Hey y'all! When the chilly winds are howling outside and you’re seeking cozy comfort food, nothing beats a bowl of creamy, hearty Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – Perfect for Cold Winter Nights. It’s quick to make, packed with savory flavor, and delivers that soul-warming satisfaction whether you’re hosting friends, feeding family, or just craving something delicious after a long day. Grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – Perfect for Cold Winter Nights
- Super quick – ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy texture and savory, herby flavors make it ultra-comforting.
- Minimal prep and cleanup thanks to one-pot cooking.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or spices.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy lunches!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – Perfect for Cold Winter Nights
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed and drained)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – Perfect for Cold Winter Nights
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil, then toss in the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and paprika. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, turning to lightly brown all sides, but don't cook through fully.
Step 3: Add Rice and Veggies
Add the rinsed rice, carrots, and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pot to prevent a burn notice. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set valve to sealing.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Cook on Manual/High Pressure for 7 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Stir in peas (they’ll warm up in the hot rice), butter, and optional heavy cream for a rich, creamy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve piping hot!
Notes for the Best Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – Perfect for Cold Winter Nights
- Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch and prevent sticking (how to rinse rice).
- If you like a thicker, risotto-like texture, reduce broth by ¼ cup.
- You can substitute brown rice, but increase cooking time to 20 minutes and add ½ cup more broth (Instant Pot brown rice tips).
Variations on Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – Perfect for Cold Winter Nights
- Mediterranean Style: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta at the end.
- Southwest Twist: Stir in black beans, corn, cumin, and top with shredded cheddar and cilantro.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and use vegetable broth; add extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers.
Required Equipment for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – Perfect for Cold Winter Nights
- 6-quart (or larger) Instant Pot or pressure cooker
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – Perfect for Cold Winter Nights
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool completely, portion into freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the texture.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – Perfect for Cold Winter Nights
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Pair with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dunking.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for extra nutrition and color.
Pro Tips for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – Perfect for Cold Winter Nights
- Always scrape the bottom of the pot after sautéing to avoid the burn notice on the Instant Pot (Instant Pot burn warning explained).
- Let the pressure naturally release for at least 10 minutes to ensure tender chicken and fluffy rice.
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth if available.
FAQ: Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – Perfect for Cold Winter Nights
- Can I use frozen chicken?
- Yes, just cut into bite-sized pieces if possible, and increase the pressure cook time to 12 minutes.
- What type of rice works best?
- Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe, but you can substitute jasmine or basmati for a slightly different texture.
- How can I make it dairy-free?
- Omit the butter and cream, and use olive oil or a dairy-free substitute if desired—the dish will still be creamy and delicious!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 27 minutes | Total Time: 37 minutes | Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
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1Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
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2Add the chicken pieces to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
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3Stir in the carrots, rice, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and mix well, ensuring the rice is submerged.
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4Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
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5Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
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6Stir in the frozen peas, cover, and let sit for 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through. Fluff the rice and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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