Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Accueil / Cooking Methods / Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: Easy Comfort in One Pot

This dreamy Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe brings together juicy chicken drumsticks, tender basmati rice, and bold seasonings in one easy, flavorful pot. Quick prep, minimal cleanup, and 100% cozy comfort!

Dreamy Instant Pot chicken and rice isn’t just a recipe, it’s a warm hug on a busy weeknight. I still remember the first time I made it. It was a rainy Tuesday, and I was juggling a dozen things at once, homework help, laundry, and a Zoom meeting that ran way too long. I needed something that felt like a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enter the Instant Pot, and this dreamy little creation was born.

The flavors are rich and savory, the rice turns out perfectly fluffy, and the chicken? Fall-off-the-bone delicious. It quickly became one of our family favorites. And what I love most is how effortless it feels, just toss everything in, press a button, and before you know it, dinner’s ready and everyone’s happy.

If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and made with love (but not a lot of time), you’re in for a treat with this one. If you’re looking for another hearty, cozy meal, check out this one pot chicken and rice recipe that’s just as comforting and convenient.

Table of contents

Main Ingredients for Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice (and Why They Matter)
Additional Ingredients (Optional But Awesome)
Expert Tips for The Best Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Recommended Techniques
Step-by-Step Instructions
Additional Guide: Variations to Try
FAQs About Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Conclusion
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Main Ingredients for Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice (and Why They Matter)

Each ingredient plays a role in making this dreamy Instant Pot chicken and rice truly unforgettable:

4 Chicken Drumsticks: Affordable, flavorful, and juicy. Drumsticks absorb all the spices and pressure-cook beautifully.
1 Bell Pepper: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color. Red, yellow, or orange are best here.
¼ cup Butter: Rich and comforting, butter adds depth and silkiness to the dish.
1 cup Basmati Rice: Light, fluffy, and fragrant. Basmati is perfect for absorbing all that savory broth.
1 Onion: Sweet and aromatic, it lays the foundation of flavor.
1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that sets this dish apart.
½ tsp Garlic Powder: Quick and convenient for that essential garlicky goodness.
½ tsp Oregano Powder: Brings a hint of earthiness and balance.
1 tsp Salt: Essential for seasoning everything just right.
2 cups Chicken Broth (or Stock): Infuses the rice with a deep, savory flavor. Go with low-sodium if you prefer more control over the salt. Using chicken broth in your rice cooker can boost flavor in any rice-based dish.

dreamy instant pot chicken and rice ingredients

Additional Ingredients (Optional But Awesome)

Want to elevate your dreamy Instant Pot chicken and rice even more? Try adding these extras:

Frozen Peas or Corn – Toss in ½ cup for extra texture and color.
Cayenne Pepper or Chili Flakes – For a touch of heat, add ¼ tsp to the seasoning mix.
Fresh Parsley or Cilantro – Chop and sprinkle on top before serving for a fresh pop.
Lemon Juice – A little squeeze at the end can brighten everything up.
Mushrooms – Sauté with onions for extra umami richness.

Each of these ingredients blends beautifully with the base flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Expert Tips for The Best Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Here are a few things I’ve learned after making this recipe more times than I can count:

Brown the Chicken First: Searing the drumsticks in butter not only adds flavor but also locks in juices. Don’t skip this step!
Rinse Your Rice: This keeps the texture light and prevents clumping. Just give it a few swishes in a bowl of cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
Deglaze the Pot: After browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies, pour in a splash of broth and scrape up the browned bits. This keeps the Instant Pot from triggering the dreaded burn warning.
Layer, Don’t Stir: When it’s time to add the chicken back in, just place it on top of the rice mixture. No stirring! This helps everything cook evenly.
Natural Pressure Release Matters: Letting the pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes helps keep the chicken tender and the rice perfectly fluffy.
Use Room Temp Broth: Cold broth can cause the cooking time to fluctuate. Room temperature helps maintain consistency.
Butter at the End? Yes! Feel free to add a small pat of butter after opening the lid for extra creaminess.

Need something oven-friendly? You’ll love this easy dump-and-bake chicken parmesan casserole with cheesy comfort baked right in.

Recommended Techniques

To make your dreamy Instant Pot chicken and rice even better, follow these best practices:

✅ Always sauté the aromatics before pressure cooking.
✅ Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch.
✅ Deglaze the pot to avoid burn warnings.
✅ Avoid overfilling. Stick to listed measurements.
✅ Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.

Prefer the rice cooker method? Here’s how to make chicken and rice in a rice cooker with similar results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken: Rub drumsticks with smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and salt. Let them rest while prepping the other ingredients.
Sauté the Drumsticks: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Melt the butter, then brown the chicken on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Veggies: In the same pot, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom.
Return Chicken to the Pot: Nestle the browned drumsticks on top. Don’t stir.
Pressure Cook: Lock the lid. Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick release the rest.
Serve and Enjoy: Open the lid carefully, fluff the rice, and let the chicken rest for a minute. Optional: add herbs or a splash of lemon juice.

Additional Guide: Variations to Try

This recipe is super versatile. Here are some fun ways to change it up:

Swap the Protein: Use boneless thighs or even shrimp (adjust cook time accordingly).
Make it Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream after cooking.
Add Beans: Toss in a can of drained chickpeas or black beans for a protein boost.
Veggie Version: Replace chicken with tofu or roasted cauliflower, and use veggie broth.

For another dreamy twist on chicken and rice, try my dreamy chicken and rice with creamy herbs and veggies. Craving something smoky and summery? Try my BBQ grilled chicken and rice for a backyard-friendly twist. Looking for something lighter? My chicken avocado rice bowl is fresh, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prep.

Play around and find your favorite twist on this classic combo!

FAQs About Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just don’t fill the Instant Pot past the max line. Cooking time stays the same.

What if I get the burn notice?

Make sure to deglaze the pot well. If you still get a warning, release pressure, stir, and add a splash more broth.

Conclusion

There you have it, your new go-to comfort meal! This dreamy Instant Pot chicken and rice is simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a reliable weeknight dinner, it’s sure to please.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! And if you’re like me and love all things cozy and easy, check out my other Instant Pot favorites like Instant Pot chicken and rice, or this cheesy twist on comfort food, cheesy chicken and rice casserole.