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Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe Easy Creamy Weeknight Dinner Idea

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A creamy, comforting, and easy Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Made with simple pantry staples and ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, stirring constantly.
  2. Season the chicken thighs or breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Nestle them into the pot on top of the onions and garlic. Brown slightly on each side for about 2 minutes per side.
  3. Pour the rinsed long grain white rice evenly over the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth. Do not stir. Gently press the rice down so it’s submerged and close the lid.
  4. Seal the Instant Pot lid, set to high pressure for 10 minutes. When the timer goes off, let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release to let out any remaining steam.
  5. Open the lid and gently stir to combine everything. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan over the top. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not stir rice into broth before cooking to avoid burn notice. Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture. Natural release for 10 minutes is key for tender rice and juicy chicken. Adjust salt after cooking due to salty broth and cheese. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, chicken and rice, creamy chicken, weeknight dinner, easy dinner, pressure cooker recipe, family meal

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/instant-pot-chicken-and-rice-recipe-easy-creamy-weeknight-dinner-idea/