Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

This Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is your ticket to a delicious, filling meal without the fuss. Imagine coming home after a long day and knowing dinner is just minutes away. The Instant Pot makes cooking chicken and rice as simple as pressing a few buttons. The dish combines tender chicken with fluffy rice, all infused with comforting flavors that evoke the essence of risotto, but you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together. Plus, the beauty of this one-pot wonder is that it’s perfect for family meals, gatherings, or even meal prep for busy weeks ahead.

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In just a bit, we’ll dive into the delightful world of this recipe, discovering how to prepare it step-by-step. The comforting aroma fills your kitchen, making your mouth water as you anticipate the first bite. Let’s gather the necessary ingredients and get cooking—you’ll want to save this delicious dish for future meals!

Why This Recipe Works

This Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe combines the convenience of pressure cooking with the comforting flavors reminiscent of risotto, minus the lengthy preparation. The Instant Pot guarantees that your chicken remains tender and juicy while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors, making it a perfect one-pot meal.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. It’s creamy, savory, and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, making it a favorite for family gatherings or meal prep!

Ingredients List

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 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
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice from approximately 1 large lemon)
• 1 cup shredded or grated fresh parmesan, at room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (more or less to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (more or less to taste)

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the insert and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of chopped white onion and 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent. This step lays the flavor foundation for our dish.

Sauté the Chicken

Add 1 ½ pounds of diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the insert. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is opaque on all sides. Watching the chicken turn from pink to white is a satisfying sign that you’re on the right track!

Combine Main Ingredients

Add 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, 3-4 cups of chicken broth (3 cups for firmer rice; 4 cups for softer, soupier rice), and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Stir everything thoroughly, ensuring that you scrape the bottom of the insert to loosen any stuck bits of onion or garlic. This ensures nothing goes to waste and maximizes those tasty flavors.

Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to the Sealing position. Switch the setting to Manual High Pressure and cook for 8 minutes. During this time, the Instant Pot will pressurize, creating a perfect steaming environment for the chicken and rice. The anticipation is part of the fun!

Release Pressure

When the cooking time ends, allow for a Natural Release for 2 minutes. Be cautious not to exceed 2 minutes to avoid overcooking the rice. Afterward, carefully switch to Quick Release for any remaining pressure and then remove the lid. Enjoy the steam wafting up as you reveal the fluffy mix inside.

Final Touches

Give the chicken and rice a good stir. If there’s any excess liquid, use the Sauté mode and stir until it’s absorbed into the rice. Add 1 cup of shredded parmesan, 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. The parmesan gives the dish that creamy touch—perfect for finishing off the recipe.

Serve

Portion the mixture into bowls or plates. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese if desired, and serve warm. You will find it hard to resist digging in immediately!

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. Adding a fresh side elevates the whole dining experience.

Tips for Success

• Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for a fluffier texture.
• Adjust the amount of broth based on your preferred rice texture.
• Always allow time for the Natural Release to avoid overcooked rice.

Variations

• Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
• Add vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition.
• Experiment with different cheeses, like gouda or cheddar, for unique flavors.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth to restore moisture. Frozen portions can last up to 2 months; thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time to approximately 22-25 minutes and adjust the liquid ratio accordingly.

2. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy texture and mild flavors are usually a hit with children.

3. Can I make this dish without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt it for stovetop cooking, but the timing and method would differ greatly.

4. How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe typically yields about 6 servings, depending on portion size.

5. Can I add spices for more flavor?
Definitely! Consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano, or a pinch of cayenne for heat to enhance the flavor profile.

This Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a hassle-free dish that promises comfort in every bite. Perfect for those who crave a hearty meal without the fuss, it’s versatile enough to adapt to seasonal ingredients or personal preferences. Whether it’s a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your cooking repertoire!

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