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Creamy Instant Pot Loaded Chicken and Rice

creamy instant pot loaded chicken and rice - featured image

A quick and comforting creamy chicken and rice recipe made in the Instant Pot, ready in just 30 minutes. Loaded with veggies and cheese, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup mixed frozen peas and carrots
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop onion finely, and mince garlic.
  2. Turn Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add chicken pieces, sprinkle paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat and cook until chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked (about 3 minutes).
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and chicken broth until smooth. Pour into Instant Pot and stir to combine, scraping the bottom to prevent sticking.
  5. Add rinsed rice and frozen peas and carrots on top without stirring. Gently press down to submerge slightly.
  6. Seal Instant Pot lid and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 8 minutes. It will take 5-7 minutes to come to pressure before timing starts.
  7. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes after cooking.
  8. Carefully release any remaining pressure and open lid. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent clumping. Do not stir rice after adding to the pot to avoid burn notices. Use natural pressure release to keep chicken tender. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives. If mixture is too thick after cooking, stir in a splash of broth or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, chicken and rice, creamy chicken, quick dinner, comfort food, loaded chicken and rice, easy recipe