Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

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I am on constant lookout for easy dinner ideas every day of the week. As in easy prep and simple ingredients, that are big on flavor and fast. And this creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe, definitely ticks all the boxes – you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.

What Is Chicken And Rice?

Traditional chicken and rice is a popular comfort food dish, made all over the world. My version is even easier with the Instant Pot and is full of unexpected beachside Hawaiian flavors from the apricot and pineapple.

Just so you know, this recipe give you a thick and creamy risotto style consistency, without all that stirring. So drop everything and make it tonight. And you’ll also want to check out Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings and really easy Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup.

Why Make This Recipe

• Super simple ingredients – I love that you only need everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen! Cook in under an hour – result.
• One pot – Bonus that this one pot meal, so not a lot of dishes needed.
• The perfect comfort food – This sweet and savory fluffy rice and tender chicken, loaded with veggies has everyone wanting seconds. Equally popular on cold nights and warm summer days with cozy hug in every mouthful vibes.
• Budget-friendly – I love that this is inexpensive and flavorful, and when served alongside a simple coleslaw or salad it taste just as good as Hawaiian takeout.

Ingredient Notes

In this easy recipe, we’ll combine chicken, rice, veggies, fruit and broth into a delicious main dish. Follow my tips on each ingredient for the best results.

• Chicken – I really recommend using boneless skinless chicken thighs, as these cook well with the most flavor. This recipe is all about what you already have. So you can substitute in boneless skinless chicken breasts, but then you would change cook time to 8 minutes on high pressure with only a 5 minute natural pressure release.
• Rice – I use long grain white rice like jasmine or basmati. I don’t recommend using brown rice for this recipe as the cook time will be longer and the meat would overcook. Make sure to rinse and drain rice well before cooking to avoid sticking and the burn notice.
• Broth – Depending on salt levels, you may want to use low sodium chicken broth / stock. Feel free to use vegetable broth instead and a dash of white wine will be great too.
• Aromatics and frozen vegetables – I use either white or red onions and fresh garlic and a combination of frozen peas and frozen carrots. Frozen sweet corn would be great.
• Fruit – dried apricots and juicy pineapple add sweetness and Hawaiian flavor.
• Oil – Use any neutral for browning the meat.

How To Cook Chicken And Rice In Instant Pot

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté; add oil to the inner pot and sauté onion for 2-3 minutes until soft stirring occasionally.
2. Switch off sauté mode and quickly stir in the garlic. Then add chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir.
3. Stir in the rice and place the chicken thighs on top.
4. Close Instant Pot, set valve to sealing, select the pressure cook / manual (dependent upon IP model), select high pressure, and set the timer to 12-15 minutes.
5. Allow a natural pressure release (NPR) for 5 minutes and then a quick release the rest of the pressure.
6. Open the Instant Pot and add the peas and carrots, pineapple, and apricots.  Gently stir as not to break up the chicken. Replace the lid and keep warm for 5 minutes before serving Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

Bintu’s Tips And Variations

I really love switching things up in the kitchen. Here are some tips for easier cooking and variations for you to try if you want something a little different.

• If using frozen chicken thighs, add in individually and cook for a few extra minutes.
• If using bone-in chicken thighs, add on an extra 2-4 minutes.
• Add heat. Chili powder, red pepper flakes, and jalapeños are easy ways to add heat.
• Add butter. You can add some butter along with the oil to make this a little creamier.
• Double the recipe as long as the pressure cooker is large enough to take it.
• Cooking time listed does not include the time it takes the Instant Pot to come up to pressure, or for pressure to release.
• Be careful, when doing the manual pressure release, as the steam can burn you,
• Please do follow the exact timing instructions, to avoid over cooking your food.

FAQs

Prep Ahead And Storage

This is an ideal meal prep recipe because it can be easily stored in the fridge or freezer until you need it. I love to make a batch to freeze and whip it out when I need an easy lunch or quick dinner.

• Meal Prep – This recipe makes a fair amount so you can make a few adjustments and get several meals out of one pot. Here are some suggestions. Add additional broth to the cooked dish, bring the pot to a boil and serve as a soup.
• Store – Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Scoop leftovers into individual serving sizes for an easy lunch.
• Freeze – Transfer cooled meal into airtight containers (may be good to freeze in the portions that you need). Label and freeze for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

• Southern Coleslaw.
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.

More Recipes You May Like

If you like this recipe, then you for sure want to check these out.

• Instant Pot Chicken And Dumplings. As good as grandma makes.
• Instant Pot Chicken Breast. Loved by the whole family.
• Instant Pot Shredded Chicken. Great for meal prep.
• Instant Pot Chicken Curry. Better than take out.
• Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas. The easiest meal you can make.
• Easy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs. Juicy and perfectly seasoned.
• Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes. A great one pot meal.
• Instant Pot Chicken Noodles Soup. Comforting and warming,
• Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Made with pantry staples.
• Instant Pot Cornish Hen. So, so good.
• Instant Pot Ramen. A filling vegan option.
• Instant Pot Enchilada Rice. Another great comfort food meal.
• And also check out this big old list of Instant Pot Chicken Recipes.

Tools You Need 

• Your trusty Instant Pot.
• Multi purpose mixing bowls.
• A sharp knife.
• Cutting board.
• Measuring teaspoons and cups.
• The best ever sea salt flakes.
• Meal prep bowls for storage.

Thank you for reading my Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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