5 Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipes

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen beginner, the Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we think about cooking, offering a streamlined approach to meals that can save time without sacrificing flavor. Today, we'll explore five deliciously simple Instant Pot chicken and rice recipes that bring convenience and gourmet taste to your dinner table.

The Basics of Cooking with an Instant Pot

Before diving into the recipes, understanding the basics of using an Instant Pot can help you master these meals:

• Sauté function to brown meats and toast rice for added flavor.
• Pressure Cook to cook meals under high pressure, speeding up the process significantly.
• Timing is critical. Each ingredient has its optimal cooking time.
• Natural Release vs. Quick Release can impact texture and flavor.

🔍 Note: Always ensure your Instant Pot lid is properly sealed before starting pressure cooking.

Recipe 1: Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice

This dish encapsulates the zest of fresh lemons with the aromatic richness of garlic:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups of rice
  • 4 skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice
  • 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil
  • 1 ½ cups of chicken broth
• Instructions:
  1. Using the sauté function, melt butter in the Instant Pot, then add garlic to sauté for a minute.
  2. Place chicken, lemon zest, and juice in the pot, along with rice and chicken broth.
  3. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
  4. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.

Recipe 2: Savory Chicken Fried Rice

Transform your leftover rice into a flavorful meal with this chicken fried rice recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of cooked white rice
  • 2 skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots
  • 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• Instructions:
  1. Turn on sauté mode, scramble the eggs, then set aside.
  2. Sauté chicken until browned, then add peas, carrots, and cooked rice.
  3. Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, stirring to combine.
  4. Pressure cook on high for 2 minutes, quick release, and serve.

Recipe 3: Chicken and Rice Casserole

A comforting classic with less effort:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups of long-grain white rice
  • 4 skinless chicken thighs, boneless
  • 1 can of cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Add all ingredients except cheese into the pot.
  2. Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes, then quick release.
  3. Stir in cheese until melted and creamy.

Recipe 4: Curried Chicken and Rice

Embark on a flavor journey with this spiced dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups of basmati rice
  • 3 skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons of curry powder
  • 1 can of coconut milk
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté onions until translucent, add curry powder, and cook briefly.
  2. Place chicken in the pot, pour coconut milk and chicken broth, then add rice.
  3. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, natural release for 10 minutes.
  4. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Recipe 5: Italian Herb Chicken and Rice

A simple, aromatic meal for those days when you crave Italian cuisine:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups of Arborio rice
  • 4 skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
• Instructions:
  1. Using sauté mode, cook garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add chicken, Italian seasoning, rice, and broth to the pot.
  3. Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes, then quick release.
  4. Mix in Parmesan cheese and serve.

🧠 Note: Remember, these cooking times can vary slightly based on your Instant Pot model or altitude. Adjust accordingly.

In our exploration of these five Instant Pot chicken and rice recipes, we’ve seen how this versatile kitchen appliance can simplify meal preparation while delivering dishes that taste as if you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. From the bright, zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice to the comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole, and the exotic Curried Chicken and Rice, each recipe showcases the Instant Pot’s ability to meld flavors quickly and efficiently. These meals not only provide convenience but also allow for endless culinary creativity, ensuring that dinner time becomes an exciting part of your day.

Can I use frozen chicken in these recipes?

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Yes, you can. Just increase the cooking time by about 50% to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

How do I make sure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the Instant Pot?

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To prevent sticking, ensure there’s enough liquid for the rice to absorb. You can also give a quick stir before you lock the lid and start cooking.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to retain moisture.