Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is a comforting, one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy goodness in a single dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—it’s quick to prepare while delivering a mouthwatering taste that will please the whole family. Plus, it requires minimal cleanup, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or those cozy weekends at home.

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
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

The creamy texture of the rice along with the gentle seasoning of the chicken creates a warm bowl of comfort. Each bite is a delightful experience, with a luscious combination of hearty chicken, vibrant vegetables, and gooey cheese that melts into the dish. If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing recipe, then this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is exactly what you need. Get ready to embrace the creamy goodness in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Dinner can be on the table in no time, with just 30 minutes from start to finish!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of hearty chicken, creamy cheese, and fresh vegetables packs a punch of flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: It’s not just tasty; the glossy creaminess makes for an enticing presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prep for the week, or even a quick lunch!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with a few simple changes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and ideal portions. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
1 cup long grain white rice: Rinsing is essential here; it avoids gumminess and helps achieve fluffy grains.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: This provides a rich flavor base without overpowering the dish. You could use homemade broth for a deeper taste.
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables: A blend of peas, carrots, corn, and green beans adds color and nutrition. Feel free to swap with any of your favorite veggies!
1 small onion: Finely chopped for a fragrant underpinning of flavor. Yellow or white work best, but red onion can add a nice sweetness.
2 cloves garlic: Minced to bring in a warm aroma and robust taste. Fresh garlic is essential here; powdered won’t have the same impact.
1/2 cup heavy cream: This is crucial for that creamy consistency. If you’re looking for a lighter version, low-fat milk or a dairy alternative may work but won’t be as rich.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds that melty gooeyness everyone loves. Consider using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for an even creamier touch.
1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to sauté the onion and garlic wonderfully but can be swapped for butter for an extra richness.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing together all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds that gentle kick without overpowering the dish.

How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté: Begin by adding 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once it’s warm and shimmering, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Brown the Chicken: Add the 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot along with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned, stirring occasionally. This step locks in those delightful flavors.

Combine the Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed 1 cup long grain white rice, 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, and 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables. Make sure everything is well mixed together. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing.

Pressure Cook: Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. After the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Incorporate the Cream & Cheese: Once you open the lid, mix in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese until it’s beautifully creamy. You’ll notice the dish transforming right before your eyes!

Serve Warm: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. This dish is not only comforting but also colorful, making it inviting for everyone at the table.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for later, it freezes beautifully—just be sure to use a freezer-safe container and consume within 3 months for the best quality. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the texture, as it may thicken slightly when stored.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Rinsing the rice is crucial to avoid the dreaded gumminess; it helps each grain stay separate and fluffy.
For added flavor, consider using herb-infused chicken broth or dropping in a bay leaf during cooking.
Experiment with different cheeses for unique tastes; gouda or pepper jack can give a fun twist.
Allowing for a natural pressure release gives time for the rice to absorb the liquid perfectly.
If using fresh vegetables instead of frozen, add them during the last 2 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Each time you make this dish, feel free to throw in whatever vegetables or spices you have on hand—you’ll always end up with a comforting meal that satisfies. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. Adjust the pressure cooking time to 22-25 minutes for brown rice with the same amount of liquid.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative, but the creaminess might differ.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish and then refrigerate it. It will taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Is it possible to cook this without an Instant Pot?

While the Instant Pot is a game-changer for timing, you can certainly cook this on the stove. Just simmer all the ingredients in a large pot, keeping an eye on the liquid levels until everything is perfectly cooked.

By following this recipe for Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice, you can create a dinner that’s both fulfilling and delicious. This is a meal that invites experimentation, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy spoonful!

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Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Instant Pot
Method: Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Experience the delightful blend of flavors in Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice! This easy-to-prepare dish features tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a medley of vegetables, making it a satisfying choice for dinner or a comforting meal at home.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode.
Add olive oil and sauté onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Add chicken pieces along with salt and pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
Stir in rinsed rice, chicken broth, and frozen vegetables.
Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing.
Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
Once opened, mix in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until creamy.
Serve hot garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Feel free to substitute any frozen vegetables based on your preference.
For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken with herbs before cooking.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.