Description

This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe delivers a comforting, flavorful one-pot meal that’s both easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are sautéed with aromatic onions and garlic before simmering with rice, mixed vegetables, and chicken broth. Finished with creamy heavy cream and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is a hearty, satisfying solution that combines convenience with rich, delicious flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Dairy

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Grains and Liquids

1 cup long grain white rice (rinsed)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Seasonings and Oil

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the olive oil, then sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the pot along with the salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside.
Add Rice and Vegetables: Stir in the rinsed long grain white rice, low-sodium chicken broth, and frozen mixed vegetables. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes to ensure the rice is perfectly cooked and the chicken is tender.
Release Pressure: After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure to open the lid safely.
Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese while the mixture is still hot to create a creamy, cheesy texture throughout the dish.
Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and rice hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Notes

Rinsing rice removes excess starch and helps prevent the dish from becoming too sticky.
You can substitute frozen vegetables with fresh ones; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the dish will be less creamy.
If you prefer spicier flavors, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during sautéing.
Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Letting the pressure release naturally for a few minutes helps keep the rice texture perfect and prevents splattering when quick releasing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Instant Pot chicken rice, creamy chicken rice, one pot meal, easy dinner recipe, cheesy chicken recipe, pressure cooker dinner