Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: Quick, Easy, and Delicious!

Introduction

Few weeknight dinners strike the perfect balance of convenience and comforting flavor quite like a classic Instant Pot Chicken and Rice. This one-pot meal delivers tender, juicy chicken and fluffy rice—all cooked in a fraction of the time with minimal cleanup. Its simplicity is matched only by its crowd-pleasing taste, making it a go-to for busy nights and family gatherings.

The Secret to Flavorful and Moist Chicken and Rice

The beauty of using an Instant Pot lies in its ability to lock in moisture and flavors. As the chicken pressure-cooks with the rice, spices, and broth, everything melds together for a dish that’s incredibly savory and satisfying. Even better, you’re guaranteed perfectly cooked rice without the risk of burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Prep and Ingredient Tips for an Even Quicker Dinner

Quick prep is key for a speedy meal. Chop your onions, carrots, and celery in seconds with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for consistent pieces and minimal effort. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for ultimate tenderness or chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option.

For best results, always rinse your rice thoroughly in a sieve before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps achieve fluffier, separated grains.

Effortless Cooking: Why the Instant Pot Shines

Using the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart, you can sauté, pressure cook, and keep food warm all in one device. Start by sautéing your vegetables directly in the pot and browning the chicken for added flavor before adding rice and broth. With the push of a button, your meal is ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

Meal Prep, Leftovers, and Storage Tips

This dish also shines as a meal-prep option. Divide leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy grab-and-go lunches. The flavor of chicken and rice even improves after a day in the fridge, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings, each packed with lean protein, fiber, and veggies. Each portion contains approximately 350–400 calories, depending on ingredient choices—making it a balanced and nutritious family meal.

Instructions

1. Select the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Add the chicken pieces. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the outside is no longer pink (it will finish cooking under pressure).
4. Stir in the rice, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Scrape any bits from the bottom to prevent sticking.
5. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 8 minutes on high pressure.
6. Once the timer goes off, allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
7. Carefully open the lid and stir in the frozen peas. Cover for 1–2 minutes to allow the peas to warm through. Fluff the rice with a fork.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: Weeknight Dinner Made Perfect (Recap)

With savory, tender chicken and fluffy rice cooked together in one pot, this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is the definition of quick and delicious comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or even meal prep, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to—and your taste buds will always thank you.

Looking for easy veggie prep? Try the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. Need stress-free cleanup? Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, and if you’re serving family-style, dish up portions in a Bentgo Salad Container for handy lunches. And of course, choose the essential kitchen companion for this recipe: the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker for flawless results every time!