Quick and easy recipes

Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice — One Pot is my go to dinner for those nights when everyone is hungry, I am tired, and the sink is already giving me the side eye. You know the vibe: you want something warm and filling, but you do not want to babysit a stove. This recipe hits that sweet spot because it is comforting like a classic chicken and rice bowl, but it is hands off once the lid locks. It is also a great “clean out the fridge” kind of meal without tasting like leftovers. If you have an Instant Pot and a bag of rice, you are basically halfway there.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

This is the version I make most often because it is simple, forgiving, and still tastes like you actually tried. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, and you get tender chicken with fluffy rice in the same pot. Also, your kitchen smells amazing while it cooks, which feels like a little reward.

Quick step by step

I will keep this super practical so you can cook along without bouncing around.

• Sauté a little onion in oil or butter right in the pot until it softens.
• Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds so it smells nice but does not burn.
• Add bite size chicken pieces (or chicken thighs) and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Pour in broth and scrape the bottom well to lift any browned bits.
• Stir in rinsed rice and a handful of frozen peas or carrots if you want.
• Pressure cook, then do a short rest, fluff, and eat.

My usual timing: cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes if you are using white long grain rice and small chicken pieces. Then let it sit for 8 to 10 minutes before you release the rest of the pressure. That rest time matters because the rice finishes soaking up the liquid and the texture gets better.

If you are in a creamy mood, you can stir in a little splash of cream or a spoon of sour cream at the end. If you love that style, I have another cozy option you might like too: this creamy chicken and rice recipe is basically comfort in a bowl.

One more little trick from my own trial and error: after you add the rice, try not to stir like crazy. Just a gentle mix so it is evenly in the liquid, then stop touching it. Instant Pot meals are funny that way. Less fuss usually means better results.

Tips To Avoid The Burn Warning

Let us talk about the thing that makes people swear off the Instant Pot for life: the burn warning. I have gotten it before, and it is almost always because of one of these simple issues. The good news is that you can avoid it with a few habits.

Scrape the bottom after sautéing. This is number one. When you add broth, use a wooden spoon and really scrape up anything stuck to the bottom. Those browned bits are flavor, but only if they are lifted into the liquid.

Do not use thick sauces before pressure cooking. Anything tomato heavy, super creamy, or very sugary can scorch. If you want to add something like cream, cheese, or a thick soup base, stir it in after cooking.

Make sure there is enough liquid. Rice needs liquid to cook, and the pot needs steam to build pressure. If you cut liquid too much, the pot struggles and can throw the warning.

Layer smart. I like to keep rice mostly submerged. If you dump rice on top and leave dry patches, it can cook unevenly. Gentle stir, then leave it alone.

If your pot does flash burn, do not panic. Cancel cooking, quick release if needed, open carefully, scrape the bottom, and add a small splash of broth. Then restart. You might lose a little time, but dinner is still saved.

“I tried this on a weeknight when I was completely drained. No burn warning, and my picky kid asked for seconds. This one is staying in rotation.”

By the way, if you are into other one pot comfort dinners that do not require much thinking, you might also enjoy this one pot chicken and orzo skillet. Different texture, same cozy payoff.

Ingredients and Substitutions

I am going to list what I use most often, plus swaps that work in real life when you are missing something. This recipe is flexible, but rice type and liquid ratio are the two things you should respect.

• Chicken: boneless skinless thighs are my favorite for tenderness. Breasts work too, just do not overcook.
• Rice: long grain white rice is the easiest. Basmati also works nicely.
• Broth: chicken broth adds flavor, but water plus bouillon works in a pinch.
• Aromatics: onion and garlic make it taste like more than just “chicken and rice.”
• Seasoning: salt, pepper, paprika, and a pinch of dried thyme or Italian seasoning.
• Veggies: frozen peas, carrots, or a mixed bag. I add them at the end or stir in before cooking if they are sturdy.
• Optional creamy finish: a little cream, sour cream, or cream cheese stirred in after cooking.

Substitution notes from my kitchen:

If you want to use brown rice, do not just swap it 1 for 1 with the same timing. Brown rice takes longer, and chicken can overcook if you are not careful. I usually recommend sticking to white rice for this specific Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice — One Pot if you want guaranteed results.

If you only have chicken thighs, you are in luck. They stay juicy and are harder to mess up. If you only have chicken breasts, cut them into even pieces so they cook at the same pace.

And if you love that baked casserole vibe, but still want something simple for busy nights, this chicken and rice casserole is a great backup plan for when you want a crispy top and oven comfort.

How to Serve

This is one of those meals that is perfectly fine in a bowl with a fork, but you can dress it up in two seconds and make it feel like a “real dinner.” I usually serve it hot and fluffy right after I stir everything together and taste for salt.

My favorite serving ideas are simple:

• Fresh lemon squeezed on top to brighten everything up.
• Chopped parsley or green onions for a little pop of freshness.
• A side of quick salad or sliced cucumbers if you want crunch.
• A spoon of yogurt or sour cream if you like it extra cozy.

If you want a heartier, smoky variation for another night, take a peek at this one pot black beans and rice with sausage. It is different flavors, same easy dinner energy.

And yes, this is a great dish for guests who “just want something simple.” It is familiar, not spicy unless you make it spicy, and it usually disappears fast.

How to Store

Leftovers of Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice — One Pot are honestly one of my favorite parts. The flavors settle in, and lunch the next day feels like a win. Just store it the right way so the rice stays nice.

Here is what I do:

Fridge: Cool it down, then put it in an airtight container. It keeps well for up to 4 days.

Freezer: You can freeze it, but rice can get a little softer after thawing. Still totally good. Freeze in single portions so you can grab and go. Use within 2 months for best texture.

Reheating: Add a small splash of broth or water before reheating. Microwave in short bursts and stir, or warm it in a small pot on low. That tiny splash brings the rice back to life.

If you are someone who likes to rotate one pot dinners for meal prep, you might also like this one pot chicken alfredo pasta for a totally different vibe that still keeps dishes minimal.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

I do not recommend it for this specific recipe because the chicken releases extra liquid and cooks unevenly with the rice. If you want to use frozen chicken, thaw it first or cook the chicken separately, then add it back in.

What rice works best?

Long grain white rice is the most reliable. Jasmine can work, but it can get softer. Avoid instant rice because it turns mushy under pressure.

How do I make it more flavorful?

Use broth instead of water, do not skip the onion and garlic, and taste for salt at the end. A squeeze of lemon and a little fresh herb on top also helps a lot.

Can I make it creamy without dairy?

Yes. Stir in a little unsweetened coconut milk or a dairy free creamer at the end. You can also just keep it broth based and add extra veggies for a hearty feel.

Why is my rice too wet or too dry?

Too wet usually means too much liquid or not enough rest time before fluffing. Too dry can happen if you did not have enough liquid or your pot did not seal properly. Letting it sit for 8 to 10 minutes after cooking fixes a lot of rice issues.

A cozy dinner you will actually make again

If you try Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice — One Pot once, it tends to become one of those default meals you can do without thinking. It is warm, filling, and low stress, which is basically all I want on a busy night. If you want to compare versions and see other little tweaks people use, these two recipes are worth a look: Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – The Salty Marshmallow and Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice – The Dinner Bite. Make it once, adjust it to your taste, and do not forget that squeeze of lemon if you have it. Let me know how it goes, and I hope it makes your weeknight a little easier.