Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

4.56 from 9 votes

Instant Pot chicken and rice is equal parts flavorful and comforting. Loaded with tender cubes of chicken, fluffy rice, and tons of veggies!

Prep Time8

Cook Time17

Total Time25

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Calories: 330kcal

Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the oil.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes stirring occasionally so the chicken doesn’t burn on the bottom.
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Next add the rice on top of the chicken and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
2 cups basmati rice
Add the water, salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper and minced garlic. Stir until mixed well.
2 cups water, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 4 cloves garlic
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure that the knob is set to sealed. Next choose “manual” then make sure it’s set to “high” pressure and choose 3 minutes.
Once done cooking at pressure, perform a 10 minute natural pressure release and then carefully remove the rest of the pressure.
Take off the Instant Pot lid and carefully stir in the vegetables.
12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
Top with cilantro and serve
chopped fresh cilantro

*Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work.

**Any long-grain rice will work. However, this recipe will not work with instant rice or cauliflower rice.

***The cilantro is optional. You can use parsley instead or leave it out completely.

Tips:

Be sure to thaw your mixed vegetables overnight in the refrigerator before beginning this recipe!
I do not recommend making this recipe with frozen chicken, as the extra cooking time will turn the rice mushy.
I like Italian seasoning, but you can use just about any kind of seasoning you love. Herbs de Provence, Cajun seasoning, or my favorite chicken seasoning.
Be sure to rinse the rice well before cooking to prevent mushy rice.
When you add the water to the pot, be sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to bottom of your instant pot with a wooden spoon. This will help prevent a "burn" notice.
Always consult your instant pot user manual for the best advice for your specific model.
Different varieties of rice can cook differently in the Instant Pot. If your rice turns out undercooked, close the lid and let it steam for 20 minutes. If it's overcooked, reduce the cook time next time by 1-2 minutes.
Always check that the pressure has fully released before opening the lid.

Storage: Store Instant Pot chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.