Are you craving a mouthwatering, hassle-free meal that will have your family begging for seconds? Look no further! This Cheesy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice with Broccoli is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli, all smothered in gooey, melted cheddar cheese - and the best part? It's ready in just 25 minutes with minimal cleanup! Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this incredibly easy and irresistibly delicious one-pot wonder.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
- Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot and add the long-grain white rice, stirring to distribute evenly across the bottom of the pot.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice, ensuring they are not submerged completely in the liquid.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting for 10 minutes at high pressure.
- Once the cooking cycle completes, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the rice is tender.
- Remove the chicken breasts and slice or shred them into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the broccoli florets on top of the rice, close the lid, and let steam for 2-3 minutes using the residual heat.
- Return the chicken to the pot and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering the chicken and broccoli.
- Let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes, then gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure the spices stick and create a flavorful crust.
- Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and prevent mushiness.
- Don't stir the rice before pressure cooking to avoid a sticky, gummy consistency.
- Check the chicken's internal temperature - it should reach 165°F for food safety.
- Allow for a 5-minute natural pressure release to help the rice cook evenly and become tender.
- For extra flavor, consider using low-sodium chicken broth and adding a splash of heavy cream when adding the cheese.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the rice to absorb remaining liquid.
- Customize by adding other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 207kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 61mg
