Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe for Quick, Easy Dinners

Tender, flavorful, and bursting with savory comfort, this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. This one-pot wonder features juicy chicken thighs and perfectly cooked rice infused with aromatic herbs and vegetables for a stunning finish. It’s the kind of meal that fills the whole house with incredible aromas and draws everyone straight to the dinner table asking for seconds.

Each bite delivers a heavenly combination of textures—succulent chicken, fluffy rice, tender vegetables, and rich seasoning with savory garlic notes, herbaceous thyme and rosemary, subtle onion sweetness, and comforting warmth. Whether you’re making dinner for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry family, this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is as easy to make as it is to love. Add your favorite touches like fresh parsley, lemon wedges, grated Parmesan, or crispy bacon bits for a colorful, customizable meal that feels like home-cooked comfort without the fuss.

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

• True one-pot meal: Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot—chicken, rice, and vegetables with zero extra dishes.
• Hands-off cooking: Set it and forget it while the pressure cooker does all the work perfectly.
• Budget-friendly comfort: Uses affordable chicken and rice to feed a family without breaking the bank.
• Perfectly cooked every time: The Instant Pot ensures tender chicken and fluffy rice with no guesswork.
• Minimal cleanup: One pot to wash means more time enjoying dinner and less time at the sink.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into this delicious Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from prep to clean-up.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
This is the MVP of the recipe. A 6-quart or 8-quart model provides enough space for chicken and rice without overcrowding.

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
Essential for trimming chicken and chopping vegetables uniformly for even cooking.

Measuring Cups
Perfect for precise rice-to-liquid ratios that ensure fluffy, perfectly cooked results.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Ideal for sautéing aromatics and scraping up flavorful browned bits from the bottom.

Tongs
Best for turning and removing chicken pieces without tearing the meat.

Ladle or Large Spoon
Precision matters—especially for serving generous portions without making a mess.

Meat Thermometer (Optional)
For checking that chicken has reached safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes the cooking process seamless and safe.

Preparation Tips for Your Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the juiciest, most flavorful results that won’t dry out.
• Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch that can make it gummy or sticky.
• Don’t skip the sauté step as browning the chicken adds incredible depth of flavor.
• Use long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati for the fluffiest texture.
• Let pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes to keep chicken tender and rice fluffy.
• Deglaze the pot well after browning to prevent the dreaded “burn” notice.

These small touches make a big difference in taste, texture, and presentation.

Ingredients for This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this comforting, flavor-packed meal to life. Most of the ingredients are simple staples with restaurant-quality results.

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless)
• 1½ cups long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 bay leaf

Optional Additions:

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup corn kernels
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon turmeric for golden color
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

For Serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Extra black pepper

Flavor Variations:

• Mediterranean Style: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano
• Mexican Inspired: Use cumin, chili powder, and top with cilantro and lime
• Asian Fusion: Add ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil
• Cajun Style: Use Cajun seasoning and add andouille sausage
• Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end

Everything in this list balances convenience and homestyle flavor—the chicken and rice cook together perfectly while absorbing all those aromatic seasonings.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear—this removes excess starch and prevents gummy rice. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Have all ingredients measured and ready to go before starting.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and let it heat for 2 minutes. Add the olive oil or butter, then place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and brown the other side for 3-4 minutes. You’re not cooking the chicken through—just creating flavor. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot with the chicken drippings, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. This builds layers of flavor that will infuse the rice as it cooks.

Step 4: Deglaze and Add Liquids

Pour in ½ cup of the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—this is crucial to prevent the “burn” warning and adds tons of flavor. Add the remaining chicken broth, rinsed rice, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine evenly.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Vegetables

Nestle the browned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up. Don’t stir them in—they should sit on top so the skin stays relatively crispy. Scatter the frozen peas and carrots (and any other vegetables you’re using) around and on top of the chicken. They’ll cook perfectly in the steam.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to “Sealing.” Press the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button and set the time to 10 minutes on high pressure. The pot will take about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time starts—this is normal. Don’t open the lid during this process.

Step 7: Natural Release

When the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes—this means don’t touch anything and let it sit. After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, it’s safe to open the lid. The chicken should be cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the rice should be tender and fluffy.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf and discard. Use tongs to carefully remove the chicken pieces to a serving platter. Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the vegetables evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken over or alongside the rice, garnished with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and any other toppings you love. Enjoy immediately while hot and steaming!

