The Best Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – One-Pot Dinner Magic!

Total Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Estimated Calories: ~420 calories per serving

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and rice, especially when it’s cooked together in one pot and infused with rich, savory flavor. This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe delivers exactly that kind of comfort—tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a deeply seasoned, cozy base that tastes like it simmered all day. The aroma alone, as the pressure releases, fills the kitchen with notes of garlic, herbs, and slow-cooked goodness.

What makes this dish truly magical is how effortlessly it comes together. With just one pot and simple pantry ingredients, you get a complete, nourishing meal that feels hearty and homey without being heavy. The Instant Pot locks in moisture, ensuring juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice every single time, while also cutting down cooking time dramatically.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or anytime you want a reliable, crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal cleanup. Kids love it, adults crave it, and leftovers reheat beautifully. If you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner that still feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this one is about to become a staple.

Key Ingredients

Each ingredient works together to build layers of flavor, texture, and richness.

Chicken thighs or breasts – Provide tender, protein-rich bites and savory depth
Long-grain white rice – Cooks up fluffy and absorbs flavor without becoming mushy
Chicken broth – Forms the flavorful cooking liquid for the rice
Onion – Adds natural sweetness and aromatic base notes
Garlic – Deepens savory flavor throughout the dish
Olive oil or butter – Adds richness and helps sauté aromatics
Carrots – Bring subtle sweetness and color
Celery – Adds balance and gentle earthiness
Paprika – Provides warmth and mild smokiness
Dried thyme – Adds herby depth and comfort-food aroma
Dried parsley – Brightens the flavor profile
Salt – Enhances and balances all ingredients
Black pepper – Adds gentle heat and complexity
Bay leaf – Infuses slow-cooked flavor during pressure cooking
Frozen peas – Stirred in at the end for freshness and color
Lemon juice – Optional, but adds brightness and balance at the finish

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How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)

Begin by setting the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil or butter and allow it to heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until aromatic.

Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Add the chicken directly to the pot, nestling it into the vegetables. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side if using thighs or breasts, just until lightly golden. This step builds flavor but doesn’t need to cook the chicken through.

Press cancel to turn off sauté mode. Add the rice and stir gently to coat it in the oil and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the rice is mostly submerged. Add the bay leaf and dried parsley. Give everything one gentle stir, ensuring nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure. Cook for 8 minutes if using chicken breasts or 10 minutes for chicken thighs. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Open the lid and remove the bay leaf. Stir gently to fluff the rice and distribute the chicken. If the chicken pieces are large, shred or slice them directly in the pot. Stir in frozen peas and let them warm through for 2–3 minutes using the residual heat.

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired, and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper. The texture should be creamy but not soupy, with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.

Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. For a classic, comforting presentation, serve it in wide bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and cracked black pepper on top. The steam rising from the bowl and the soft, creamy texture make it feel like the ultimate cozy dinner, especially on cooler evenings.

If you want to dress it up a bit, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The freshness balances the richness of the rice beautifully. For family-style meals, bring the entire Instant Pot insert to the table and let everyone serve themselves—it stays warm and inviting for seconds and thirds.

This dish also works well as a base for customization. Add hot sauce, grated Parmesan, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra richness. For a more filling spread, serve with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of flavor. Whether plated simply or built into a larger meal, this chicken and rice adapts effortlessly.

Storage + Meal Prep

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The rice continues to absorb flavor as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing is also an option. Portion the cooled chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Because rice can firm up when chilled, add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating to restore its creamy texture.

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to refresh the flavors. If meal prepping, consider keeping peas or herbs separate and adding them fresh when serving for best texture and color.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice truly lives up to its one-pot dinner magic reputation. It’s comforting without being complicated, hearty without being heavy, and flavorful without requiring a long list of ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something warm and reliable, this dish delivers every time.

Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s a repeat favorite. It’s endlessly adaptable, forgiving, and deeply satisfying—exactly what home cooking should be. Try it once, make it your own, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of those recipes you come back to again and again.

FAQ about Instant Pot Chicken and Rice