Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Rice and Vegetables: Stir in the rinsed white rice, chicken broth, and frozen mixed vegetables. Mix everything well to combine.
- 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.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Open the lid carefully and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until fully incorporated and creamy.
- 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
