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Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

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A quick and easy creamy chicken and rice recipe made in the Instant Pot, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 4 oz cream cheese or sour cream
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh)
  • Pinch of smoked paprika
  • Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish
  • Optional: squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic.
  2. Turn the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Melt the butter, then add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Brown on each side for about 2 minutes to seal in juices (optional step).
  4. Pour in the rice and stir gently to combine with onions and butter. Pour the chicken broth over everything, making sure the rice is submerged evenly. Avoid stirring too much after this.
  5. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure before cooking starts.
  6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
  7. Open the lid and add the cream cheese or sour cream. Stir gently until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for garnish.

Notes

Do not rush the natural pressure release to ensure perfectly cooked rice and juicy chicken. Rinsing rice before cooking helps prevent stickiness. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with coconut cream or plant-based sour cream. Browning chicken is optional but adds flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, chicken and rice, creamy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, one pot meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/creamy-instant-pot-chicken-and-rice-recipe-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/