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    Home » Instant Pot Recipes » Instant Pot Chicken and Rice - 30 minutes only!

    Instant Pot Chicken and Rice - 30 minutes only!

    Published: Nov 13, 2020 · Modified: Apr 14, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links·

    1527 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
    Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

    This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice dish is an easy, one-pot meal that comes together in 30 minutes!

    A serving of chicken and rice on a plate
    Jump to:
    • Why you should make chicken and rice in the Instant Pot
    • Ingredients List
    • Recipe Instructions
    • Expert Tips for cooking chicken in the Instant Pot
    • FAQs
    • More 1-pot Instant Pot Meals
    • Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

    What's the best part about one-pot meals? Lesser clean-up for later! This one-pot meal is made by pressure-cooking chicken along with rice. This not only helps reduce the time involved in cooking but also enhances the flavor of the rice. This a super-convenient meal for those rushed weeknights, it is also packed with flavor and doesn't let down on the taste quotient!

    Our family eats rice so often, and I love making 1-pot rice meals in the Instant Pot. Some of our favorite 1-pot meals are Instant Pot fried rice, Instant Pot rice and veggies, and our Sunday lunch favorite - Instant Pot chicken biryani .

    Chicken and rice served up on a platter

    Why you should make chicken and rice in the Instant Pot

    • Family-friendly one-pot meal
    • Made in under 30 minutes!
    • Easy to customize - add any combination of veggies you like
    • Super flavorful and aromatic

    Ingredients List

    For this recipe, we will need:

    Chicken - You can use either bone-in thighs and legs or boneless chicken. I prefer bone-in chicken as it is more flavorful and juicy. If using boneless chicken, go for boneless thighs.

    Rice - Use aromatic rice such as basmati or jasmine rice for more flavor.

    Chicken broth or bouillon - Go for a low-sodium broth or bouillon. This is optional but adds so much good flavor.

    Tinned tomatoes

    Yellow onion, bell pepper, and corn

    Garlic, fresh or dried basil

    Seasonings and spices -
    Salt and pepper
    Nutmeg
    Oregano
    Thyme
    Parsley
    Paprika

    Olive oil

    Recipe Instructions

    • Turn the Instant Pot to the 'Saute' setting and add olive oil. Let it heat for 3-4 minutes while you prep your ingredients. Add cleaned and dried chicken thighs and legs (skin on), skin-side down. Season with salt and fresh black pepper.
    Steps for cooking chicken and rice in an Instant Pot
    • Let the chicken cook on one side for 3 minutes, and flip it over on the other side. Season again with salt and pepper and cook again for 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, keep aside on a plate.
    Steps for cooking chicken and rice in an Instant Pot
    • Add chopped onions and saute for a minute. Then add 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 a bell pepper (finely chopped) and 1/4 cup corn kernels. Add 1/2 teaspoon each of white pepper powder, nutmeg, oregano, thyme, parsley (or add 1.5 teaspoons of assorted dried herbs). Saute for a minute more.
    Steps for cooking chicken and rice in an Instant Pot
    • Add 1/2 a tin of tomatoes, saute and be sure to mix well so that any residue at the bottom of the pot is mixed in with the tomatoes. Add 1.5 teaspoons paprika powder and mix.
    Steps for cooking chicken and rice in an Instant Pot
    • Add 2 cups of washed and rinsed rice, followed by 2.5 cups of chicken stock (can be substitued with water and salt). Mix well.
    Steps for cooking chicken and rice in an Instant Pot
    • Add the seared chicken back to the pot, making sure it is almost entirely immersed in the liquid. Now put on the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to 'Pressure Cook' (or Manual) for 6 minutes (make sure the vent on the lid is in 'Sealing' position)
    Cooking chicken and rice together in an Instant Pot
    • Let the steam release naturally and open the lid of the cooker once the safety valve comes down. Add some roughly chopped basil leaves and throw it in. Give it a gently stir to combine.

    Serve up warm!

    Cooked chicken and rice in an Instant Pot

    Expert Tips for cooking chicken in the Instant Pot

    Use bone-in meat: You can use either bone-in thighs and legs, or boneless thigh or breast meat. My personal preference is to make this recipe with bone-in meat, as I am partial to the meaty flavour from bone-in meat.

    Use Frozen chicken: For convenience, you could use frozen meat as well - the advantage of using the Instant Pot is that frozen meat doesn't need to be thawed! Big win!

