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Easy Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe for Perfect Dinner

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A comforting and creamy chicken and rice dish made effortlessly in the Instant Pot, featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a silky cream cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add olive oil and warm it up. Cook the chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown lightly on all sides for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the rice, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and prevent burn warnings.
  6. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes.
  7. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes after cooking.
  8. Perform a quick release for any remaining pressure and carefully open the lid. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  9. Stir in the softened cream cheese and butter until melted and fully incorporated. Add sour cream if desired for extra creaminess. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve warm immediately.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth melting. Deglaze the pot well after sautéing to avoid burn warnings. Natural pressure release is key for tender rice and juicy chicken. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and butter with coconut cream. Avoid over-stirring rice after cooking to maintain texture.

Nutrition

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

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