INSTANT POT CHICKEN AND RICE BEST

Imagine perfectly cooked, tender chicken nestled amongst fluffy, flavorful rice, all made effortlessly in one pot. This Instant Pot Chicken And Rice recipe brings comfort food to your table faster than you ever thought possible, delivering a complete and satisfying meal that the whole family will adore—I promise you!

The Magic of One-Pot Cooking

Let’s be real, who *loves* doing dishes? Nobody! That’s why I’m obsessed with Instant Pot Recipes One Pot. The beauty of this Instant Pot Chicken And Rice is that it’s a complete meal cooked in a single pot. That means less mess and more time for you to relax. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just whipping up Instapot Meals For One, this recipe is easily adaptable. And speaking of easy, it’s definitely one of those One Dish Instant Pot Meals that you can rely on when you’re short on time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple, readily available ingredients. I’ve included notes on substitutions to make it even more convenient for you!

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary (optional, but adds a lovely flavor)
• 1 bay leaf

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Shredded Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Chicken And Rice Perfection

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is surprisingly simple, but I’ll walk you through each step to ensure success. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner—I’ve got your back!

Step 1: Searing the Chicken

1. Turn your Instant Pot to the “Saute” function.
2. Add olive oil to the pot. Once heated, add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Don’t worry about cooking it through completely—we’re just building flavor here.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Building the Flavor Base

1. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot. Saute for 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. This step is crucial for adding depth of flavor to the dish.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, removing any browned bits. This prevents the dreaded “burn” notice!
3. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary (if using), and bay leaf.

Step 3: Combining and Cooking

1. Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot. Spread it evenly over the vegetables.
2. Place the seared chicken on top of the rice.
3. Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Cook on “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook”) for 5 minutes.
4. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Fluffing and Serving

1. Carefully open the Instant Pot and remove the bay leaf.
2. Fluff the rice with a fork. Be gentle so you don’t mash the chicken.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and shredded Parmesan cheese (if desired).
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Instant Pot Chicken And Rice

Even though this recipe is straightforward, here are a few tips to help you achieve ultimate success. I’ve learned these the hard way, so you don’t have to!

• Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming sticky. Trust me, it makes a difference!
• Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken adds a beautiful color and seals in the juices, resulting in more flavorful chicken.
• Deglaze the Pot: This is essential for preventing the “burn” notice. Make sure to scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes helps the rice cook more evenly.
• Chicken Thighs: Feel free to substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs. They are more forgiving and tend to stay moist.
• Vegetable Variations: Get creative with your vegetables! Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Spice It Up: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Creamy Version: If you’re craving a creamier version of this dish, you might want to try the Ultimate Creamy Chicken And Rice recipe.
• Slow Cooker Option: For a truly hands-off approach, consider the Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice recipe. It’s another delicious and easy way to enjoy chicken and rice.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Burn Notice: If you get a “burn” notice, immediately release the pressure and remove the chicken. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the pot and gently scrape the bottom to loosen any stuck-on food. Place the chicken back on top and continue cooking.
• Rice is Undercooked: If the rice is still crunchy after the cooking time, add 1/4 cup of chicken broth to the pot, reseal the lid, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Rice is Mushy: If the rice is too mushy, reduce the amount of chicken broth next time. Also, make sure you’re using the correct rice-to-liquid ratio for your Instant Pot.

Other Chicken and Rice Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of chicken and rice, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few other variations you might enjoy:

• Instant Pot Chicken Perfection: A great base recipe for tender and juicy chicken.
• Creamy Chicken & Rice: A classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
• Crock Pot Chicken & Rice: The easiest dump-and-forget dinner you’ll ever make.
• Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice: A decadent and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.

Adapting for Dietary Needs

This Instant Pot Chicken And Rice recipe is easily adaptable to accommodate various dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the Parmesan cheese garnish to make it dairy-free.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust the salt to taste.
• Whole30/Paleo: This recipe can be modified for Whole30 and Paleo diets. Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice and ensure all other ingredients are compliant.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: You can chop the vegetables and sear the chicken ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.
• Storage: Store leftover Instant Pot Chicken And Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.

Why I Love This Instant Pot Chicken And Rice

This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. The Instant Pot makes it so simple to cook everything in one pot, saving time and effort. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone in my family enjoys. I often make a double batch so we have leftovers for lunch the next day. This is truly one of those Instapot Meals For One or for the whole family that you will turn to again and again. So, there you have it! My go-to Instant Pot Chicken And Rice recipe that I know you’ll absolutely love. Get ready to enjoy a comforting, flavorful, and easy meal that will become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!