Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and creamy cheese come together quickly for a satisfying dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken pieces, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.
3. Step 3: Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir to combine, then secure the lid and set the valve to sealing.
4. Step 4: Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Step 5: Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined and creamy.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat and richer flavor.
• Swap the mixed vegetables for fresh seasonal veggies if available.
• For extra spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during sautéing.
• To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream and cheddar with coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to help loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so it’s not ideal for this recipe as written. If using brown rice, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook this dish on the stove by sautéing the onion, garlic, and chicken, then simmering everything together with broth and rice until cooked. Stir in cream and cheese at the end for a creamy finish.

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 775 reviews

This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy cheese sauce all cooked together in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines sautéed aromatics, succulent chicken, nutritious vegetables, and a deliciously creamy finish to deliver a hearty and satisfying dish with minimal cleanup.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (including sauté and pressure cooking times)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Dairy

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Grains

• 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed

Vegetables

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Oils and Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
2. Brown the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside.
3. Add Rice and Vegetables: Stir in the rinsed white rice, chicken broth, and frozen mixed vegetables. Mix everything well to combine.
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once finished, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before performing a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
5. Add Cream and Cheese: Open the lid carefully and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until fully incorporated and creamy.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and rice hot. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor and color.

Notes

• Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
• Adjust salt according to the sodium content of your chicken broth and personal taste.
• You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh diced vegetables but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• This dish can be doubled, but ensure your Instant Pot has enough capacity to safely cook the ingredients.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative and reduce cheese amount.

Keywords: instant pot, creamy chicken and rice, one pot meal, easy dinner, comfort food