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Ultimate Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: The Easiest One-Pot Weeknight Dinner

This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, delivering tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly fluffy rice all in one pot with minimal cleanup. The magic of cooking chicken and rice together creates an incredible one-pot meal where the rice absorbs all the delicious chicken juices and seasonings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 425
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati work well)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
  • Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder
  2. Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant
  3. Push the aromatics to the side and add the seasoned chicken pieces. Brown for 2-3 minutes per side. You don't need to cook through completely – just create a nice golden crust
  4. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Spread the rice evenly over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure not to stir – this prevents the rice from becoming mushy
  5. Close the lid, set the valve to "Sealing," and select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" for 8 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure, then cook for the programmed time
  6. Once cooking is complete, allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release. This resting period is crucial for perfectly fluffy rice and tender chicken
  7. Carefully release any remaining pressure, then open the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork and shred or slice the chicken. If using frozen vegetables, stir them in now – they'll heat through from the residual heat. Garnish with fresh parsley

Notes

Rice variety matters: Long-grain rice works best. Don't skip rinsing rice to remove excess starch. Layer, don't stir: Placing rice on top of chicken without stirring allows even cooking. Customize flavors with different herbs and seasonings.