This Instant Pot Italian Chicken and Rice is a quick, flavorful dinner that’s both hearty and nutritious.
Packed with lean chicken for protein, fiber-rich peas and rice, and heart-healthy olive oil, it’s low in saturated fat but high in taste.
Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it delivers comforting, zesty Italian flavors in just minutes.
Instant Pot Italian Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup roasted red peppers diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the medium onion finely, mince the garlic cloves, and chop the roasted red peppers into small, bite-sized pieces. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then drain it well. Cut the chicken breasts into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Heat the Oil in the Instant Pot: Turn on the sauté function of your 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot. Pour in one teaspoon of olive or avocado oil, and allow it to warm for 30–60 seconds. The oil should shimmer slightly but not smoke. This step ensures the vegetables will cook evenly and release their natural flavors.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the hot oil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once the onion begins to soften, add the minced garlic. Continue sautéing for about 4–5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This forms the flavorful base for the dish.
- Combine the Core Ingredients: Turn off the sauté function. Add the roasted red peppers, rinsed rice, and chicken pieces directly into the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth and drizzle the lemon juice over the mixture. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Gently stir everything together, making sure the rice is evenly submerged in the liquid and the chicken is well coated with the seasoning.
- Pressure Cook the Mixture: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Select the manual or pressure cook function and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure. During this time, the chicken will become tender, and the rice will absorb all the flavorful liquid, creating a perfectly balanced one-pot meal.
- Quick Release the Pressure: When the cooking cycle finishes, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to “venting” to release the steam. Use caution to avoid the hot steam. Once the pressure is fully released, remove the lid. The chicken should be tender, and the rice fluffy and infused with all the Italian flavors.
- Add Peas and Cheese: Immediately stir in the frozen peas and grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat from the rice and chicken will gently cook the peas while melting the cheese, creating a creamy, savory texture throughout the dish. Make sure everything is evenly mixed so every bite has a balanced flavor.
- Steam for Extra Flavor: Place the lid back on the Instant Pot without turning the valve, letting the dish steam for an additional 2 minutes. This brief steaming ensures the peas are perfectly tender and allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the lid carefully and give the rice and chicken mixture a final gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This final touch elevates both the visual appeal and flavor of the dish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the Italian chicken and rice onto plates or bowls, making sure each portion has an even distribution of chicken, rice, and vegetables. Pair with a simple side salad or a slice of crusty bread if desired. This wholesome, protein-packed, and satisfying meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking; you can also use thighs for a juicier texture.
- Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent stickiness and achieve fluffy grains.
- Frozen peas are added at the end to maintain their vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and Italian herbs, depending on your preference.
- For added richness, you can stir in a small pat of butter or a splash of cream along with the Parmesan cheese.
- Always allow a natural or quick pressure release as specified to prevent overcooked chicken or mushy rice.
Chef’s Secrets: Insider Cooking Techniques
The secret to this dish lies in layering flavors and using the Instant Pot’s sauté function effectively.
Sautéing onions and garlic first releases natural sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
Combining rice and chicken with the broth ensures the rice absorbs all the zesty Italian seasoning.
Adding peas and cheese at the very end prevents overcooking and adds a fresh, creamy texture.
For extra flair, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes for subtle brightness or heat.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious Meal Ideas
This Italian chicken and rice dish pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides.
Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple tomato and mozzarella Caprese.
For a heartier meal, consider adding garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette to soak up any remaining sauce.
Garnish generously with fresh parsley for color and an aromatic boost.
It also works perfectly as a meal-prep option, reheating well in individual portions for lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh Longer
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.
This dish also freezes well divide into individual portions, cover tightly with foil or a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain flavor and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the pressure cooking time by 10–12 minutes, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Keep the same liquid ratio, and consider letting the pressure release naturally to achieve tender grains.
2. Can this recipe be made with chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs remain juicier than breasts and add extra flavor. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Adjust seasoning as thighs are naturally richer.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. Nutritionally, the dish remains high in protein and fiber, though you’ll lose the slight creamy finish.
4. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pot?
Rinsing rice well before cooking removes excess starch.
Additionally, stirring the rice, chicken, and broth together before sealing ensures even cooking. Using a bit of oil also helps prevent sticking.
5. Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added before pressure cooking.
Just ensure they are chopped into small, uniform pieces to cook evenly. Add delicate vegetables like spinach or peas after cooking to avoid overcooking.
