Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – One Pot Dinner Recipe

Looking for the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and incredibly easy? This Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe is your new go-to meal! With juicy chicken and perfectly fluffy rice cooked together in one pot, you’ll have a satisfying dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy families, meal prep enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a reliable comfort food option that never disappoints.

What makes this recipe special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. The pressure cooking method ensures the chicken stays incredibly moist while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors. It’s the kind of meal that feels both special and completely approachable – exactly what you need after a long day.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Add the seasoned chicken to the Instant Pot and brown for 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 3: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Spread the rice evenly around the chicken in the pot.

Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure not to stir. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.

Step 5: Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately. The chicken should be tender and juicy, with perfectly cooked fluffy rice.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

Rice Selection Matters: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe as it holds its shape well under pressure. Avoid using quick-cooking or minute rice, which can become mushy.

Chicken Choices: Both chicken thighs and breasts work beautifully. Thighs tend to stay more moist, while breasts cook faster. For even cooking, try to use pieces that are similar in size.

Don’t Skip the Sauté Step: Browning the chicken first adds incredible flavor depth to the entire dish. This extra few minutes makes a significant difference in the final result.

Natural Release is Key: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes helps the rice finish cooking evenly and prevents it from becoming gummy.

This recipe is perfect for meal prep and leftovers – it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day!

FAQ Section

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to 22-25 minutes and use slightly more liquid. Brown rice requires longer cooking times to become tender.

How can I make this recipe even faster?
Use smaller pieces of chicken or chicken tenders to reduce cooking time. You can also use precooked rice and just warm everything together, though the texture will be different.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding carrots, peas, or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking is a great way to make it a complete meal. For a different take on family-friendly meals, check out our delicious dessert options to complete your menu.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! This chicken and rice freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

For more pressure cooker inspiration and delicious dinner ideas, explore our collection of easy Instant Pot recipes that will make weeknight cooking a breeze.

Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – One Pot Dinner Recipe

This comforting Instant Pot chicken and rice dinner combines juicy chicken with fluffy rice cooked together in one pot for a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers exceptional flavor through pressure cooking that keeps chicken moist while infusing rice with delicious seasonings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method

 

Instructions

1. Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Add the seasoned chicken to the Instant Pot and brown for 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Spread the rice evenly around the chicken in the pot.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure not to stir. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.
5. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately. The chicken should be tender and juicy, with perfectly cooked fluffy rice.

Notes

Use long-grain white rice for best results, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes to prevent gummy rice, and brown chicken first for maximum flavor depth.