Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Whenever I think of comfort food, I can’t help but reminisce about my family dinners featuring Instant Pot Chicken and Rice. The rich aroma that fills the kitchen while it cooks brings back memories of cozy evenings spent around the table, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. This dish is not just food; it’s a vessel for love and warmth, a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. On busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe has become my go-to for a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and quick to prepare.
Recipe Snapshot
25 mins
10 mins
15 mins
Medium
380 kcal
30 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
10 g
Peeler, Instant Pot, Skillet, Wooden Spoon, Chef’s Knife
Why This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Is So Good
Quick and Easy
One of the best things about Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is how fast it comes together. The Instant Pot is a miracle worker, allowing us to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You can have everything ready in under an hour, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
Flavorful Ingredients
This recipe features a delightful combination of chicken, aromatic onion, and fragrant garlic. These ingredients work in harmony, infusing the rice with a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the addition of lemon juice adds a bright, zesty note that lifts the entire dish.
Customizable
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you want to throw in some extra vegetables like carrots or adjust the spices to suit your taste, the possibilities are endless. You can easily make this dish your own, which is why it holds a special place in my heart.
Nutritious and Satisfying
With the balance of protein from the chicken and the carbohydrates from the rice, this dish is filling and well-rounded. It’s an excellent option for families looking for something nutritious without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re a meal prep enthusiast like I am, Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a fantastic choice. You can prepare a large batch and store it in portions for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for your meal prep rotation.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
The ingredients for this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice are simple yet impactful. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a dish that is comforting and satisfying. The star of the show, the chicken, becomes tender and juicy under pressure, while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors, making every bite a delight.
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup white jasmine rice (or basmati), rinsed
- 4 dashes Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 medium carrots, peeled & sliced (optional)
Putting Together Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Making Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is straightforward and satisfying. You’ll see just how easy it is to create this comforting dish in a matter of minutes. Let’s dive into the process step by step.
- Before you start this recipe, please note that it was tested on an older Instant Pot model (circa 2018). Newer models often show burn warnings, so please keep that in mind when attempting this recipe.
- Season both sides of each piece of chicken with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Press the sauté button on your Instant Pot and add the olive oil and chopped onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor base.
- Now, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, rinsed rice, Italian seasoning, and butter to the pot. If you want to add carrots, toss them in at this point too.
- Make sure you leave the sauté button pressed so the pot heats up as you’re adding the ingredients.
- Once everything is added, give the ingredients in the Instant Pot a good stir, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
- Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the mixture. Do not stir them in; let them rest on top.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
- When the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. After that, quick release the remaining pressure by turning the valve.
- Give the rice a gentle stir before serving. The texture should be soft, creamy, and slightly sticky.
- If needed, season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Things Worth Knowing
- Scrape the bottom: Always ensure nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot before sealing. This prevents burn warnings.
- Natural release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
- Rinsing rice: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, leading to a better texture.
- Adjusting flavors: This recipe is a canvas; feel free to add more spices or herbs to fit your taste.
Tips for Success
Creating the perfect Instant Pot Chicken and Rice comes down to a few simple tips that make all the difference. Here’s how to ensure your dish turns out beautifully every time.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish in individual portions for easy meals later. Just thaw and reheat.
- Pairing: Serve with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Adjust seasoning: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving for maximum flavor.
- Cook time variations: If using larger pieces of chicken, increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Pairing Suggestions for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
When it comes to serving Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, there are plenty of delicious options to enhance your meal.
- Fresh salad: A crisp salad with a zesty dressing pairs wonderfully and adds a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrition and color.
- Garlic bread: If you’re feeling indulgent, some garlic bread on the side is a fantastic treat.
- Lunch or dinner: This dish works well for both lunch and dinner, making it a versatile option any day of the week.
- Meal prep: Consider preparing a big batch to enjoy throughout the week—just reheat and serve!
- Seasonal pairings: In spring, add a side of asparagus; in the fall, a warm roasted vegetable medley would complement it beautifully.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings family and friends together around the table. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- Peeler
- Instant Pot
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 4 breasts chicken
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup white jasmine rice rinsed
- 4 dashes Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 medium carrots peeled & sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Before you start this recipe, please note that it was tested on an older Instant Pot model (circa 2018). Newer models often show burn warnings, so please keep that in mind when attempting this recipe.
- Season both sides of each piece of chicken with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Press the sauté button on your Instant Pot and add the olive oil and chopped onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor base.
- Now, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, rinsed rice, Italian seasoning, and butter to the pot. If you want to add carrots, toss them in at this point too.
- Make sure you leave the sauté button pressed so the pot heats up as you're adding the ingredients.
- Once everything is added, give the ingredients in the Instant Pot a good stir, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
- Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the mixture. Do not stir them in; let them rest on top.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
- When the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. After that, quick release the remaining pressure by turning the valve.
- Give the rice a gentle stir before serving. The texture should be soft, creamy, and slightly sticky.
- If needed, season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Tested recipe: I have tested this recipe multiple times in my 6-quart Instant Pot, and it has worked every time without a burn warning.
- Broth choice: If desired, use low-sodium chicken broth. I found this recipe to be perfectly seasoned with regular chicken broth, though.
- Serving size: Makes 4 generous servings. If I was eating this by myself, it would be more like 6+ servings.
- Inactive time: Inactive time indicates the time it takes the Instant Pot to get up to pressure and the time for natural pressure release.
