Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice is the perfect solution for a busy week night dinner! In only 5 minutes of your time you can have a delicious home cooked meal on your table!
See how easy it is to make Instant Pot Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice in the video below!
Being that I am now totally and completely addicted to my Instant Pot, I had to convert one of my all time favorite recipes, One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice. It has all of my favorite things…cheese, broccoli, and rice! I had no idea it could actually be simpler to do this in the Instant Pot than on the stove top, but it really is! You just satue the chicken for a minute or two and throw everything in so it can cook itself!
Because this is the only meal I can really get my 4-year-old to eat broccoli in, I make it a handful of times a month. I love knowing that under all the delicious cheese is actually some sort of veggie and a protein source getting into his little belly. Believe it or not you can whip this up in almost no time with ingredient you probably already have kicking around in you fridge! That is another reason why it’s my favorites! The lack of dirty dishes is a plus too!
Because I want to be completely honest here, I never can cook broccoli in my Instant Pot correctly. It’s ALWAYS comes out completely overcooked no matter the setting! When I cook this meal, I always just blanch it on the stove and then throw it in and my recipe reflects that. If you are a master Instant Pot user, you can cook it right in the pot (and then tell me your secret!).
Seeing that it will probably take you longer to cut the chicken, broccoli and onion than Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice even takes to cook, I promise this is one of the easiest week night meals you can make!
Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Turn Instant Pot onto saute. Add butter and heat until hot. Add chicken, onion, and garlic.
Cook chicken mixture until onion starts to get translucent. Add rice, broth, and seasonings.
Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. Perform a quick release when the timer is up.
Immediately add milk and flour mixture and mix until it is well combined.
Add broccoli and cheese and stir until well combined. Serve immediately.
Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Ingredients
- 2 Tbls Butter
- 1½ - 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast cut into cubes
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Small Onion
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 3/4 Tsp Pepper
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1⅓ Cups Long Grain Rice
- 1⅓ Cups Chicken Broth
- ½ Cup Milk
- 1½ Tbls Flour
- 1-2 Cups Fresh Broccoli cooked
- 1½ - 2 Cups Mild Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Turn Instant Pot onto saute. Add butter and heat until hot. When hot, add chicken, onion, and garlic.
- Cook chicken mixture until onion starts to get translucent. Add rice, broth and seasonings. Stir well.
- Whisk together milk an flour and set aside.
- Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. When the timer is up perform a quick release.
- Immediately add milk and flour mixture and mix until it is well combined.
- Add broccoli and cheese and stir until well combined. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
If you are looking for another delicious Instant Pot recipe, check out this delicious Instant Pot Beef and Beer Stew or Instant Pot Guinness Mac and Cheese!
Or check out these awesome Chicken Taco Bowls from Wondermom Wannabe! They are to die for and are perfect for larger families (it makes a ton)!
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This sounds amazing and just what I want to make tonight. Yumm! I don’t see the cheese listed in ingredients — did I miss it?
No you didn’t! I went crazy and didn’t add it lol! It’s in there now. It’s 1 and 1/2 – 2 cups of mild cheddar (depending on your taste). ?
Can’t wait to try this! How would the liquid or cooking time change if I used brown rice?
Hi Rachelle! Brown rice takes longer to cook so it would need 1/4 cup more liquid per cup of rice you use.
And what about the cooking time? I would also like to try making this with brown rice.
How long did you cook with brown rice?
I used brown rice and it took 8 minutes instead of 5. Came out perfect:)
They say you can cook broccoli perfectly in the instant pot at 0 minutes on the manual setting with a quick release. I’m going to try doing that before making the chicken and rice. Then just throw it in at the end with the other ingredients.
Yes, you can! I’ve done it twice so far. 🙂
How much water did you add?
Always use a minimum of one cup of liquid in the IP. In this case, pour 1 c of water (or broth) in the bottom of the IP. Then place the broccoli on a trivet above the liquid. You can put the broccoli in a glass or metal pot and then on the trivet.
I buy frozen broccoli cutlets (smaller cuts then florlets). I dont cook them at all but would add then after i finish adding the cheese– put on saute add broccoli and it warms theough in secs 🙂 no cooking required and no mushinees!!
I did my broccoli florets in the microwave with the leftover chicken broth from the box and microwaved for 3 minutes after I started the chicken. Left them in there until they needed to be added then drained most of the liquid and poured them in. They were cooked all the way through and still a tad bit crunchy, just perfect!
I do the exact same thing! I like the broccoli a little crunchy still
Have you used a normal size cup or the one that came with the IP? Thanks.
I use a normal sized cup.
How many does this serve?
4 nice size servings.
