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Easy Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe for Beginners to Master

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A quick and creamy one-pot meal made in the Instant Pot, perfect for busy weeknights and beginners. Tender chicken and fluffy rice come together with simple ingredients for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (can substitute thighs)
  • 1 cup long grain white rice (200g), rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth (480ml), low sodium recommended
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml) (can substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove starch. Chop onion finely and mince garlic. Set aside.
  2. Turn Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter. When hot, add onions and garlic. Stir frequently until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Avoid burning garlic.
  3. Place chicken breasts on top of onions in the pot. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Do not stir.
  4. Pour rinsed rice evenly over the chicken. Gently add 2 cups chicken broth. Avoid stirring to prevent rice from sticking.
  5. Seal Instant Pot lid, set valve to ‘Sealing’, and cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ high for 15 minutes. It takes about 10 minutes to reach pressure.
  6. Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully switch valve to ‘Venting’ to release remaining pressure.
  7. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Stir in heavy cream and softened cream cheese into rice mixture. Return shredded chicken to pot and stir gently until creamy and combined. Add Parmesan cheese if desired.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent sticking and burning. Do not stir after adding broth to avoid Instant Pot burn error. Soften cream cheese before adding for smooth texture. Shred chicken after cooking to keep it moist. Natural pressure release helps tenderize chicken and rice. Can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream off heat for lighter or dairy-free options. Use low sodium broth to control saltiness. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit cream cheese or use dairy-free spread.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, chicken and rice, creamy chicken recipe, easy dinner, one pot meal, beginner friendly, pressure cooker recipe

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/easy-creamy-instant-pot-chicken-and-rice-recipe-for-beginners-to-master/