One of those cozy, soul-satisfying meals that warms not only your stomach but also your heart is a big plate of creamy chicken and rice. This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice takes all the comfort you crave and cooks it up in a convenient, fuss-free way. With tender pieces of boneless chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious blend of cream and cheese, every bite is an embrace of wholesome goodness. The Instant Pot makes it so easy, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, especially on those busy weeknights when time is tight but a tasty meal is still a must.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

When I first whipped up this dish, I couldn’t believe how quickly it came together and how little effort it required. Just sauté, set, and let the magic happen! Your family will feel like they’re enjoying a special homemade meal, while you know it’s just a matter of pressing a few buttons. Plus, the creamy texture combined with the savory flavors means you’ll never want to reach for takeout again. Are you ready to dive into making your own comforting bowl of Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice? Let’s do it together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes in the Instant Pot, it’s a speedy dinner any night of the week!
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy sauce, enriched with heavy cream and cheddar cheese, creates a smooth texture and rich taste that everyone loves.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright colors of the veggies make each serving pop, turning dinner into a delightful feast.
Flexible Serving: This dish is perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or even meal prep—whatever your day calls for!
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adjust ingredients to cater to dietary needs, making this a versatile recipe for everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating. You can substitute with chicken thighs for extra moisture.
1 cup long grain white rice: Rinse this well before cooking to avoid gumminess and achieve a perfect, fluffy texture.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides the foundational flavor; low-sodium is recommended to control salt levels.
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables: Including peas, carrots, corn, and green beans not only adds nutrition but offers vibrant color and fun texture.
1 small onion: Finely chopped for a fragrant base; a yellow or white onion works best here.
2 cloves garlic: Minced for that aromatic warmth that complements chicken beautifully.
1/2 cup heavy cream: This is where the creaminess stems from, creating a luxurious texture. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or coconut milk.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Gives a delicious cheesy flavor; feel free to swap with your favorite cheese.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic; any light oil will do if you prefer.
1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor. Adjust to your taste.

How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

Sauté the Aromatics: Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until your kitchen is filled with that amazing aroma and the onions turn translucent.

Brown the Chicken: Now, add 1 lb of the bite-sized chicken pieces along with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned. This step adds depth to the flavor of your dish.

Mix in Rice and Broth: Stir in 1 cup of rinsed long grain white rice, ensuring it mingles well with the chicken. Then, pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and add 1 cup of frozen mixed veggies. This combo creates a wonderfully balanced meal. Stir gently and secure the lid of the Instant Pot, setting the valve to sealing.

Pressure Cook: Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow it to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before using the quick release method for any remaining pressure—be cautious with the steam!

Add Cream and Cheese: Carefully open the lid and mix in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy; you want to see that gorgeous, rich consistency. A little taste test here might just be necessary!

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your creamy chicken and rice hot, perhaps garnished with fresh herbs if you have any on hand. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Storing & Reheating

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If you need to keep it longer, transfer it to the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze this dish—just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and microwave until warmed through. You may notice some texture changes; a splash of chicken broth can help restore creaminess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice is key to avoiding that sticky texture you might not want. It helps keep each grain separate and fluffy.
Ingredient Prep: Let your chicken come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even cooking.
Adjusting Creaminess: For a creamier consistency, feel free to increase the amount of heavy cream or reduce the chicken broth slightly.
Vegetable Swaps: Don’t hesitate to customize this dish with your favorite veggies; anything from broccoli to bell peppers can be added based on what you have on hand.
Make Ahead: You can prepare everything ahead of time and store in the fridge until you’re ready to cook, making dinner stress-free.

Your family will adore this dish, and you’ll love how quickly it all comes together. It’s a tried-and-true recipe that combines simplicity with comfort. You might even find yourself dreaming up new variations once you master this base recipe!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice needs more liquid and a longer cooking time. You’ll want to use 2-2.5 cups of broth and increase the pressure cooking time to about 22-25 minutes to ensure it cooks through properly.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just remember that the flavor may slightly change, but it’ll still be delightful!

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure it cools completely before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat it with a splash of broth for the best texture when serving again.

How can I enhance the flavor of the dish?

Consider adding a touch of your favorite spices like paprika, dried thyme, or Italian seasoning. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving can also add a fresh, zesty kick that complements the creaminess beautifully.