Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to your dining table. It combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and colorful vegetables in a convenient one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and creamy texture. With the help of the Instant Pot, you can have this hearty meal ready in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods!
Why We Love This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
What makes this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice a go-to dish for many? First and foremost, it’s a time-saver. The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. The ingredients are simple, making it a great option for both novice cooks and experienced chefs. You also get a nutritious balance of protein, veggies, and carbs all in one bowl, making it a complete meal. Lastly, the dish is incredibly versatile—you can easily customize it based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
Ingredients about Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Directions
Making Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without the hassle. Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Once it’s heated, add the olive oil to the pot, followed by the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they become fragrant and the onion starts to look translucent.
Next, add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the pot. Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the chicken, stirring everything together. Allow the chicken to cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it’s lightly browned on the outside. This quick browning adds a depth of flavor that enhances the final dish.
Now it’s time to add the other ingredients. Pour in the rinsed long grain white rice along with the low-sodium chicken broth. Ensure that the rice is evenly distributed throughout the liquid. Carefully mix in the frozen mixed vegetables, combining them well with the rice and chicken.
With everything in the pot, secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. You’ll want to cook under high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes. After this, you can carefully quick release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
The moment you lift the lid, you’ll be greeted with a creamy aroma. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until everything is combined, creating a luscious, creamy texture that envelops the chicken and rice. If you wish, garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch. Serve your dish hot, and enjoy the creamy goodness with every bite.
How to Serve Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
Serving Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is as simple as dishing out the creamy mixture into bowls. To elevate the presentation, consider garnishing with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or chives. This not only adds a pop of color to the dish but also enhances its flavor profile. For those who enjoy a bit of contrast, serve it alongside a light salad or some crusty bread, which can soak up the creamy sauce.
For a family-style meal, you can also serve this dish directly from the Instant Pot if you’re gathering around the table. Just make sure to have bowls and utensils ready for everyone to help themselves. Pair it with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade to complement the richness of the dish.
Expert Tips: Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
To ensure your Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice turns out delicious every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. First, be cautious with the rice-to-broth ratio. Too much liquid can make the rice overly mushy, whereas too little can result in undercooked rice. Always rinse your rice before cooking; this removes excess starch and helps achieve the perfect texture.
When it comes to seasoning, feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your taste. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables. You can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen, just make sure they are chopped into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer other types of cheese, feel free to substitute cheddar with mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor.
Finally, make sure to give the dish a good stir after adding the cream and cheese to ensure that it’s evenly distributed throughout the rice and chicken.
How to Store Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
If you’ve made more Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice than you can eat in one sitting, you’ll want to know how to store it properly. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
If you wish to extend its shelf life, consider freezing your creamy chicken and rice. Divide the dish into smaller portions and place them into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. You can conveniently keep the dish frozen for up to 2 to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until the dish is heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the texture if needed, as it may thicken during storage.
Variation of Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
The beauty of Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice lies in its versatility. There are countless variations you can try to keep the dish fresh and exciting. For a different protein option, you can replace the chicken with turkey or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly; shrimp, for example, cooks much faster.
If you’re looking to add more nutrients, consider including leafy greens such as spinach or kale. You can stir these in after the pressure cooking step as they wilt quickly with the heat.
For a fun international twist, try incorporating spices such as curry powder or paprika to give the dish a unique flair. Another variation could be to use different types of rice, such as brown rice or jasmine rice—just be mindful of the cooking times as they vary.
Lastly, make it a one-pot meal by including canned beans for additional protein and fiber. Black beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans can all provide a hearty texture and wholesome nutrition to the dish.
FAQ
What is the best way to cook Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice?
The best way to cook Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is to follow the outlined steps carefully. Start by sautéing onions and garlic, and then add chicken and seasonings before incorporating rice and broth. Always ensure the lid is secure and the valve is set to sealing during cooking.
How long does it take to make Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice?
It typically takes about 8 minutes of cooking time under high pressure, with an additional 5 minutes for natural pressure release. However, considering the time needed for preparation and sautéing, you can expect the entire process to take around 30 minutes from start to finish.
Can I make Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice with frozen chicken?
Yes, you can make Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice with frozen chicken. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through properly.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Certainly, but keep in mind that brown rice has a longer cooking time than white rice. You will need to adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time accordingly, as brown rice typically requires about 22-25 minutes of cooking under high pressure.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked in Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice?
To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F (75°C). It will also appear white and no longer pink inside.
Can I customize the vegetables in Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice?
Absolutely! You can customize the vegetables to your preference. Feel free to use any fresh or frozen vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetable you choose to include.
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Set the Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add olive oil to the pot.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and the onion looks translucent.
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add the rinsed long grain white rice and low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed. Mix in the frozen mixed vegetables.
Cooking
- Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Finishing Touch
- Lift the lid and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.
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