I made the Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli recipe. It was delicious! I would like to suggest upping the broth and rice to 1 1/2 cups, and manual cook for 3 mins with a 10 min natural release. It would like to also rinsing the rice to get rid of some of the starch. With these modifications it might stick less to the pot, and the rice would be fluffier. Thanks for sharing your recipe! I will definitely be making it again!
I wish I would have read this before making my dish. The flavor was great but the rice wasn’t done. Live and learn for next time!
Made it and loved it. Kids loved it too!
Made this last night and it was yummy! I had a little extra time so I threw it in a casserole dish in the oven with some breadcrumbs just to brown it, about 20min @ 400. On your recipe it says 1tsp Garlic, I guessed that was garlic powder?
Yes! I never even realized I never I was missing the word powder! So sorry! Glad you like it!
Could I make this without the chicken?
You absolutely can!
I have found that broccoli takes 0 minutes in the instant pot, same for cauliflower. Just put it on the trivet or in a steamer basket set for 0 press manual and as soon as it comes up to pressure it is done ( water needs to be cold) QPR
Winner! My picky daughter has actually requested it be put on the dinner rotation! This may be the first time that a new recipe has won her full approval. My son and husband requested a little more seasoning so we will be tweaking a little but this was a huge win for mom tonight!
Thank you
This was the first recipe that I made in our Instant Pot! It was amazing! I needed an easy, super successful recipe to sell me on the Instant Pot. So many times I have gotten a new kitchen appliance only to try it once and rarely take it out again (sorry bread maker.) This one did the trick. Even if I only used it to make this recipe, my husband would insist upon it! Thank you!
This was great! This was the first real recipe I made in my instant pot, besides plain rice. I’ll be making it again.
Looks good! Can this be made with boneless skinless chicken thighs? If so, how does it change cooking time?
Thank you!!🤗
You certainly could and it does not change cooking time.
Made this the other day and we all loved it! Even my picky toddler. Safe to say it will be in our rotation. I used long grain brown rice and unfortunately, it does take a lot longer. My brown rice quick setting on my Pressure Cooker XL is 18 mins, so I tried that and ended up cooking it even longer. I’d say 22 mins with an extra 1/4 cup of liquid would be perfect. I honestly didn’t mind the extra time as it was a winner. Thanks for the great recipe!
Tried this tonight. Was delish! – adult approved and kid friendly 🙂 I doubled the recipe so I could have leftovers. Will definitely make again! I
My only question and this is more general about the instapot – I feel like the saute function is too hot…and whatever I cook on manual after I saute sticks to the bottom – like this time, it was the rice…it didn’t burn but it got pretty brown. Does anyone have any tips?
Maybe use low setting for the saute setting and after adding broth, scrape bottom of pot with a wooden spoon to be sure nothing is stuck. Then follow rest of recipe. Just a suggestion.
Do you find this happening a lot with rice dishes I read if you don’t rinse your rice prior to adding it you get scorching
Just a thought… it did happen to me a few times but now that I rinse it stopped. Best of luck!
Made this today, it is delicious!
I tried this recipe and it turned out good despite it burned on the bottom. I don’t have a manual setting and I think I will set it on medium next time. When the dislay said “burn” I turned it off and opened it. Then reset on low.
I just did a different recipe last night that called for broccoli in the pasta dish. To accomplish this all in the instant pot, you do the rice and chicken recipe as you described, then make a packet of foil to put the broccoli in. Make the foil long enough to cover the brocooli twice. Place broccoli and salt in the foil, fold over the top once and pinch sides. Fold over the other end and pinch sides again. There should be some room in the packet. Once the instant pot is ready to go, place the foil packet directly on top of everything and it steaks right in there! When finished, just open the packet and mix it in! If larger or frozen, it likely needs more than 5 minutes so the 3 minutes and 10 natural release might be just right!
Ashley,
Great recipe I made a quick dinner and it was a winner with everyone in the household. Delicious nonetheless.
This is a taste and easy recipe, comes out perfectly with this recipe. I will definitely will cook it again for my family. Thanks!
Wow! Seriously amazing! Surprised by all the flavors, will make again!
Love this dish! My rice wasn’t quite all the way cooked. I used white long grain rice. Any suggestions?
Hi Danielle! If that happens again, you can actually just put the lid back on the pot for another 5-10 minutes and it will soften up.
I just found your site while looking for non-time consuming InstantPot casserole recipes. This recipe is the first I have ever seen where the broccoli is uncooked. My family LOVES it!
