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Easy Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe for Perfect Dinner

Easy Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice - featured image
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A quick and comforting creamy chicken and rice dish made effortlessly in the Instant Pot, perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup frozen peas or chopped spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, finely chop onion, mince garlic, and measure out rice and broth (about 10 minutes).
  2. Set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add olive oil and butter. Once melted and hot, add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft. Stir in garlic and sauté another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken pieces to the pot, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked.
  4. Pour in uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine, ensuring rice is submerged. Avoid scraping the bottom to prevent burn warnings.
  5. Seal the lid and set Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 8 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
  6. Open lid and stir in softened cream cheese until melted and creamy. Add frozen peas or spinach if using, stirring until warmed through.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Let sit for 2-3 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

Notes

Do not skip the sauté step to build flavor. Use natural pressure release to avoid mushy rice. Stir gently after cooking to maintain creamy texture. If rice is too wet, sauté for a minute or two to evaporate excess liquid. Cream cheese adds a silky finish; substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or coconut cream for dairy-free.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/easy-creamy-instant-pot-chicken-and-rice-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/