Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Introduction

This easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory parmesan come together with bright notes of lemon for a satisfying dish that cooks quickly and with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chopped white onion (approximately 1 medium onion)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (approximately 4 large cloves)
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (rinsed)
• 3-4 cups chicken broth (3 cups for firmer rice; 4 cups for softer rice)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice from approximately 1 large lemon)
• 1 cup shredded fresh parmesan (or grated, at room temperature)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (more or less to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (more or less to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the butter to the insert and let it melt completely.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir well and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the chicken is opaque on all sides.
4. Step 4: Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, and fresh lemon juice to the pot. Stir thoroughly, scraping the bottom to loosen any stuck bits.
5. Step 5: Secure the Instant Pot lid with the valve in the Sealing position. Set to Manual High Pressure for 8 minutes.
6. Step 6: When cooking ends, allow natural pressure release for 2 minutes. Do not exceed 2 minutes to prevent overcooking the rice.
7. Step 7: Carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure and remove the lid cautiously to avoid steam burns.
8. Step 8: Stir the mixture well. If excess liquid remains, use Sauté mode to cook until liquid is absorbed.
9. Step 9: Add the parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning or lemon juice to taste.
10. Step 10: Serve warm, garnished with additional parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
• For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or milk with the parmesan.
• Add vegetables like peas or spinach toward the end of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth so you can better control the salt level.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra flavor and tenderness. Cooking times remain the same.

Should I rinse the rice before cooking?

Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming too sticky or gummy, resulting in fluffier rice.

Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 62 reviews

This Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender chicken breasts with perfectly cooked long-grain white rice in a creamy, flavorful mixture enriched with butter, garlic, onion, fresh lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Prepared entirely in the Instant Pot, this one-pot meal is quick, convenient, and comforting, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious home-cooked dinner with minimal effort.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Rice

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chopped white onion (approximately 1 medium onion)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (approximately 4 large cloves)
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (rinsed)
• 3–4 cups chicken broth (3 cups for firmer rice, 4 cups for softer rice)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice from approximately 1 large lemon)
• 1 cup shredded fresh Parmesan cheese (or grated, at room temperature)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (more or less to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (more or less to taste)

Instructions

1. Saute Butter: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pot and allow it to melt completely.
2. Cook Aromatics: Once the butter has melted, add the chopped white onion and minced fresh garlic. Stir to combine, then sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing a rich aroma.
3. Saute Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot. Stir occasionally and sauté for approximately 5 minutes until the chicken pieces are opaque on all sides, ensuring they start to cook evenly.
4. Add Rice, Broth, and Lemon Juice: Incorporate the rinsed long-grain white rice, chicken broth (choose 3 cups for firmer rice or 4 cups for a softer texture), and fresh lemon juice into the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients, scraping the bottom to loosen any bits stuck from the onions or garlic.
5. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the Sealing position. Choose Manual High Pressure mode and set the cooking time to 8 minutes. The pot will pressurize, then begin the cooking countdown.
6. Natural Release: When the cooking cycle finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 2 minutes. Avoid longer natural release to prevent overcooking the rice.
7. Quick Release: Carefully perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure. Remove the lid cautiously to avoid steam burns.
8. Combine and Adjust Consistency: Stir the chicken and rice mixture thoroughly. If there is any excess liquid pooling, turn the pot back to Sauté mode and stir until all liquid is absorbed and the texture is creamy.
9. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning or add extra Parmesan or lemon juice if desired for enhanced flavor.
10. Serve: Once seasoned to your liking, portion the creamy chicken and rice mixture into bowls or plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if preferred and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents the dish from becoming gummy.
• The amount of chicken broth can be adjusted depending on your desired rice texture—less for firmer rice and more for softer, soupier results.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness in flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be a substitute if needed.
• Ensure you do not over-release pressure after cooking to avoid overcooked rice.
• If excess liquid remains after pressure cooking, sautéing helps integrate it back into the dish for a creamy consistency.

Keywords: Instant Pot chicken and rice, easy chicken recipe, one pot chicken rice, pressure cooker chicken meal, creamy chicken and rice