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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 cozy dinners with tender chicken and buttery, creamy rice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
  • 1 ½ cups long grain white rice, rinsed
  • 3 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, a handful chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 ½ cups long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Finely chop 1 medium onion and mince 3 garlic cloves. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add chicken pieces to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes until they start to brown on the edges but aren’t fully cooked through.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Add rinsed rice and mix to coat grains in butter and spices.
  5. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth. Stir gently to combine, ensuring no rice is stuck at the bottom.
  6. Seal the lid and set Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 8 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release remaining steam.
  7. Open the lid and add 4 oz softened cream cheese. Stir vigorously until cheese melts completely, creating a creamy sauce.
  8. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Rinsing rice prevents sticking and gummy texture. Sauté onions and garlic for better flavor. Brown chicken lightly to lock in moisture. Use natural pressure release to avoid burning and ensure rice cooks evenly. Stir cream cheese in off heat to prevent clumping. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with coconut cream added after cooking.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-instant-pot-chicken-and-rice-recipe-easy-cozy-dinners/