    Don't skip the browing: The recipe involves 3 steps - browing the chicken (skip this step if using skinless, boneless meat), sauteeing the veggies, adding the seasonings +rice+liquid, and finally, pressure cooking all the ingredients. You can also make this meal without taking the extra trouble of sauteeing the chicken and veggies - but I highly recommend doing this (if you have the time!) as this adds layers of flavour that you simply cannot get by skipping ahead and cooking it all together.

    Use low-sodium broth: Keep in mind that using low-sodium chicken broth gives this dish oodles of flavour, so try using broth instead of water. Another tip is to sprinkle in some fresh basil or parsley right at the end, it adds a lovely boost of flavour.

    Serving of chicken and rice made in the Instant Pot

    FAQs

    Can I replace bone-in chicken with chicken breasts?

    Yes, you certainly can replace bone-in chicken with chicken breasts, if you prefer. I personally like the flavor of bone-in chicken, but boneless breasts are a great option as well - particularly if you want to cut down on cooking time.
    Use small-medium-sized (4-6 ounce) boneless chicken breasts, and skip the initial steps of searing the meat. Continue with the rest of the instructions and set the cooking time to 7 minutes. After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 5 minutes and then manually release pressure.

    Can you cook frozen chicken with rice in the Instant Pot?

    Yes, you certainly can use frozen chicken together with uncooked rice in the Instant Pot. If you are following this recipe and would like to replace the bone-in meat with frozen chicken, I recommend you substitute with frozen boneless chicken breasts.
    With frozen boneless chicken breasts, you can entirely skip the initial part of searing the chicken. Proceed with sauteeing the aromatics and seasonings, add the raw rice and liquid and place the frozen chicken breasts on the
    rice. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 9 minutes. After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 5 minutes and then manually release pressure.

    More 1-pot Instant Pot Meals

    Instant Pot Fried Rice

    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Instant Pot Peanut Noodles

    Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

    Chicken and rice served up

    Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

    Shinta
    This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice dish is a one-pot meal that comes together in 30 minutes, and makes for a delicious meal with less fuss and minimal clean-up for later. Flavored with mixed herbs, garlic and paprika, this dish is also gluten-free and protein-rich.
    5 from 23 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 6 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Servings 5
    Calories 622 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1.5 tablespoon olive oil
    • 5 chicken thighs and legs bone-in, skin-on
    • Salt and pepper to season
    • 1 small onion diced
    • 2 garlic cloves minced
    • ½ bell pepper diced
    • ¼ cup corn kernels
    • ½ teaspoon white pepper powder
    • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
    • ½ teaspoon oregano
    • ½ teaspoon thyme
    • ½ teaspoon parsley
    • ½ tin tomatoes approximately 7 ounces or 200 grams
    • ½ teaspoon paprika powder
    • 2 cups rice washed and rinsed
    • 2.5 cups chicken stock can be replaced with water and salt
    • Fresh basil leaves can be replaced with dried basil

    Instructions
     

    • Turn the Instant Pot to the 'Saute' setting and add the olive oil. Let it pre-heat for 3-4 minutes. Add cleaned and dried chicken thighs and legs (skin on), skin-side down. Season with salt and black pepper.
    • Let the chicken cook on one side for 3 minutes, until lightly browned, add pepper and salt to season and flip it over on the other side. Season again with salt and pepper. Cook again for 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, keep aside on a plate.
    • Add chopped onions and sauté for a minute. Then add 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 a bell pepper (finely chopped) and 1/4 cup corn kernels. Add 1/2 teaspoon each of white pepper powder, nutmeg, oregano, thyme, parsley (or add 2.5 teaspoons of assorted dried herbs). Sauté for a minute more.
    • Add 1/2 a tin of tomatoes, sauté and be sure to mix well so that any residue at the bottom of the pot is mixed in with the tomatoes. This is important - if nor properly deglazed, the Instant Pot will show a 'Burn' error.
    • Add the paprika powder and mix.
    • Add 2 cups of washed and rinsed rice, followed by 2.5 cups of chicken stock or water. If adding water, add more salt to season. Mix well.
    • Add the seared chicken back to the pot, making sure it is almost entirely immersed in the liquid. Now put on the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to 'Pressure Cook' (or ‘Manual’) for 6 minutes (make sure the vent is in 'Sealing' position for the Instant Pot)
    • Let the steam release naturally and open the lip of the cooker once the safety valve comes down. Add some roughly chopped basil leaves and throw it in. Give it a gently stir to combine.

