Description
This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe is a delicious, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and mixed vegetables, all cooked together and finished with rich cream and cheddar cheese for a creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 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
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Dairy
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare and Sauté Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil to the pot, then sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot along with salt and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside.
- Add Rice, Broth, and Vegetables: Stir in the rinsed long grain white rice, low-sodium chicken broth, and frozen mixed vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly combined.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before carefully quick releasing any remaining pressure.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Open the lid and immediately stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and rice hot, garnished with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme if desired.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming too sticky.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Letting the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes helps improve texture and prevents splattering when quickly releasing the remaining pressure.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for extra freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Instant Pot chicken and rice, creamy chicken rice, one-pot chicken recipe, quick pressure cooker meals, creamy comfort food
