17 Chicken and Rice Instant Pot Recipes for Fast Weeknights

Sometimes you need dinner to taste amazing without demanding your entire evening. That’s exactly where these Instant Pot chicken and rice recipes come in clutch.

They’re cozy, flavorful, wildly convenient, and perfect for those nights when your energy is somewhere between “I can cook” and “I want to lie on the kitchen floor.”

You’ll find creamy bowls, zesty bowls, and hearty bowls—basically the whole comfort-food universe. Grab your Instant Pot, friend.

It’s about to become your weeknight sidekick.

1. Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice

This one hits you with that rich, cozy flavor the moment the lid pops open. Think creamy garlic, tender chicken, and buttery rice all hanging out like the dream team they are.

It tastes indulgent but cooks in a shockingly short amount of time. I made this once on a night when I forgot to thaw anything—Instant Pot magic saved the day.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs
  
• Long-grain rice
  
• Garlic minced
  
• Chicken broth
  
• Heavy cream
  
• Butter
  
• Salt and pepper
  
• Parsley
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant.
   
2. Add chicken, rice, broth, salt, and pepper.
   
3. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high for 8 minutes.
   
4. Stir in cream and let it thicken for a couple minutes.
   
5. Finish with parsley.
   

Why You’ll Love It

Creamy garlic flavor without standing over the stove is always a win. The rice absorbs all the buttery goodness, and the chicken turns perfectly tender.

Tips

• Quick tip: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you want it lighter.
  
• Serving idea: Great with roasted broccoli or a quick cucumber salad.
  

2. Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

If your tastebuds love bright, citrusy meals, this recipe has your name written all over it. The lemon cuts through the richness of the chicken beautifully, and the herbs bring that fresh, garden vibe—without you actually having to own a garden.

It’s the kind of dish that feels like spring even on a gray Tuesday.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
  
• Long-grain rice
  
• Fresh lemon juice
  
• Lemon zest
  
• Chicken broth
  
• Italian seasoning
  
• Garlic
  
• Butter
  
• Salt and pepper
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt butter and sauté garlic.
   
2. Add chicken, rice, broth, lemon, herbs, salt, and pepper.
   
3. Pressure cook for 10 minutes.
   
4. Fluff rice and add extra lemon zest.
   

Why You’ll Love It

It’s bright, refreshing, and ridiculously easy. Everything cooks together and tastes like you tried harder than you did.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add a splash of white wine for extra depth.
  
• Serving idea: Serve with green beans or a simple salad.
  

3. Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Yep, fried rice without the frying. It’s cozy, savory, and loaded with veggies, but still super family-friendly. And IMO, it beats takeout because you control the salt.

I once made this when I had exactly three carrots, half an onion, and big dinner dreams.

Ingredients

• Cooked rice
  
• Chicken breast
  
• Soy sauce
  
• Sesame oil
  
• Frozen peas and carrots
  
• Eggs
  
• Garlic
  
• Green onions
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté chicken and garlic.
   
2. Add veggies and cooked rice.
   
3. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
   
4. Push rice aside and scramble eggs.
   
5. Mix, heat through, and top with green onions.
   

Why You’ll Love It

Everything mixes into one bowl of savory comfort. It’s fast, flexible, and super fridge-cleanout friendly.

Tips

• Quick tip: Use day-old rice so it stays fluffy.
  
• Serving idea: Add chili crisp if you like heat.
  

4. Chicken Burrito Rice Bowl

It tastes like your favorite burrito spot but cooks in one pot without the long line. You get tender chicken, fluffy rice, and warm spices that make your kitchen smell amazing.

Throw some toppings on it and boom—homemade Chipotle vibes.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
  
• Jasmine rice
  
• Black beans
  
• Corn
  
• Salsa
  
• Taco seasoning
  
• Chicken broth
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add chicken, rice, beans, corn, broth, salsa, and seasoning to Instant Pot.
   
2. Pressure cook 10 minutes.
   
3. Shred chicken and mix everything.
   

Why You’ll Love It

It’s colorful, flavorful, and meal-prep gold. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Tips

• Quick tip: Use fire-roasted salsa for deeper flavor.
  
• Serving idea: Add lime juice, avocado, or sour cream.
  

5. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup (Instant Pot Edition)

Creamy, hearty, and cozy enough to make you want to curl up with a blanket. The wild rice adds that nutty bite, while the chicken soaks up the savory broth.

It tastes like something your grandma made but takes way less time.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
  
• Wild rice blend
  
• Carrots
  
• Celery
  
• Onion
  
• Chicken broth
  
• Thyme
  
• Heavy cream
  
• Butter
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté veggies in butter.
   
