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–+ servings
Serine Milo

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

A creamy, comforting dish of chicken and rice made in the Instant Pot in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1½-inch pieces Substitute thighs for more flavor
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed See notes for brown rice
  • 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) For dairy-free, use full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan or 2 oz cream cheese (optional) For extra richness
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional) For thickening

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and warm the olive oil.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add chicken pieces, toss to brown for a minute, and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Cooking
  1. Pour in the rice and stir to coat it in the oil and juices.
  2. Add chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits.
  3. If using frozen peas and carrots, add them now.
  4. Seal the pot and cook on Manual/High Pressure for 8 minutes.
  5. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  6. Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan or cream cheese until smooth.
Finishing Touches
  1. If desired, mix cornstarch and water, bring the pot to Sauté for 2–3 minutes, and stir in the slurry until thickened.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the rice looks too loose, sauté for a few minutes; if too thick, stir in a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 650mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time; add more veggies or stir in yogurt for a lighter version.

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