Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice delivers comfort in a bowl with every bite you take. This dish combines wholesome ingredients, making it an excellent addition to your weeknight dinners. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it offers a nutritious meal in no time. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can prepare this delightful dish rapidly, and it’ll satisfy your family’s cravings for something warm and filling.
Why We Love This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
This dish captures the essence of home cooking, and you will appreciate its simplicity and deliciousness. The creamy sauce envelops tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. You can adapt this meal to suit your taste preferences, allowing you to experiment with spices and vegetables based on what you have available. Plus, cooking in the Instant Pot cuts down on prep and clean-up time, which makes it a busy home cook’s best friend. You’ll love that it’s perfect for leftovers, too, as the flavors develop even further when stored overnight.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Add the diced chicken thighs to the pot, seasoning with paprika, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Cook until the chicken is a little browned.
- Pour in the rice, stirring to combine all ingredients. Do not skip this step, as it helps to infuse the rice with flavor.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth and stir gently to distribute everything evenly.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Set it to manual high pressure and cook for 10 minutes.
- After the cooking time ends, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken up and warm the peas through.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
When it comes to serving this dish, there are numerous ways to delight your family and friends. You can serve the creamy chicken and rice straight from the pot for a casual family meal. Consider pairing it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for some added nutrition and color on the plate. The contrasts in textures and flavors help balance the richness of the main dish.
You can also offer toppings like grated cheese, sliced green onions, or additional herbs to customize each serving. If you want to make it more filling, consider presenting it alongside warm crusty bread or garlic knots. For an elegant touch, you can serve it in individual bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Expert Tips for Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
To make the most out of your Instant Pot creamy chicken and rice, keep these expert tips in mind. First, always ensure that the chicken is cut into uniform pieces. This allows for even cooking and a juicy texture throughout the dish. If you’re using frozen chicken, you can still make this recipe, but increase the cooking time slightly to ensure everything cooks thoroughly.
Another tip involves letting your Instant Pot do a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes before performing a quick release. This step can help retain moisture and improve the overall creaminess of your dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables like carrots or corn, which can add extra flavor and nutrition.
Lastly, keep an eye on the consistency of your creamy sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding a quick corn starch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little water) after you release the pressure, and cook on sauté mode for a few minutes until it thickens.
How to Store Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
Storing leftover creamy chicken and rice is easy and ensures you have a delicious meal ready for the next day. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it lasts in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. This allows you to enjoy this comfort dish for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is straightforward. Simply thaw if frozen and then warm it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. You can also reheat it in a saucepan on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cream if the dish seems too thick.
Variations of Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. For a healthy twist, try using brown rice instead of white rice; just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice usually requires a longer cooking period. You can also add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to boost the nutrition and add color.
If you enjoy a little spice, consider incorporating some diced jalapeños or using a spicy seasoning blend. Alternatively, you can swap out the chicken for another protein, like shredded rotisserie chicken or even shrimp, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Another fun variation is to stir in a handful of shredded cheese after cooking for an extra creamy and cheesy dish.
Lastly, for those who love a hint of zest, squeeze some lemon juice over the dish before serving. The bright flavor can elevate the entire meal experience, making it a refreshing treat for your taste buds.
FAQ about Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
What is the cooking time for Instant Pot creamy chicken and rice?
The cooking time for Instant Pot creamy chicken and rice is 10 minutes on high pressure, followed by a quick pressure release.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice typically requires about 22-25 minutes of cooking time under pressure.
Can I make delicious creamy chicken and rice with frozen chicken?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken thighs, but you may need to increase the pressure cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.
How do I keep the chicken from getting dry in Instant Pot creamy chicken and rice?
Cut the chicken into uniform pieces and ensure you do not overcook. Adding cream after cooking also helps retain moisture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.

Creamy Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream For creaminess.
- 1 cup frozen peas
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Garnish
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Cooking
- Add the diced chicken thighs and season with paprika, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Cook until the chicken is slightly browned.
- Pour in the rice and stir to combine, infusing the rice with flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, set it to manual high pressure, and cook for 10 minutes.
- After cooking, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Let it thicken for about 5 minutes.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
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