2. Add chicken, rice, broth, and thyme.
   
3. Pressure cook 25 minutes.
   
4. Shred chicken and add cream.
   

Why You’ll Love It

Pure comfort in a bowl. The wild rice texture makes it feel fancy with zero extra effort.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add mushrooms for earthy depth.
  
• Serving idea: Serve with crusty bread.
  

6. Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

This dish brings sunny Mediterranean flavor without a vacation budget. Think zesty lemon, garlic, oregano, and tender chicken that melts into the rice.

I once added olives on a whim—worst idea ever. Stick with the classic.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
  
• Basmati rice
  
• Lemon juice
  
• Garlic
  
• Oregano
  
• Chicken broth
  
• Salt and pepper
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté garlic.
   
2. Add rice, broth, spices, lemon, and chicken.
   
3. Pressure cook 8 minutes.
   
4. Finish with fresh herbs.
   

Why You’ll Love It

Every spoonful is bright and herb-packed. It feels light but satisfying.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add crumbled feta on top.
  
• Serving idea: Pair with a Greek salad.
  

7. Instant Pot Chicken Risotto

Risotto with no stirring? Yes, your wrists can relax. This creamy, dreamy dish feels restaurant-level but barely takes effort. The chicken adds savory richness that ties everything together.

Ingredients

• Arborio rice
  
• Chicken breasts
  
• White wine
  
• Garlic
  
• Butter
  
• Parmesan
  
• Chicken broth
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté garlic in butter.
   
2. Add rice and toast it for a minute.
   
3. Pour in wine and broth, then add chicken.
   
4. Pressure cook 7 minutes.
   
5. Stir in parmesan.
   

Why You’ll Love It

Creamy texture without babysitting the pot is life-changing. Parmesan makes it irresistible.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add peas for color.
  
• Serving idea: Great with roasted asparagus.
  

8. Chicken and Rice Curry Bowl

Warm spices. Creamy coconut. Tender chicken. Soft rice. This one brings big flavor without being too spicy, unless you want it that way. Coconut milk makes everything velvety.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
  
• Jasmine rice
  
• Curry powder
  
• Coconut milk
  
• Garlic
  
• Onion
  
• Chicken broth
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté onion and garlic.
   
2. Add chicken, rice, curry powder, coconut milk, and broth.
   
3. Pressure cook 8 minutes.
   
4. Stir and fluff.
   

Why You’ll Love It

It’s comforting but bold. The coconut milk makes it silky and rich.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for cooling creaminess.
  
• Serving idea: Garnish with cilantro.
  

9. Instant Pot Chicken Jambalaya Rice

This recipe packs smoky, spicy flavor that wakes up your evening instantly. The rice soaks in all those Cajun spices, and the chicken becomes incredibly tender. It tastes like slow-cooked magic.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
  
• Long-grain rice
  
• Bell peppers
  
• Onion
  
• Garlic
  
• Cajun seasoning
  
• Chicken broth
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté peppers, onion, and garlic.
   
2. Add chicken, rice, broth, and spices.
   
3. Pressure cook 8 minutes.
   
4. Stir and serve.
   

Why You’ll Love It

Spicy, smoky, and wildly satisfying. Perfect for when you want something hearty.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add sausage for even more flavor.
  
• Serving idea: Serve with cornbread.
  

10. Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice

This one is zesty, tangy, and just a little spicy. Salsa verde does all the heavy lifting, which is great when you’re running low on inspiration. You’ll get tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a refreshing kick.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
  
• Jasmine rice
  
• Salsa verde
  
• Chicken broth
  
• Cilantro
  
• Garlic
  
• Lime
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add chicken, rice, broth, salsa verde, and garlic to pot.
   
2. Pressure cook 10 minutes.
   
3. Shred chicken and add lime juice.
   

Why You’ll Love It

Minimal ingredients, big payoff. The bright flavor makes it unique.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add diced jalapeños if you like heat.
  
• Serving idea: Top with sour cream.
  

11. Instant Pot Chicken Paella-Inspired Rice

Okay, this isn’t full traditional paella, but it scratches the itch brilliantly. The saffron (or turmeric if you’re on a budget) adds golden color and warm aroma. The chicken makes it hearty without overpowering the spices.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
  
• Medium-grain rice
  
• Peas
  
• Bell peppers
  
• Garlic
  
• Chicken broth
  
• Saffron or turmeric
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté garlic and peppers.
   
2. Add rice, broth, saffron, and chicken.
   
3. Pressure cook 6 minutes.
   
4. Stir in peas at the end.
   

Why You’ll Love It

It’s colorful, aromatic, and deeply comforting. Each bite feels special.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add smoked paprika for depth.
  
