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Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

creamy instant pot chicken and rice - featured image

A quick and easy creamy chicken and rice recipe made in the Instant Pot, perfect for cozy dinners with tender chicken and a silky smooth sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet, optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Chop 1 small onion finely and mince 3 cloves of garlic. Cut 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Soften 4 ounces of cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. When melted and hot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken starts to brown but isn’t fully cooked through.
  4. Pour in the rinsed rice and 2 cups chicken broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, making sure the rice is evenly submerged.
  5. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 8 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release to vent any remaining pressure.
  6. Open the lid carefully. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and the softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent clumping. Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Let pressure release naturally for best texture. Soften cream cheese before adding to avoid lumps. Adjust salt based on broth saltiness. Avoid stirring rice and broth before cooking to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, chicken and rice, creamy chicken, easy dinner, pressure cooker recipe, cozy meals