cooks.
- Chicken Broth: The key to giving your rice savory depth and infusing every bite with chickeny goodness.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Toss in straight from the freezer for color, texture, and a veggie boost—no chopping required!
- Garlic Powder: Lends a gentle garlicky warmth without any mincing fuss.
- Onion Powder: Adds sweet, savory complexity and rounds out the flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste so all the other flavors shine—don’t skip it!
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
With the Instant Pot set to sauté, drizzle in olive oil and add your diced chicken pieces. Let them cook until they’re lightly golden on the outside. This quick sear locks in the juices and creates the first layer of flavor that turns a basic dish into something extra comforting.
Step 2: Add Rice, Vegetables, Broth, and Seasonings
Once your chicken is browned, toss in the rinsed long-grain rice, straight-from-the-freezer mixed veggies, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and a solid pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together so the seasonings distribute evenly, which ensures maximum flavor in every bite of your Instant Pot Chicken and Rice.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. As the pot does its magic, the chicken finishes cooking to tender perfection and the rice absorbs all those savory, rich flavors.
Step 4: Natural Release, Then Quick Release
Let the Instant Pot sit for 10 minutes after the timer goes off, allowing the pressure to release naturally. This step keeps the chicken tender and the rice fluffy. Then, carefully switch to quick release for any remaining steam before opening the lid.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Grab a spoon and give everything a gentle stir, fluffing the rice and folding those veggies and chicken pieces through. Your Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is piping hot and ready for the table—dig in while it’s fresh and fragrant!
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that really lifts the whole dish. For a touch of zest, a squeeze of lemon over the top is surprisingly good, or try a light dusting of parmesan if you want something extra cozy.
Side Dishes
While Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, simple steamed broccoli, or warm crusty bread for scooping. These sides make the meal feel even more abundant and inviting, perfect for a family feast or casual get-together.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn it into a rice bowl bar by offering toppings like diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, or hot sauce and letting everyone personalize their plate. For a fun twist, pack leftovers into meal prep containers over baby spinach—by lunchtime, you’ll have a delicious Instant Pot Chicken and Rice salad ready to go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Instant Pot Chicken and Rice into airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. It keeps perfectly for up to 4 days and makes a satisfying grab-and-go lunch or simple heat-and-eat dinner later in the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay bags flat for efficient stacking and quick thawing. When properly stored, your chicken and rice stays fresh for up to 3 months—just be sure to label with the date so you can keep track.
Reheating
Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the rice and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until everything is hot and evenly heated through—the flavors often get even better the next day!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice in Instant Pot Chicken and Rice?
You can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and add a bit more broth since brown rice takes longer to cook. Keep in mind the chicken may turn out even more tender, but the veggies will be softer.
What vegetables work best for this dish?
Frozen mixed vegetables are the easiest and don’t require extra prep, but you can swap in diced bell peppers, peas, corn, or even spinach—anything you have on hand! Just keep pieces small for even cooking.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking or burning?
Make sure you scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot after sautéing the chicken, and use enough broth to keep the rice moist while cooking. A quick stir before sealing also helps everything cook evenly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, Instant Pot Chicken and Rice can easily be doubled if your Instant Pot has enough capacity. Don’t fill past the max line and note that coming to pressure may take a bit longer, but cook time stays the same.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Absolutely! Just be sure your chicken broth is certified gluten free and that your mixed veggies haven’t been processed with any gluten-containing additives. The recipe as written is perfect for gluten free families.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar with minimal fuss—just real, honest comfort food packed with flavor and love. Whether it’s your first time trying it or it’s becoming a weeknight staple, I hope this dish brings as much ease and joy to your table as it has to mine. Give it a try and let your Instant Pot work magic in your kitchen!
