Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: Easy, Comforting One-Pot Dinner

Looking for a fast, hearty, and comforting dinner idea? Instant Pot chicken and rice is the answer. It’s the kind of no-fuss, all-in-one meal that hits every mark: budget-friendly, kid-approved, and ready in about 30 minutes. But here’s the kicker—it tastes like you cooked it low and slow for hours.

🥘 Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

• Quick & easy: Done in under 30 minutes.
• Family-friendly: Mild flavors that even picky eaters love.
• Minimal cleanup: One pot, one spoon, that’s it.
• Customizable: Toss in veggies, swap rice types, or go spicy.

“The Instant Pot didn’t just change how I cook—it changed how I think about time in the kitchen.” – A real home cook

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

(Simple pantry staples for a delicious one-pot dinner)

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
• 1 cup long grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for creaminess

🍳 How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice (Step-by-Step)

1. Sauté Chicken

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil, then toss in diced chicken. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics

Add a splash more oil if needed. Toss in onions and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Rice & Broth

Turn off Sauté. Add chicken back in, then stir in rice, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour in chicken broth and mix gently.

Pro Tip: Don’t stir after adding the broth—this helps avoid the dreaded “burn” warning!

4. Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot. Set to Manual / High Pressure for 10 minutes. After cooking, natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

5. Stir in Veggies

Stir in frozen peas and carrots. The residual heat will cook them perfectly in about 2 minutes. Add Parmesan for a creamy finish if desired.

🥄 Variations & Add-Ins

• Spicy Cajun Twist: Add Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy Broccoli: Stir in shredded cheddar and steamed broccoli at the end.
• Mexican-Inspired: Sub Italian herbs with cumin and paprika; toss in corn and black beans.

📊 Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~420 kcal
Protein	30g
Carbs	35g
Fat	15g
Fiber	3g

Note: Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients used.

🤔 FAQs About Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

❓ Can I use brown rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cook time and more liquid. You can do it, but cook times need adjusting (22–25 minutes with 2 cups of broth).

❓ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but make sure it’s diced and adjust the cook time to 12–14 minutes. The pot will take longer to come to pressure.

❓ How do I prevent the “burn” warning?

Avoid stirring after adding the broth and deglaze the pot after sautéing.

✅ Final Thoughts: Why This One-Pot Meal Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

Instant Pot chicken and rice is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a comforting go-to recipe that fits into your busy life. Whether you’re feeding kids, meal-prepping, or just trying to avoid takeout, this dish delivers every time.

Don’t forget: you can customize it endlessly to suit your tastes and pantry.