Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Instant Pot Poultry Recipes Instant Pot Poultry

By Kristen Chidsey

5 from 14 votes

Aug 16, 2023

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Get dinner on the table fast with this delicious recipe for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice! This all-in-one Instant Pot dinner recipe features tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables, all flavored to perfection!

Looking for more easy Instant Pot meals? Don't miss Instant Pot Hamburger Helper, Instant Pot Spaghetti, Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff, Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole, and Instant Pot Shrimp Boil.

Bowl of Instant Pot Chicken and rice plated in cream bowl with garlic cloves in the background.

Reasons to Love Instant Pot Chicken & Rice

One-Pot Meal. This recipe for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a complete meal all in one! Rice, chicken, and vegetables all cook together perfectly in the Instant Pot to deliver a wholesome meal with minimal clean-up!
Fast. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice comes together in 30 minutes, making it the perfect meal for any night of the week. Even busy weeknights!
Affordable. The most expensive ingredient in this recipe is chicken. But because the dish is bulked up with inexpensive ingredients, like rice, carrots, and peas, you can feed a large family without breaking the bank.
Picky-Eater Approved. The flavors and vegetables in Instant Pot chicken and rice are both familiar and comforting. But if you have really picky eaters, omit the carrots and/or peas!

Notes On Ingredients

Ingredients for chicken and rice labeled on counter.

Chicken: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice. And while the recipe calls for a full pound of chicken, you can cut that amount in half and still have a delicious, hearty meal while reducing the cost per serving.
Butter/Oil: I use both butter and oil to make this recipe. The butter will add richness to the dish, and the olive oil will help prevent it from burning.
Rice: As much as I love whole grains and Instant Pot Brown Rice, this is one recipe in which it is crucial to use long-grain white rice or jasmine rice. Do NOT use brown rice. The chicken would be overcooked and become dried out in the time it takes brown rice to cook.
White Wine: Adding a bit of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, adds incredible depth of flavor to this simple recipe. However, if you don't care to cook with alcohol, replace the wine with additional chicken broth.
Chicken Stock/Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium store-bought or homemade chicken broth to control the sodium in this recipe. This is a great time to use Instant Pot Chicken Stock if you have it on hand.
Vegetables: This recipe for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice calls for adding onions, carrots, and peas. You certainly can omit one or all three of the vegetables to accommodate your family's palates.
Cheese: To give this chicken and rice additional flavor, I love to finish it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For a cheesy version of Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, add up to 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken & Rice

Season the Chicken Well. The trick to making flavorful one-pot meals is to season every layer. Start this recipe by liberally sprinkling the diced chicken with kosher salt and pepper.

Diced chicken on cutting board seasoned with salt and pepper.

Sauté the Chicken. To develop the flavor in this recipe and ensure the chicken and carrots fully cook through, I recommend sautéing the chicken with the onions and carrots until the chicken is browned and the onions have softened.
Sauté the Onion and Thyme. Another secret to developing flavor in this chicken and rice recipe is to lightly toast the garlic and thyme leaves. To do this, add in the minced garlic and dried thyme leaves after the chicken has browned, and sauté for just 30-60 seconds. This will help develop the flavors of the garlic and thyme while preventing the herbs from burning.

Side by side photos of instant pot before and after sauteed with chicken and vegetables.

Deglaze with Wine. Any time you sauté anything using the Instant Pot, you must deglaze the inner pot to prevent a burn notice. I love using dry white wine, which adds a depth of flavor to this irresistibly good recipe.

Sauteed chicken with carrots and onions in inner pot deglazed with white wine.

Rinse the Rice before adding to the pressure cooker. When pressure-cooking rice, it is crucial to rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer to ensure it cooks properly. Once you add the rinsed rice to the inner pot, gently push it down with a spoon to fully submerge it in the liquid.

Sauteed chicken and carrots in inner pot with broth.

Pressure Cook with Natural Pressure Release. Once the cooking time has elapsed, let the pressure release naturally (leave the Instant Pot alone) for at least 10 minutes. That time will ensure your rice turns out fluffy and fully cooked, and keep the chicken juicy and tender.
Finish with Flavor. At this point, you can serve the Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, but to take the flavor up a bit, add frozen peas and cheese. The peas will add color and a bright flavor, and the cheese will add a nice, rich finish.
Fluff with a Fork. Fluff the rice with a fork, as you gently stir in the peas and cheese. It is always best to use a fork, not a spoon, to fluff rice, keeping the texture intact.

Side by side picture of instant pot before and after fluffing rice with parmesan and peas.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Chicken and Rice? Use the following suggestions to refrigerate or freeze the leftovers for later enjoyment.

To Refrigerate: Allow the chicken and rice to cool slightly and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Allow the chicken and rice to cool fully. Transfer the cooled mixture to a freezer-safe airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat: If needed, allow the chicken and rice to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Transfer the mixture to a heat-safe container and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, fluffing with a fork after each minute. If the rice is dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth before reheating.

More Delicious Instant Pot Meals

With all-in-one Instant Pot dinner recipes like this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, dinner doesn't have to be complicated! Bookmark this and the following recipe to get dinner on the table with minimal effort.

Did you make this recipe?

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5 from 14 votes (6 ratings without comment)