Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Introduction

This cheesy chicken and rice recipe made in the Instant Pot is a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together quickly. Tender chicken breasts meld with aromatic onions, garlic, and creamy Parmesan for a satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chopped white onion (approximately 1 medium onion)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (approximately 4 large cloves)
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (rinsed)
• 3-4 cups chicken broth (3 cups for firmer rice, 4 cups for softer)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice from approximately 1 large lemon)
• 1 cup shredded fresh parmesan (or grated, at room temperature)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (more or less to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (more or less to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the butter. Let it melt completely.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the chicken pieces are opaque on all sides.
4. Step 4: Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any bits stuck.
5. Step 5: Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and select Manual High Pressure. Set the timer for 8 minutes.
6. Step 6: When cooking finishes, allow a natural pressure release for 2 minutes. Then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Step 7: Remove the lid and stir the mixture well. If there is excess liquid, use Sauté mode to cook it off while stirring.
8. Step 8: Add the Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly and taste, adjusting seasoning or lemon juice as desired.
9. Step 9: Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if you like.

Tips & Variations

• Rinse the rice before cooking to prevent it from becoming too sticky.
• Adjust the amount of chicken broth depending on whether you prefer firmer or softer rice.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
• Use grated Parmesan at room temperature for better melting and creaminess.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the rice seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so this recipe would need adjustments. If you want to use brown rice, increase the cooking time and chicken broth accordingly, or cook the rice separately and add it after the chicken is done.

Is it possible to make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop by sautéing the ingredients in a large skillet or pot and then simmering the rice and chicken in broth until cooked through. However, the cooking time may be longer and you will need to monitor the liquid level.

Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 104 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

This Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe delivers a creamy, comforting meal that’s both easy and quick to prepare. Tender chicken breasts cooked with aromatic onions and garlic combine with perfectly cooked long-grain rice, enriched with fresh lemon juice and loaded with parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish. Ideal for weeknight dinners or anytime you crave a wholesome, satisfying dish with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Butter and Aromatics

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
• 1 cup chopped white onion (approximately 1 medium onion)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (approximately 4 large cloves)

Chicken and Rice

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (rinsed)
• 3–4 cups chicken broth (3 cups for firmer rice; 4 cups for softer rice)

Seasonings and Finish

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice from approximately 1 large lemon)
• 1 cup shredded fresh parmesan (or grated, at room temperature)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (more or less to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (more or less to taste)

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Instructions

1. Saute butter: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely in the pot.
2. Stir in aromatics: Add 1 cup chopped white onion and 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic to the melted butter. Stir to combine and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, releasing their aroma.
3. Saute chicken: Add 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot. Stir occasionally as you sauté the chicken for approximately 5 minutes until all sides become opaque.
4. Add chicken broth and rice: Add the rinsed 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, 3 to 4 cups chicken broth (depending on your preferred rice texture), and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice into the Instant Pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any stuck-on bits of onion or garlic.
5. Set Instant Pot: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot with the valve in the Sealing position. Select Manual High Pressure mode and set the cooking time to 8 minutes. The pot will pressurize and then cook for the set time.
6. Natural pressure release: Once cooking ends, allow a natural pressure release for 2 minutes to gently finish the cooking process without overcooking the rice.
7. Quick pressure release: Carefully switch to quick release to release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid with caution due to hot steam.
8. Mix and adjust liquid: Stir the chicken and rice mixture well. If there is excess standing liquid, return the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and stir until the liquid is fully absorbed into the rice for a creamy consistency.
9. Add cheese and seasonings: Stir in 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to incorporate, then taste and adjust seasoning or add more cheese and lemon juice as desired.
10. Serve: Portion the cheesy chicken and rice into bowls or plates. Garnish with extra parmesan if desired and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and prevents clumping for a fluffier texture.
• Use 3 cups chicken broth for firmer, less mushy rice; 4 cups results in a softer, soupier texture.
• Do not extend the natural pressure release beyond 2 minutes to avoid overcooking the rice.
• If you find excess liquid after cooking, using Sauté mode to evaporate the liquid ensures a creamy, well-incorporated dish.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts better and provides a richer flavor than pre-grated varieties.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Instant Pot chicken and rice, cheesy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, one pot meal, comfort food, Instant Pot recipes