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Homemade Instant Pot Chicken & Rice with Carrots & Peas recipe photo

Instant Pot Chicken & Rice with Carrots & Peas

This Instant Pot Chicken & Rice with Carrots & Peas is a quick, comforting one-pot meal packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breasts diced, boneless, skinless
  • 1 cup rice long grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup carrots diced, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup peas frozen or fresh
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions
 

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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Notes

  • For a creamier dish, stir in cream cheese, sour cream, or coconut milk after cooking.
  • Use long grain white rice to prevent mushiness; brown rice requires longer cooking and more broth.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers; refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy, Gluten-Free, Instant Pot, One-Pot, Quick