Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a creamy, savory delight that brings warmth to your dinner table. This easy weeknight dinner is filled with tender chicken and fluffy rice, making it a perfect choice for busy families. Make it tonight and enjoy a wholesome meal everyone will love!
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 cups basmati rice rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables (1 small package, thawed)
- fresh cilantro optional, for topping
Instructions
- Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes stirring occasionally so the chicken doesn’t burn on the bottom.
- Next add the basmati rice on top of the chicken and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the water, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, and garlic. Stir until mixed well.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure that the knob is set to sealed. Next choose 'manual', then make sure it’s set to ‘high’ pressure and choose 3 minutes.
- Once done cooking at pressure, perform a 10 minute natural pressure release and then carefully remove the rest of the pressure.
- Take off the Instant Pot lid and carefully stir in the frozen mixed vegetables.
- Top with cilantro and serve.
Notes
- Thaw your mixed vegetables: Be sure to thaw your mixed vegetables overnight in the refrigerator before beginning this recipe!
- Chicken Choice: I do not recommend making this recipe with frozen chicken, as the extra cooking time will turn the rice mushy.
- Seasoning Options: I like Italian seasoning, but you can use just about any kind of seasoning you love.
- Rinse the Rice: Be sure to rinse the rice well before cooking to prevent mushy rice.
- Scrape the Pot: When you add the water to the pot, be sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of your Instant Pot with a wooden spoon.
- Consult Manual: Always consult your Instant Pot user manual for the best advice for your specific model.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If your rice turns out undercooked, close the lid and let it steam for 20 minutes. If it’s overcooked, reduce the cook time next time by 1-2 minutes.