This Garlic Chicken and Rice made in the Instant Pot is a cozy, one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor, veggies, protein, and creamy rice.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep days when you want something hearty, healthy-ish, and satisfying.
With sautéed onions and carrots, tender chicken, and garlic-infused rice finished with parmesan and parsley—it’s a family favorite that hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pot magic – Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one Instant Pot.
Fast and satisfying – Ready in about 30 minutes with bold flavor.
Kid-friendly and adult-approved – Creamy rice, tender chicken, and mild veggies.
Meal prep dream – Makes a big batch and reheats beautifully.
Customizable – Swap in other herbs, grains, or proteins.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Olive Oil & Butter – The combo gives richness and a touch of flavor depth.
Onion & Carrots – Classic aromatics that add sweetness and balance.
Boneless Chicken – Breasts, thighs, or tenders work; cut into bite-sized pieces.
Chicken Broth – Low-sodium preferred to control salt.
Jasmine Rice – Adds fragrance and cooks perfectly under pressure.
Whole Garlic Head – Halved and infused into the rice for bold flavor.
Parmesan Cheese – Creamy, nutty, and deliciously melty.
Parsley – For color and freshness at the end.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Don’t rinse the rice – You want the starch to make the final dish creamy.
Use a sharp knife for the garlic – Cut cleanly across the bulb for best flavor.
Quick release pressure – Prevents overcooked rice and keeps texture perfect.
Use broth, not water – For deeper flavor.
Grate the carrots thickly – They hold their texture better after pressure cooking.
How to Make Garlic Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Set your 6-quart Instant Pot to sauté on high.
Add the olive oil and butter.
Once melted, stir in the diced onion, grated or julienned carrots, and 1 tsp of salt.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions and carrots soften and turn golden.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add your trimmed and chopped chicken pieces to the pot.
Season with another 1 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
Sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned.
Step 3: Add Broth, Rice & Garlic
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the uncooked jasmine rice.
Take your head of garlic, cut it in half crosswise (parallel to the base), and place both halves cut-side down directly on top of the rice.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid. Set to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
Once the timer is done, use a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
Remove the garlic halves and discard them (or squeeze a few cloves into the rice for stronger flavor, if desired).
Step 5: Finish with Cheese & Herbs
Stir in the grated parmesan and chopped parsley.
The mixture should be creamy, aromatic, and packed with flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese and more fresh parsley.
What to Serve It With
This Garlic Chicken and Rice is great on its own, but you can pair it with:
Roasted broccoli or green beans
A crisp side salad
Steamed asparagus or peas
Garlic bread or flatbread
Lemon wedges for a zesty finish
Variations / Substitutions
Add mushrooms – Sauté with onions for an earthy twist.
Use brown rice – Add 5 more minutes to the pressure cook time.
Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Make it vegetarian – Use veggie broth and substitute tofu or chickpeas for chicken.
Add lemon – A splash of lemon juice brightens the whole dish.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer – Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat – Microwave with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.
Meal prep – Makes a great lunch with a side of greens or veggies.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw first so you can cut the chicken and sauté it properly.
Why leave the garlic unpeeled?
It gently infuses the rice during cooking without overpowering.
You can squeeze out the soft cloves after cooking if you want more garlic flavor.
Do I have to use jasmine rice?
No, but it’s preferred for its light aroma and soft texture.
Long grain white rice also works well.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, if your Instant Pot is 8-quart or larger.
Avoid overfilling and adjust cook time only slightly (+2 minutes).
Is the rice supposed to be creamy?
Yes! This is similar to a risotto texture—creamy, tender, and full of flavor.
Can I add veggies?
Totally. Frozen peas, chopped bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added in the sauté step.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, but you’ll need to simmer for about 20–25 minutes, covered, until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken and Rice is everything you want from a one-pot meal—savory, creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-easy thanks to the Instant Pot.
It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table fast, especially when it smells like buttery garlic and parmesan.
Perfect for weeknights or meal prep Sundays, it’s comfort food with a lighter feel and loads of flavor.
