Instant Pot Chicken & Rice with Carrots & Peas

Few meals are as comforting and wholesome as Instant Pot Chicken & Rice with Carrots & Peas. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables into a dish that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your family, this recipe is a winner every time. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you get perfectly cooked chicken and rice in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Reasons to Love Instant Pot Chicken & Rice with Carrots & Peas

• One-pot meal: Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks together in the Instant Pot.
• Time-saving: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Balanced nutrition: Protein from the chicken, carbs from the rice, and vitamins from the carrots and peas.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, onion, paprika, and thyme infuses the dish with comforting and savory notes.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to your preferred veggies or spices.
• Great for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

What Goes Into Instant Pot Chicken & Rice with Carrots & Peas

• 1 pound chicken breasts, diced – boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• 1 cup rice – long grain white rice is best for a fluffy texture.
• 2 cups chicken broth – adds depth of flavor and moisture.
• 1 cup carrots, diced – fresh or frozen, adds natural sweetness and color.
• 1 cup peas – frozen or fresh for a pop of green and subtle sweetness.
• 1 onion, chopped – builds the aromatic base.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – enhances the savory profile.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing and adding richness.
• 1 teaspoon salt – to season perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for mild heat and earthiness.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – adds smoky warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – provides a subtle herbal aroma.

Appliances & Accessories

• Instant Pot: The star appliance that cooks everything quickly and evenly.
• Sharp knife: Essential for dicing chicken, chopping onion, and cutting carrots.
• Cutting board: For safe and efficient prepping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For sautéing ingredients inside the Instant Pot.

Cooking Instant Pot Chicken & Rice with Carrots & Peas: The Process

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and chicken

Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook the chicken until it’s lightly browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. This step locks in flavor and ensures a tender texture.

Step 2: Add rice, carrots, peas, and broth

Pour in the rice, diced carrots, and peas over the sautéed chicken. Then, pour in the chicken broth, making sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed in the pot. Avoid stirring too much to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.

Step 3: Pressure cook

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer to 8 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.

Step 4: Natural release and fluff

Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice and mix everything gently. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve

Your Instant Pot Chicken & Rice with Carrots & Peas is ready to be plated. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired for added brightness.

Adaptations for Special Diets

• Low sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt.
• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when sautéing the chicken.

Frequent Missteps to Avoid

• Skipping the sauté step: This step builds essential flavor and browns the chicken, making a big difference in the final taste.

• Using the wrong rice: Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice as it can become mushy. Long grain white rice works best.

• Overfilling the Instant Pot: Make sure not to exceed the max fill line to prevent pressure issues.

• Stirring after adding rice: Stirring too much can cause rice to stick and burn on the bottom.

• Releasing pressure too quickly: Natural pressure release helps the rice finish cooking perfectly and prevents splattering.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

This dish is fantastic for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist and warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reader Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the pressure cooking time to about 20-22 minutes and increase broth to 2 1/2 cups for best results.

Is it necessary to dice the chicken breasts?

Dicing the chicken ensures even cooking and quick pressure cooking time. Whole chicken breasts will take longer and may not cook as evenly in this recipe.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just be mindful of their cooking times and add accordingly to avoid overcooking.

How can I make this recipe creamier?

For a creamier texture, stir in a little cream cheese, sour cream, or coconut milk after cooking and fluffing the rice. This adds richness and a smooth consistency.

Keep Cooking

• Instant Pot Chicken Mac And Cheese – another comforting, one-pot chicken recipe that’s creamy and delicious.
• Instant Pot Fried Rice – a quick and flavorful way to make fried rice with minimal effort.
• Baked Bbq Chicken Drumsticks – perfect for when you want juicy chicken with smoky, tangy barbecue flavor.

Serve & Enjoy

This Instant Pot Chicken & Rice with Carrots & Peas is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can easily elevate it with simple sides. A crisp green salad or some steamed greens pairs beautifully. For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds freshness. This dish also works great as a hearty lunch or dinner, especially when you’re craving something warm, nourishing, and simple. Grab a fork, dig in, and savor every flavorful bite!

With its blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and sweet veggies, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness that only an Instant Pot can provide!

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