Description
This Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces combined with aromatic garlic and onions, fluffy white rice, and a generous amount of parmesan create a comforting dish with the ease of pressure cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup chopped white onion (approximately 1 medium onion)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (approximately 4 large cloves)
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 3–4 cups chicken broth (3 cups for firmer rice; 4 cups for softer rice)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice from approximately 1 large lemon)
- 1 cup shredded fresh parmesan or grated, at room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt, more or less to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, more or less to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Instant Pot and Melt Butter: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the insert. Let the butter melt completely before moving to the next step.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add 1 cup chopped white onion and 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic to the melted butter. Stir to combine, then sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their aroma.
- Cook Chicken Pieces: Add the bite-sized chicken breast pieces to the pot. Sauté while stirring occasionally for approximately 5 minutes until the chicken pieces turn opaque on all sides, indicating they are partially cooked.
- Add Rice, Broth, and Lemon Juice: Stir in 1 ½ cups rinsed long-grain white rice, 3 to 4 cups chicken broth depending on desired rice texture (3 cups for firmer rice, 4 cups for softer), and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Scrape the bottom of the pot gently to loosen any bits stuck to the base and ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the Sealing position. Set the pot to Manual High Pressure mode and cook for 8 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to pressurize before the cooking countdown begins.
- Natural Release: Once cooking ends, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for exactly 2 minutes. Avoid longer natural release to prevent overcooking the rice.
- Quick Release and Remove Lid: After the 2-minute natural release, carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure. Open the lid cautiously to avoid steam burns.
- Incorporate Excess Liquid if Needed: Stir the chicken and rice mixture thoroughly. If there is excess liquid remaining in the pot, set the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode and stir until the liquid is fully absorbed and the mixture reaches desired consistency.
- Add Parmesan and Seasonings: Add 1 cup shredded fresh parmesan, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the pot. Stir well to evenly incorporate these flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning or add more parmesan, salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Serve: Portion the cheesy chicken and rice mixture into serving dishes. Garnish with additional parmesan if preferred and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Chicken Broth: For firmer rice, use 3 cups of chicken broth. For a softer, creamier texture, use 4 cups.
- Rice Type: Use only long-grain white rice for best results. Brown rice and instant or minute rice are not recommended as they require different cooking times and can lead to uneven results.
- Texture: The finished rice resembles a creamy risotto rather than fluffy pilaf or fried rice.
- Overcooked Rice: Avoid overcooking by not extending the natural pressure release beyond 2 minutes to prevent sticky or gluey rice.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or baby spinach right after cooking. Residual heat will warm them without overcooking.
- Herbs: Enhance flavor by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning alongside the rice and broth.
- Protein Swaps: Substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs or turkey breast pieces for variation.
- Extra Garlic: Double the garlic amount if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions and garlic for an earthy depth.