Notes

Rice Substitutions: Brown rice requires 22 minutes cooking time and 1¾ cups liquid. Wild rice needs 25-30 minutes.

Boneless Chicken: If using boneless, skinless thighs, reduce cooking time to 8 minutes for best results.

Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free if using olive oil instead of butter.

Leftovers: This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

• Not rinsing the rice: Excess starch causes gummy, sticky rice instead of fluffy grains. Always rinse thoroughly.
• Skipping the browning step: This creates deep flavor. Don’t skip sautéing the chicken and aromatics.
• Not deglazing properly: Browned bits stuck to the bottom trigger the “burn” warning. Scrape well with liquid.
• Quick releasing pressure: This makes chicken tough and rice mushy. Always allow natural release for at least 10 minutes.
• Using too much liquid: The Instant Pot doesn’t evaporate liquid like stovetop cooking. Stick to the recipe ratios.
• Opening the lid too early: Residual pressure can cause hot liquid to spray. Wait until the float valve drops completely.
• Stirring chicken into rice: Keep chicken on top so skin doesn’t become soggy and rice cooks evenly underneath.
• Not checking rice-to-liquid ratio: Different rice types need different amounts of liquid. White rice uses 1:1.33 ratio.

What to Serve With This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe?

This complete one-pot meal is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with simple sides can create a well-rounded dinner. Whether you’re going minimal or building a feast, there’s an option for every preference.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Simple Green Salad
A crisp salad with vinaigrette provides freshness and cuts through the richness of the chicken.

Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and juices.

Roasted Vegetables
Oven-roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus adds color and nutrition to the plate.

Steamed Green Beans
Lightly seasoned green beans provide a simple, classic side that doesn’t compete with flavors.

Dinner Rolls
Soft, warm rolls complete the comfort food experience and make it feel like Sunday dinner.

Cucumber Tomato Salad
A light, refreshing salad with lemon dressing balances the hearty chicken and rice.

Coleslaw
Tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds textural contrast and bright acidity to the meal.

Sautéed Spinach
Quick-cooked spinach with garlic provides iron-rich greens in just minutes.

These pairings help round out the meal and bring a restaurant-level feel to your dinner table.

Storage Instructions for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe stores exceptionally well—and many people think it tastes even better as leftovers when flavors have melded overnight.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Store chicken and rice together in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The rice will absorb more flavor as it sits.

Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. The texture of chicken stays better than rice, which can become slightly mushy.

Separate Storage: For best results, store chicken and rice separately if planning to freeze—rice texture degrades more in the freezer.

Room Temperature: Not recommended—chicken and rice must be refrigerated within 2 hours for food safety.

Reheating Instructions:

Stovetop (Best Method): Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot throughout. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent drying.

Instant Pot: Use the “Sauté” function to gently reheat, adding liquid as needed to restore moisture.

From Frozen: Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best texture and even heating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	420
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	3g
Unsaturated Fat	10g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	115mg
Sodium	650mg

This complete meal delivers balanced nutrition—perfect for family dinners and meal prep with satisfying protein, carbs, and vegetables in one dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but reduce cooking time to 8 minutes. Breasts are leaner and can dry out more easily than juicy thighs.

2. Why does my Instant Pot say “burn”?
Not enough liquid or browned bits stuck to the bottom cause this. Always deglaze thoroughly after sautéing and use the correct liquid ratio.

3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli. Heartier vegetables can go in from the start; delicate ones add at the end.

4. What if my rice is undercooked?
Reseal the lid and cook on high pressure for 2-3 more minutes, then quick release. Check liquid levels first.

5. Can I double this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe?
Yes, in an 8-quart Instant Pot. Don’t exceed the max fill line. Cooking time stays the same.

6. How do I make it creamier?
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream, cream of mushroom soup, or cream cheese after cooking for rich, creamy results.

7. Can I use frozen chicken?
Not recommended—it releases too much water and affects rice texture. Always thaw chicken completely first.

8. Why is my rice mushy?
Too much liquid or quick pressure release causes this. Use correct ratios and always natural release for 10 minutes minimum.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is the ultimate combination of convenience and comfort—all cooked together in one pot with minimal hands-on time. With its tender chicken, fluffy rice, and perfectly cooked vegetables, it’s everything you love about homestyle cooking, reimagined for busy modern life.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, with endless seasoning and vegetable options, you can make it uniquely yours every time you cook it. So grab your Instant Pot and make dinner something the whole family looks forward to!