Quick & Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen); 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme; 2 tbsp soy sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

February 9, 2026

Updated:

February 9, 2026

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There’s something magical about the aroma of chicken cooking in an Instant Pot. Imagine tender, juicy chicken nestled among fluffy rice, bathing in a savory broth that dances around your taste buds like it’s just discovered a new dance move. This dish is not only comfort food at its finest; it’s also a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when dinner feels like an Olympic event.

Now, let me take you back to a time when I first discovered this marvelous creation. It was one of those days where my to-do list looked more like a novel than anything manageable. I stumbled upon the Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe, and it felt like I’d found buried treasure. The ease and deliciousness transformed our family dinner from chaos to calm, leaving us with happy bellies and even happier faces.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This instant pot chicken and rice is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze

The flavor will have your taste buds dancing in delight, while the visual appeal makes for a stunning meal
It’s versatile enough to pair with any veggies or spices you have on hand, ensuring you’ll never get bored of it

There’s something about hearing “Dinner is ready!” that sends my family rushing to the table faster than you can say “Instant Pot.” When I first made this dish, my kids were so impressed they thought I’d hired a chef from five-star restaurant land.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Long Grain White Rice: This type of rice cooks beautifully in the Instant Pot and absorbs all that flavorful goodness.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over the saltiness; it adds depth and richness.

Onion: Dice it finely; it brings sweetness and flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic magic—don’t skip this!
Mixed Vegetables: Use frozen or fresh veggies based on what you have; they add color and nutrition.

Spices (Paprika, Thyme): A sprinkle of paprika adds warmth while thyme brings an earthy note to your meal.
Soy Sauce: A dash gives umami flavors that make everything taste even better.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping your onions and garlic. This ensures everything is ready when you need it—no frantic searching mid-cook!

Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add a splash of oil and toss in your onions until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma. Then add minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add Chicken and Seasonings: Next, place your chicken breasts into the pot. Sprinkle paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper generously over them for optimal flavor absorption.

Pour in Rice and Broth: Carefully add your long grain white rice evenly over the chicken—don’t stir just yet! Pour chicken broth over everything along with soy sauce. The magic is building!

Cook Under Pressure: Close the lid securely and set your Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ for 10 minutes. Once cooked, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.

Add Veggies and Serve!: Open the lid carefully, fluffing the rice with a fork. Stir in mixed veggies until heated through—this step adds color and health benefits! Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

And there you have it! An easy-to-make dish that transforms an ordinary dinner night into something special without breaking a sweat! Enjoy each bite as you reminisce about how effortlessly delicious home-cooked meals can be.

You Must Know

Instant pot chicken and rice is a fantastic one-pot meal that saves time without sacrificing flavor
The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and aromatic spices creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but also easy to prepare
It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the chicken until golden brown, then add rice and broth for optimal flavor infusion. This method ensures everything cooks evenly and locks in delicious juices.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add vegetables like peas or carrots. Experiment with spices such as cumin or paprika to create your unique twist on this classic dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve the best results, let the chicken rest before cutting it

Use high-quality broth for extra flavor, and don’t skip the sauté step—it makes all the difference!

I remember the first time I made instant pot chicken and rice; my family devoured it so quickly that I barely got a taste!

FAQs

FAQ

What kind of rice is best for instant pot chicken and rice?

Long-grain white rice works best, as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

How do I prevent my rice from becoming mushy?

Ensure you measure your liquid accurately; too much can lead to mushy rice.

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