Today, I want to share with you an amazing, dreamy Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe.

The dreaminess is all in the chicken stock and butter! Instead of using plain old water, I used that chicken stock to cook the rice.

This gives the rice an unbelievable flavor and makes it so much more than just ordinary rice. Chicken stock and butter make this dish so fragrant and rich, you will not be able to resist.

To make this Instant Pot chicken and rice, you will need: 

Ingredients 

–Bell pepper: I used bell peppers because they are sweet and add a lovely flavor to the dish. You can use any type of pepper that you like.

–Chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks are used in this recipe because they are inexpensive and have a lot of flavor. You can use any type of chicken that you like.

–Unsalted butter: Butter is used in this recipe to add richness and creaminess. You can use any type of butter that you like.

–Basmati rice: Basmati rice has a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture. This really adds to the texture of this recipe!

–Onion: The onion adds sweetness and flavor to the dish.

–Smoked paprika: Smoked paprika gives the dish a nice smoky flavor.

–Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a lovely garlic flavor to the dish.

–Oregano powder: I used oregano powder because it has a great herbal flavor.

–Salt: This is essential to bring out all the flavors in the dish.

–Chicken broth: Chicken broth is used to cook the rice and add flavor. This is better than using water as it will add more flavor to the dish.

Instructions 

1. Begin the recipe by dicing the onion and bell pepper. Set them aside.
2. Next, season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, oregano powder, and salt.
3. Place the butter in the Instant Pot, and then add the chicken. Set the Instant Pot to “Saute” and cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides. This will take about 5 minutes.
4. Once the chicken is browned, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
5. Next, add the rice and chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure that all of the rice is submerged in the liquid.
6. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, and set it to “Manual” for 12 minutes.After 12 minutes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, and then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Open the lid of the Instant Pot, and fluff the rice with a fork.
8. Serve immediately, topped with a dollop of butter (optional).

Recipe Tips

If you want your rice to be extra fluffy, rinse the rice before adding it to the Instant Pot.

For a richer flavor, you can substitute skin-on chicken thighs for the drumsticks.

To make this dish vegetarian, you can use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and tempeh and tofu for the protein.

If you want to add more vegetables to this dish, feel free to stir in some chopped spinach, diced tomatoes, or chopped mushrooms when you add the chicken broth. But remember, vegetables contain water so you may need to adjust the amount of broth you use.

Substitions

-If you don’t have basmati rice on hand, you can use any type of long grain rice.

-You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in this recipe. Just cook them for the same amount of time as the chicken breasts.

-For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the yogurt. Stir in some cooked chickpeas or lentils when you add the broth.

FAQs about Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice 

How long does it take to make this dish?

This dish takes about 30 minutes to make, from start to finish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just cook the chicken and rice according to the recipe instructions, and then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and yogurt. You can also use any type of long grain rice.

What can I serve with this Instant Pot chicken and rice?

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a green salad.

Can I freeze Instant Pot chicken and rice?

Yes, you can freeze Instant Pot chicken and rice. Just cook the chicken and rice according to the recipe instructions, and then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

Is this dish suitable for freeze- ahead meal prep?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just cook the chicken and rice according to the recipe instructions, and then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

Who among us hasn’t been in the situation where we’re trying to get dinner on the table but just don’t have a lot of time? That’s where this Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe comes in. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that is ready in just 30 minutes. And, it’s so flavorful and satisfying, you’ll want to make it again and again!

I hope you enjoy this dreamy chicken and rice! If you try it, please be sure to let me know how it turns out by leaving a comment and rating it. And, if you take a picture, tag me on Instagram (@theflexiblefridge) so I can see!

For more Instant Pot recipes, check out: