why make this recipe
Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a velvety sauce all in one pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The Instant Pot makes it easy to prepare this dish quickly, and the ingredients are simple and readily available. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies with the addition of peas and carrots.
how to make Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
- Chop chicken into 1-inch pieces. Dice onion and carrots, and mince garlic. Measure out all other ingredients.
- Set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add olive oil and heat for 1 minute. Add onions and carrots; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in chicken pieces, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes until chicken starts to brown.
- Pour in rice and chicken broth. Stir well to combine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Cancel ‘Sauté’ mode.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set valve to ‘Sealing.’ Select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 8 minutes (high pressure). It will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure.
- When the timer beeps, carefully switch the valve to ‘Venting’ for a quick release. Open the lid when the pressure drops.
- Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese while the mixture is hot. Mix well until cream cheese melts and everything is creamy. If rice looks dry, add a splash more broth or cream.
- Fold in frozen peas and Parmesan cheese, if using. Cover with the lid for 2 minutes to cook peas.
- Stir in fresh parsley. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. If too thick, add more broth; if too runny, let sit for a few minutes with the lid off.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.
how to serve Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Serve this dish hot, directly from the pot. You can garnish it with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
how to store Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it thickens in the fridge, add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
tips to make Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
- Make sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
- If you prefer more vegetables, feel free to add other favorites like bell peppers or spinach.
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs like rosemary or basil.
- Adjust the amount of cream or cream cheese based on your desired creaminess.
variation
You can easily modify this recipe by using brown rice instead of white rice. Just be aware that brown rice will require a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly. You can also swap the chicken for diced turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you will need to increase the cooking time. Adding an additional few minutes should do the trick.
2. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but you may have to adjust the cooking time slightly. Make sure your Instant Pot is large enough to hold the increased volume.
3. What can I do if the rice is undercooked?
If your rice is undercooked, you can add a bit more broth or water and cook on ‘Sauté’ mode for a few more minutes, stirring frequently.
