Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with juicy chicken, tender rice, bright lemon, and colorful veggies, it’s a healthy and flavorful dish the whole family will love—ready in under an hour with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This comforting chicken and rice dish is everything a quick dinner should be: easy, nourishing, and full of flavor. The Instant Pot makes it hands-off and efficient, while lemon juice and zest add a burst of brightness. It’s a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and grains, and it’s highly customizable to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 cup carrot, diced

• 8 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas

• 1½ cups uncooked white rice, rinsed and drained

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish

Directions

1. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides and set aside.

2. Preheat the Instant Pot using the Sauté setting. Add the olive oil and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Pour ¼ cup of the chicken broth into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits.

4. Add the onion and carrot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until slightly softened.

5. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, until fragrant. Press Cancel to stop the sauté function.

6. Add the remaining broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, peas, rinsed rice, and parsley. Stir to combine.

7. Place the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture. Do not stir.

8. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual High Pressure for 7 minutes.

9. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.

10. Open the lid and shred the chicken with two forks. Stir everything together and garnish with more parsley, black pepper, and lemon wedges if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 5.

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 35 minutes (includes pressure build-up, cook time, and release)

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add More Veggies: Stir in spinach or kale after cooking until wilted.

• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

• Use Brown Rice: Increase pressure cook time to 20–22 minutes and add more broth (2½–3 cups total).

• Cheesy Finish: Stir in shredded parmesan or feta for added richness.

• Make It Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free—just skip cheese-based variations.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the rice. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but skip the searing step and increase the pressure cook time to 10 minutes. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.

What kind of rice works best?

White long-grain rice works best. Short grain or jasmine rice are also suitable. Avoid instant or parboiled rice.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes. Both work well, though thighs tend to stay more moist and flavorful under pressure.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but do not fill past the max fill line in your Instant Pot. Increase sauté time as needed, but the pressure cook time remains the same.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Swap chicken for canned chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Do I have to rinse the rice?

Yes, rinsing removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy.

What size Instant Pot do I need?

A 6-quart Instant Pot is ideal. If using an 8-quart, you may need slightly more liquid.

Will the peas overcook?

No. Adding them before pressure cooking softens them, but they still retain flavor. If you prefer firmer peas, stir them in after cooking.

What’s the purpose of lemon zest?

Lemon zest adds extra brightness and enhances the lemon flavor throughout the dish.

Can I skip the parsley?

Yes. Parsley adds freshness but can be omitted or substituted with dill or cilantro.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, balanced meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With juicy chicken, fragrant garlic, and zesty lemon, this comforting dish is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you just want something warm and satisfying with minimal cleanup. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular on your dinner table.