Description
This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and mixed vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Grains and Vegetables
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Oils
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil, then sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken breasts along with salt and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken pieces are lightly browned on all sides.
- Add Rice and Vegetables: Stir in the rinsed long grain white rice, low-sodium chicken broth, and frozen mixed vegetables. Make sure everything is evenly combined in the pot.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and rice hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice helps to prevent it from becoming too sticky during pressure cooking.
- For a lower fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Ensure the Instant Pot lid is sealed properly before pressure cooking to avoid steam leaks.
- You can swap mixed vegetables with fresh vegetables, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Allow the natural pressure release to avoid splattering and ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Instant Pot chicken recipe, creamy chicken and rice, one pot meal, easy dinner, comfort food
