Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

This is one of our favorite meals to serve on busy weeknights. The pressure cooker makes it all so easy and dinner can be ready in no time at all. In fact, it is so easy that you only need 30 minutes to have a wonderful dinner sure to impress.

Frozen chicken and rice instant pot is packed with flavor and always a family favorite. You may also love this Instant Pot Chicken Curry Recipe, Instant pot Lemon Chicken Recipe and Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala.

Why This Recipe Works

Using the instant pot has been a game changer for my family. Even if my meal is frozen, I can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes by pressure cooking. You are going to love how simple this instant pot frozen chicken and rice recipe is.

We love the creamy and cheesy texture that is even better served our favorite side dishes.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts – You can use boneless chicken breast or chicken thighs that are fresh or frozen chicken breast
• Olive Oil – You can use any kind of oil for sautéing
• Minced Garlic – We used jarred minced garlic but you can use fresh minced garlic or garlic powder. See How to Mince Garlic Cloves.
• Onion – If you don’t want to include onions you can add in onion powder or dehydrated onions.
• Chicken Broth – We like using low sodium chicken broth or chicken stock. You can use a diluted cube in water
• Cream of Chicken Soup – You can even use cream of mushroom soup or try our Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe.
• White Rice – We usually use long grain white rice but you can also use brown rice, basmati or jasmine rice.

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Substitutions and Additions

• Vegetables – Add frozen vegetables to the rice mixture. We like the frozen peas and carrots blend or green beans for an easy one pot dish.
• Cheese – Add another ½ cups shredded cheese to the rice when finished cooking. You can even use different types of cheese for a delicious variation. Parmesan Cheese is a delicious option.
• Seasoning – We used simple seasoning for this recipe, but you can add in a tablespoon of Italian Seasonings.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

• Step 1 – Turn the instant pot to the sauté setting. Add the olive oil, diced chicken, onions and salt and pepper to the pot.
• Step 2 – Cook for 5-7 minutes stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and the chicken is browned slightly. Add in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes on the sauté setting in the instant pot.

• Step 3 – Next add in the chicken broth and rice. Stir to combine all the ingredients together. Make sure that the rice is fully covered with the liquid (add more if needed). Then pour the cream of chicken soup on top but do not mix it in with the other ingredients.

• Step 4 – Seal the instant pot and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. After the cook time, let the instant pot naturally release the pressure release by not moving the valve on the lid.
• Step 5 – Once the pressure has been fully release, stir in the shredded cheese and serve warm. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Sauté Chicken – Before adding in the other ingredients make sure to sauté the chicken, garlic, onions in the olive oil. It only takes a few minutes but this is to ensure the chicken is cooked.
• Adding in Rice – Pour the rice in the instant pot and the chicken broth. Make sure the broth is covering the rice. You may need to add more if needed.
• Cream of Chicken Soup – When adding in the chicken soup, there is no need to combine with the other ingredients. It will combine as it cooks.
• Natural Release – Allow the instant pot to naturally release after the cooking time is up.
• Stir in cheese – After taking cooking, take off the lid and stir in the cheese.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

We love that this meal is great served as it is, but I do like to add a side to it.

• Broccoli – We love to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave for an easy side dish.
• Side Salad – Spinach Strawberry Salad is loaded with flavor and is simple to make.
• Bread – We also like to serve this will a side of homemade Crescent rolls or air fryer garlic bread. It is filling and a must according to my kids with most of our recipes.