• Serving idea: Serve with lemon wedges.
  

12. Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Rice

Cheesy, creamy, and loaded with broccoli—basically the cozy bowl everyone loves. The cheddar melts right into the rice, creating that classic comfort flavor.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
  
• Broccoli florets
  
• Long-grain rice
  
• Cheddar cheese
  
• Garlic powder
  
• Chicken broth
  
• Butter
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add chicken, rice, broth, garlic, and butter.
   
2. Pressure cook 8 minutes.
   
3. Stir in broccoli and cheddar until melted.
   

Why You’ll Love It

It feels like grown-up mac and cheese but somehow better. Cheddar and rice are such a good combo.

Tips

• Quick tip: Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
  
• Serving idea: Serve with a simple green salad.
  

13. Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Rice

Sweet, savory, and wildly addictive. The teriyaki sauce coats every grain of rice, and the chicken absorbs all that flavor. It tastes like a takeout favorite but fresh.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
  
• Jasmine rice
  
• Teriyaki sauce
  
• Garlic
  
• Frozen mixed veggies
  
• Chicken broth
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add chicken, rice, broth, garlic, and teriyaki sauce.
   
2. Pressure cook 8 minutes.
   
3. Stir in veggies until hot.
   

Why You’ll Love It

It’s sweet, saucy, and full of texture. Great for both kids and adults.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add pineapple chunks for tang.
  
• Serving idea: Garnish with green onions.
  

14. Chicken Mushroom Rice

Savory mushrooms plus tender chicken equals pure comfort. The mushrooms bring that earthy, umami depth that makes this dish feel cozy even on the busiest night.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
  
• Long-grain rice
  
• Mushrooms
  
• Garlic
  
• Chicken broth
  
• Butter
  
• Thyme
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté mushrooms and garlic.
   
2. Add chicken, rice, broth, and thyme.
   
3. Pressure cook 10 minutes.
   
4. Stir and serve.
   

Why You’ll Love It

Mushrooms add richness without extra calories. The flavor is warm and grounding.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add a splash of soy sauce for deeper umami.
  
• Serving idea: Serve with roasted carrots.
  

15. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken and Rice

Bold, spicy, tangy goodness in one pot. If you love buffalo wings but want something heartier, this hits the spot. The rice softens the heat just enough.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
  
• Long-grain rice
  
• Buffalo sauce
  
• Ranch seasoning
  
• Chicken broth
  
• Butter
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add all ingredients except butter to Instant Pot.
   
2. Pressure cook 8 minutes.
   
3. Stir in butter for richness.
   

Why You’ll Love It

It’s spicy, comforting, and oddly addictive. Perfect for buffalo lovers.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add cream cheese for extra creaminess.
  
• Serving idea: Top with green onions.
  

16. Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice

Middle-Eastern spices, warm rice, and juicy chicken all cooked together—seriously, what’s not to love? The aroma alone will make you feel like you walked past a shawarma shop.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
  
• Basmati rice
  
• Shawarma spice blend
  
• Onion
  
• Garlic
  
• Chicken broth
  
• Lemon
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté garlic and onion lightly.
   
2. Add chicken, rice, broth, spices, and lemon.
   
3. Pressure cook 8 minutes.
   
4. Stir and fluff.
   

Why You’ll Love It

The spices taste bold but not overwhelming. It’s cozy and exciting at the same time.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add a drizzle of tahini on top.
  
• Serving idea: Serve with sliced cucumbers.
  

17. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala Rice

All the warm, aromatic goodness of tikka masala but with rice cooked right in. The sauce coats everything with creamy, tomato-based flavor. It’s a winner—trust me.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
  
• Basmati rice
  
• Tikka masala paste
  
• Tomato sauce
  
• Garlic
  
• Ginger
  
• Coconut milk
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté garlic and ginger.
   
2. Add chicken, rice, tomato sauce, tikka paste, and coconut milk.
   
3. Pressure cook 8 minutes.
   
4. Stir until creamy.
   

Why You’ll Love It

It’s rich, aromatic, and restaurant-style delicious without any hassle.

Tips

• Quick tip: Add peas for color.
  
• Serving idea: Garnish with cilantro.
  

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot chicken and rice recipes are basically the hero meals of weeknights. They’re fast, cozy, flavorful, and honestly make you feel like you cooked something impressive without spending your entire night doing it.

Whether you crave creamy, zesty, spicy, or comforting bowls, these recipes deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Use them for busy evenings, lazy Sundays, or whenever you want something delicious without the drama.