Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

If you're craving maximum comfort with minimum effort, you're in the right place. Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is absolutely everything: creamy, savory, packed with juicy chicken and perfectly tender rice, all made in one pot.

Every bite bursts with flavor, thanks to aromatics and a splash of cream—this is the kind of dish that tastes like it simmered for hours, but comes together in under an hour. Think cozy, crave-worthy, and weeknight-friendly!

It's the perfect recipe for busy families or anyone who wants a hearty meal with little hands-on time and even less cleanup. Inspired by classic homestyle flavors but given an easy Instant Pot twist, you'll keep coming back to this tried-and-true favorite.

Whether you're feeding your crew on a chilly night or looking for the perfect meal prep dish, this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a must-try!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• One Pot, No Fuss: Everything cooks right in your Instant Pot for easy prep and easier cleanup.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Extra creamy rice, melt-in-your-mouth chicken, and a rich, homestyle taste.
• Quick Yet Flavorful: All the cozy, slow-cooked vibes in under an hour—perfect for busy weekdays.
• Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.

Key Ingredients for Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy in the Instant Pot and deliver rich, savory flavor that makes this dish so satisfying. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. You can sub with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, but thighs really shine here by keeping the meat tender.

Long Grain White Rice

This is the backbone of the recipe—fluffy, tender, and perfectly creamy after pressure cooking. Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch and prevent sticking. Jasmine or basmati rice work great for extra aromatics. Avoid using brown or short-grain rice, as the texture and cook time will differ.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth infuses the rice with deep, savory notes. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness, especially if your chicken is seasoned. Vegetable broth is a good substitute for a slightly lighter flavor, but chicken broth is classic and comforting.

Aromatics (Onion & Garlic)

Sautéed onion and garlic create the flavor base that makes this dish taste like it’s been cooking all day. Dice the onion small and mince the garlic to ensure even flavor throughout every bite. Shallots or leeks are tasty swaps if you want to mix things up.

Heavy Cream

Just a splash added at the end turns this meal from ordinary to dreamy! The cream creates a luscious sauce and pulls all the flavors together. If you want to lighten it up, use half-and-half or a swirl of plain Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess.

Instructions for Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken

Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Add the olive oil, then toss in the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika, and sauté until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside—no need to cook it through yet.

Add Rice and Veggies

Pour in the rinsed rice, frozen peas, and carrots. Stir everything together to combine, making sure the rice gets coated in all those savory flavors.

Add Broth and Pressure Cook

Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (this helps prevent a burn warning). Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual/High Pressure for 8 minutes.

Natural Release and Finish

Once cooking is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the rice is creamy and cheesy.

Serve and Garnish

Give everything one last stir. Spoon the dreamy chicken and rice into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley, then serve warm!

Recipe Variations

Make It Dairy-Free

Substitute the heavy cream with canned coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened dairy-free creamer. Swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or your favorite vegan cheese—still creamy, still delicious!

Switch Up the Veggies

Toss in diced bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli florets instead of (or in addition to) the peas and carrots. Just add heartier veggies before pressure cooking and throw delicate greens in at the end.

Go Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double check that your broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free to be extra safe.

Use Chicken Breasts

Prefer leaner meat? Chicken breasts work well, just stay mindful not to overcook to keep the meat from drying out.

Add a Flavor Boost

Mix in a splash of lemon juice, a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or an extra dash of paprika for a fun flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice with a crisp green salad and warm crusty bread for a comforting dinner spread. A side of roasted or steamed green beans and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top make the meal truly irresistible. For even more freshness, add lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the rice and restore its creaminess. For batch reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat. You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above, noting the texture may be slightly softer after freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice (FAQ)

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Brown rice needs a longer cook time and more liquid, so you can use it but expect the texture to change and adjust cook time accordingly.

Q: Can I double the recipe in my Instant Pot?
A: Yes! Make sure not to go over the max fill line and add a couple of extra minutes to the natural release time for best results.

Q: How do I keep the rice from sticking or burning?
A: Thoroughly rinse your rice and scrape up all browned bits after sautéing before pressure cooking. This helps prevent any burn warning.

There you have it—your new favorite, dreamy, one-pot comfort meal! Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is sure to win hearts and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Don’t forget to leave a comment or rating if you try the recipe—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!