Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is my go-to weeknight dinner when I need something fast, filling, and totally foolproof. This one-pot meal brings together tender chicken, fluffy basmati rice, and colorful vegetables with almost zero effort.

I still remember the first time I tossed everything into my Instant Pot on a Tuesday night with zero energy to cook. The result was this cozy, satisfying bowl that my whole family asked for again the very next week. What makes this Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe so special is how the rice soaks up every bit of that garlicky, savory chicken flavor. It is a complete meal – protein, grains, and vegetables – all in one pot with almost no cleanup.

What You Need to Make This Cozy One-Pot Meal

I always recommend using basmati rice for this recipe because it cooks up light and fluffy without getting sticky or mushy. Long-grain white rice works too, but skip instant rice or cauliflower rice entirely – they will not hold up under pressure.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks (chicken thighs work great here too – they stay extra juicy)
• 2 cups basmati rice, well rinsed until water runs clear
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (herbes de Provence or Cajun seasoning are delicious swaps)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables (1 small package), thawed overnight in the refrigerator
• Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, optional for topping

Pro tip: Thaw your frozen vegetables in the fridge the night before. Adding them cold makes the rice watery – this one step makes a real difference in the final texture.

How to Cook Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Step by Step

I recommend reading through all the steps once before you start – this recipe moves quickly once the Instant Pot heats up. Knowing what is coming helps everything go smoothly.

Step 1: Turn the Instant Pot to SAUTE mode. Add olive oil and let it heat until shimmering and hot.

Step 2: Add chicken chunks to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on the outside. You are not fully cooking the chicken here – just building flavor and color on the surface.

Step 3: Add the rinsed basmati rice directly on top of the chicken. Stir and cook for about 1 minute. This quick toast adds a subtle nutty depth to the finished Instant Pot chicken and rice that you will notice in every bite.

Step 4: Add water, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine everything evenly. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up every browned bit stuck to the bottom of the pot. This step is critical – any stuck bits left behind are the number one cause of the dreaded burn notice.

Step 5: Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to SEALING. Select MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK on HIGH pressure and set the cook time to 3 minutes.

Step 6: Once cooking finishes, allow a full 10-minute natural pressure release. Do not touch the valve during this time. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to VENTING to release any remaining steam. Wait for the float valve to drop completely before opening the lid.

Step 7: Open the lid and stir in the thawed mixed vegetables. The residual heat from the rice and chicken warms them through perfectly without turning them mushy or overcooked.

Step 8: Top with fresh cilantro or parsley if you like. Give everything a gentle stir and serve straight from the pot.

Best Ways to Serve Your Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple pairings take it to the next level. These are the best sides for Instant Pot chicken and rice that work best at my table.

Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon over each bowl adds brightness and cuts through the savory richness beautifully. It wakes up every flavor in the pot.

Simple green salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the hearty, filling nature of this rice dish and adds a refreshing contrast in texture.

Hot sauce or salsa: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a spoonful of fresh salsa works especially well if you made the Cajun or taco seasoning variation. It adds heat and a punch of freshness.

Warm flatbread or pita: Great for scooping up every last bit from the bowl. Works especially well with the herbes de Provence version for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

More Easy Chicken and Rice Dinners to Try Next

If this Instant Pot chicken and rice hit the spot, there are plenty of other satisfying chicken dinners worth adding to the weekly rotation. The French Onion Chicken Rice Bake delivers deep, caramelized flavor in a simple oven dish, while the Ranch Chicken and Rice is another easy one-pot favorite the whole family loves. For a bold Southern-inspired twist, the Chicken Jambalaya brings smoky, spiced rice and tender chicken together in one deeply flavorful pot.

For nights when something a little heartier sounds good, the Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is a showstopper with its bright, herby sauce – it pairs beautifully as a fresh contrast to the simple seasoning in this pressure cooker version. All four recipes make excellent candidates for weekly meal prep.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken and Rice

Leftover Instant Pot chicken and rice stores beautifully, making it one of the best recipes for meal prep. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

When reheating from the fridge, microwave in 60-second intervals with a small splash of water stirred in. This restores the moisture and keeps the rice from drying out. Stovetop reheating works well too – just warm in a covered pan over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of water added.

Pro tip: Frozen portions may have a slightly softer rice texture after thawing, which is completely normal. Always thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Print