Weeknight Magic: Creamy Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Introduction

Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice delivers a creamy, flavor-packed, family-friendly meal in under an hour—without the fuss or extra pans. If you’re looking for an easy dinner that tastes like pure comfort and is perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe brings tender chicken, zesty garlic, and rich Parmesan together in one pot for pure weeknight magic.

Why Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Is a Crowd-Pleaser

This dish stands out for its irresistible blend of savory garlic, juicy chicken, tangy Parmesan, and perfectly cooked rice—all made creamy and hearty in your trusty pressure cooker. Simple prep, hands-off cooking, and minimal cleanup make it ideal when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering around the table waiting for dinner to be served!

Secrets to Creamy, Flavor-Packed Chicken and Rice

Great results start with good prep. To ensure even, small chicken pieces and nicely diced onions, use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for effortless and uniform chopping. Sautéing the garlic and onions directly in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking creates deep savory flavor, plus locks in the juiciness for your chicken and the creaminess for your rice—all in a single step.

The Instant Pot Advantage for Chicken and Rice

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart ensures perfectly tender chicken and fluffy rice every single time, no guesswork required. This method also allows the garlic, Parmesan, and broth to meld beautifully, giving each bite the signature creamy texture and punchy, cheesy finish that sets this one-pot meal apart.

Tips for Assembling and Serving

Once cooked, use a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black to quickly shred the chicken directly in the pot—no forks and messy hands! Sprinkle extra parmesan and chopped parsley on top right before serving for an inviting finish. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep your meal fresh, and reheat easily for lunch the next day.

Flavorful Variations and Complete Meal Suggestions

Enhance your dish by adding steamed broccoli, baby spinach, or peas directly to the pot after cooking. Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice alongside a crisp green salad in a Bentgo Salad Container for a complete meal. Pair with a cold, refreshing drink for the ultimate comfort dinner.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves about 6. Each serving contains an estimated 480 calories, 45g carbs, 16g fat, and 34g protein. It’s hearty, cheesy, and satisfying—best enjoyed when you’re craving something comforting and not counting calories!

Flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice (Recap)

Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice blends classic comfort flavors into a quick, one-pot hearty meal. Its stress-free prep, creamy garlic-infused sauce, and cheesy finish make it a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.

Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Sauté function on your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart. Add olive oil, then sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant.
  2. Add diced chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes just until the chicken starts to color.
  3. Add rinsed rice and chicken broth. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom with a spatula for maximum flavor.
  4. Secure the lid, set valve to Sealing, and select Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 8 minutes.
  5. When the cook time ends, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Use a Chicken Shredder Tool to shred chicken if desired, then mix well for a creamy texture.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for up to 3 days.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes (includes pressure build & release)

Total Time: 35 minutes

This Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is not diet food; it’s pure comfort, packed with flavor, and just what your weeknight menu needs!

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