Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is a cozy dish that combines tender chicken with fluffy rice and creamy goodness, all cooked together in the Instant Pot. The best part? It practically prepares itself! The rice soaks up the flavors of the chicken broth and creamy cheese, resulting in a comforting meal that is both hearty and heartwarming. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this dish is sure to bring warmth to your table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

I remember the first time I made this recipe. It was a typical hectic day; I had a mountain of work and was battling dinner decisions when I stumbled upon a version of this creamy delight. The ease of the Instant Pot lifted my spirits, and the aroma that filled my kitchen as it cooked brought my family flocking. It quickly became a favorite in our household, and I think you’ll find it has the same effect for you! So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delectable, hassle-free meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cook time, you can have dinner ready without breaking a sweat.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, onions, and melted cheddar cheese creates a mouthwatering richness that keeps you coming back for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors from the frozen mixed vegetables make this dish a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or even as a comforting meal to share with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with the right substitutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly. You can also use thighs for more flavor.
1 cup long grain white rice: Rinsed beforehand to avoid gumminess, this rice absorbs the broth beautifully.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: This builds a flavorful base; low-sodium options help control salt intake.
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables: A quick mix of peas, carrots, corn, and green beans adds color and nutrition. Feel free to substitute with your favorite veggies!
1 small onion: Finely chopped, it adds a sweet and aromatic base to the dish.
2 cloves garlic: Minced garlic enhances flavor; fresh is best but pre-chopped works in a pinch!
1/2 cup heavy cream: This is the magic ingredient that makes the dish rich and creamy.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds cheesy goodness; feel free to experiment with other cheese blends like mozzarella or pepper jack.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing, it helps to build flavor and keeps the chicken from sticking.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A dash of pepper enhances the overall depth of flavor.

How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

Sauté Aromatics: Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is fragrant and the onions become translucent.

Brown Chicken: Add the bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot, along with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked.

Combine Ingredients: Now, stir in the rinsed 1 cup of long grain white rice, followed by the 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables. Make sure everything is well mixed and the rice is submerged in the broth.

Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking cycle completes, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Add Cream and Cheese: Carefully open the pot once it’s safe. To transform your dish, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until everything is creamy and well combined. The heat from the dish will melt the cheese perfectly!

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the creamy chicken and rice hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Imagine the satisfaction of digging into this hearty, flavorful dish!

Storing & Reheating

Once your Instant Pot creamy chicken and rice has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan on enjoying it later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just scoop it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, as the rice may absorb liquid and expand. When reheating, microwave it covered for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Note that the rice may absorb some of the creaminess, so you can stir in a little additional broth or cream to refresh the texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Rinsing the rice is essential to avoid a gummy consistency; don’t skip this step!
For a richer flavor, consider browning the chicken for slightly longer before adding the rice.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken to speed up the process.
Experiment with adding spices like paprika or Italian herbs for a twist.
Adjust the liquid amount based on your desired creaminess; less broth will yield a thicker consistency.
Feel free to make this dish ahead of time; it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day!

It’s impossible not to love the comfort and flavor of this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice. The creamy consistency coupled with tender chicken and vibrant veggies creates a warming meal that’s hard to resist. Once you try it, you might just find yourself returning to the recipe over and over again, especially on busy nights when a little extra love in the form of a home-cooked meal is needed. Don’t hesitate to add your own twist! Substitute ingredients, play with spices, and make it your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. For best results, follow the cooking instructions specific to brown rice and adjust the liquid accordingly.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for lighter alternatives, you can use half-and-half, plain yogurt, or even a dairy-free cream substitute, depending on your dietary needs.

How do I make this recipe spicy?

To give your creamy chicken and rice a kick, consider adding diced jalapeños, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce for a nice heat level.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein, like chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add more colorful veggies for a hearty, vegetarian version.

More Instant Pot Recipes

One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card