    Notes

    For chicken breasts - Use small-medium-sized (4-6 ounce) skinless chicken breasts, and skip the initial steps of searing the meat. Continue with the rest of the instructions and set the cooking time to 7 minutes (9 minutes if using frozen chicken breasts). After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 5 minutes and then manually release pressure.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 622kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 27gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 511mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 559IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword Instant Pot, instant pot chicken and rice, one pot chicken and rice
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me on Instagram! @carameltintedlife or use the hashtag #carameltintedlife
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    1527 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Grace says

      April 23, 2021 at 3:47 pm

      Can you use brown rice for this?

      • Shinta says

        April 23, 2021 at 4:17 pm

        Yes, although brown rice will need more time to cook. If you are cooking both rice and chicken together using the recipe instructions, the rice will be undercooked. You can try pressure cooking for more time.

    2. Kathy says

      March 07, 2020 at 6:06 pm

      Can I double the recipe ?

      • Shinta says

        March 09, 2020 at 10:30 am

        Hi Kathy, yes - you could double the recipe using the same time and settings if you are making it in a 6-quart Instant Pot. If you try it out, I'd love to hear back!

    3. L says

      March 03, 2020 at 3:32 pm

      Do your instructions for chicken breasts refer to bone-in or boneless?

      • Shinta says

        March 03, 2020 at 6:45 pm

        The instructions are for boneless chicken breasts, thank you for pointing it out, I have updated the recipe as well.

    4. Amy | The Cook Report says

      July 01, 2019 at 9:53 am

      5 stars
      I love the sound of this, such an easy dinner!

    5. Jess says

      July 01, 2019 at 6:08 am

      5 stars
      Oh yum! I wish I had seen this recipe earlier tonight. I would have loved to had tried it! Looks like I will be putting it on the menu for this coming week. YUM!

    6. Natalie says

      July 01, 2019 at 5:20 am

      5 stars
      Looks so delicious and comforting! I love that everything is made in the same pot - saves time and so easy!

    7. Veena Azmanov says

      July 01, 2019 at 3:39 am

      5 stars
      I love such quick and easy and delicious option. I do make something similar and have it with some curds. Awesome.

    8. Krissy Allori says

      July 01, 2019 at 12:50 am

      5 stars
      I love having new instant pot recipes. Thank you!

    9. SHANIKA says

      June 20, 2019 at 3:04 pm

      5 stars
      Nothing like a one-pot meal! This Chicken + Rice dish looks so flavorful!

    10. Patty says

      June 20, 2019 at 2:51 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for dinner yesterday and it was delicious. Thanks for sharing and for the clear instructions and tips!

    11. Tristin Rieken says

      June 20, 2019 at 2:35 pm

      5 stars
      lpve love LOVE your easy instructions and step by step photos. Saved this recipe to my pressure cooker pinterest baard and I'm sure it will quickly become a family favorite 🙂

      • Shinta says

        June 20, 2019 at 2:51 pm

        Thank you so much Tristin!

    12. Tanya Schroeder says

      June 20, 2019 at 2:32 pm

      5 stars
      I'm always searching for new ways with chicken and this recipe is so quick and easy! It's a winner for sure.

      • Shinta says

        June 20, 2019 at 2:51 pm

        Thank you so much Tanya!

    13. Demeter says

      June 20, 2019 at 1:18 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so easy to make using the IP. Anything that’s less clean up sounds like a great idea to me.

      • Shinta says

        June 20, 2019 at 2:52 pm

        thank you so much! That's the benefit of one-pot meals!

    14. Kelly Anthony says

      June 20, 2019 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      I love a one pot meal especially when it cooks in under 30 minutes. This will be perfect for any busy night when I don't have much time.

      • Shinta says

        June 20, 2019 at 2:53 pm

        thank you! Glad you liked it!

    15. Kristine says

      June 09, 2019 at 11:34 pm

      5 stars
      This meal was so easy and yet so delicious! We devoured it and everyone raved about how good it was! I'll definitely make this one again thanks!

    16. Raia Todd says

      June 09, 2019 at 11:32 pm

      5 stars
      I am totally putting this on my menu! I love all the herbs and anything Instant Pot is always a winner with me! Thanks for the recipe!

    17. Tayo says

      June 09, 2019 at 10:34 pm

      5 stars
      RIce and chicken are a huge favorite in my house and I love the convenience of an instapot. Thanks for sharing!

    18. Sunrita says

      June 09, 2019 at 9:06 pm

      5 stars
      Instant pot is so convenient for quick convenient meals. Love this version of a one pot meal.

    19. Chris Collins says

      June 09, 2019 at 8:09 pm

      5 stars
      I love a 30minute meal and this looks right up my street! Thanks so much for sharing!

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    is always on the lookout for inspiration for her next meal. She shares recipes for family meals, Instant Pot recipes and more

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