I am new at this. So after sautéing I put the lid on and hit manual I put 5 min. Then it says and I wait for it to get to pressure and then wait the 5 min? I feel like it’s taking forever? It this correct? I also do not know how to make it high pressure ? Please help
If you are using the manual button, it is on high pressure. It can take a little while to get to pressure but it sounds like you did everything right.
I just made this and it turned out great! I tweaked a few things. I did basmati rice. I added almost an extra cup of broth. A little extra butter. I put in frozen chopped broccoli right before putting it on manual pressure. And I did 8 minutes. Just to be safe since other reviewers said different kinds of rice called for longer cook times. Family loved it !!
Yummy recipe, thank you. Any tips for getting it not to stick on the bottom?
I usually don’t have that issue, but I’m sure you can spray the pot with nonstick cooking spray after sauteing everything. Might be worth a try!
This looks delicious! Could you use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes you can. No additional time will need to be added, your pot will just take longer to come to pressure.
There is something not quite right about this recipe. I used long grain brown rice and it wasn’t cooked even with two 5-minute sessions on high pressure. Maybe the recipe called for rice that was already cooked? I was able to salvage the meal by simmering until the rice was cooked.
You can not use brown rice with this recipe. It takes way longer to cook (about 25 minutes under pressure.)
I have leftover rotisserie chicken. Can I throw this in pot instead of sautéing raw chicken?
Yes you can.
This is a staple in our house we make it exactly as the recipe calls for and it turns out every time. Feeds our family of 5 hungry eaters with a little bit of left overs in hubbys lunch the next day.
Thanks for sharing such an awesome recipe!
I used the preset “Rice” function, which defaults to 10 min, and mine came out perfect. Just putting it out there for anyone that said their rice wasn’t quite done. Great recipe for the kids. Toddler loved it.
I just made this tonight. OMG – it was so amazing! Can’t wait to share with my sister.
With the 2 garlic cloves, do you put them in whole or chopped?
You mince them up.
How does this recipe need to be changed if your chicken is frozen?
The time doesn’t change, your pot will just take longer to come to pressure.
Made this tonight and it was delicious!
Excellent! After reading others’ reviews, I did tweak it.
1. Tried the zero minutes and even three additional minutes on the broccoli because I didn’t want to.cook it separately – and still too crisp. So I wrapped it in foil and laid it on top and it was a bit overdone but still good. So, without the prior cooking, I’m guessing putting it in the foil would’ve yielded a good result. I could easily enjoy more broccoli in it next time.
2. I increased the rice and broth to 1 1/2 c. each as a reviewer recommended. Rice turned out perfectly!
3. RE cooking time – FYI, not all Instant Pots have a High Pressure setting. I pressed Manual and set it for 5 minutes and let it Manual Release for 5 minutes before opening and adding milk/flour mixture and finally the cheese.
4. Didn’t have any fresh garlic so substituted 1/4 t. garlic powder for the 2 cloves.
Will definitely make again! Fed hubby and me two helpings each plus a nice leftover serving for him when I’m working our local election for the whole day tomorrow. Chilled applesauce was a nice complement to this dish.
Thanks for a good recipe!
How would you use frozen broccoli?
You could throw it in at the end and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to warm. If you try to cook it in with the chicken and the rice it will just turn to mush.
Hi! I love this recipe, and have made it three times. Question: If I want to double it so there are more leftovers, do I need to change anything about the cooking time?
No extra time is needed to double the recipe. Your pot will just take longer to come to pressure. I have not presonally doubled it because I have a small family, but other readers have. If the rice is not done to your liking, just throw the lid back on the pot and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soften up even more. 🙂
We love this recipe! For those who have doubled it, did you have to change any of the liquid proportions? And did it fit in a single instant pot?
Can you freeze this meal?
I wouldn’t recommend it. The rice gets weird and kind of disintegrates when you thaw it out.
Can you use frozen chicken?
Yes you can. It will just take your pot a little longer to come to pressure. No extra time is needed.
Made this a few times. My kids and fiance like a small can of cream of mushroom or chicken or even cream of celery added to the dish. They also like a mix of broccoli and cauliflower.
This was really, really good. I used boneless thighs. I also used frozen broccoli which I threw in with the chicken on onion and rice just prior to putting the lid on. I also waited 5 minutes after it was done with the pressure timer before releasing. The rice was cooked perfectly.
This was a super fast, super easy and really delicious meal. It will definitely go into our instant pot rotation.
Love it. I used brown rice which I presoaked for 10 minutes so that it would cook well. Also I like my broccoli al dente so I didn’t cook it at all until I added it to the hot mixture. I did finely chop it first though. Mixing it and the cheese into the hot mixture was enough to cook it to my tastes.
Can I add carrots and celery and mushrooms for a little color? My roomate is allergic to broccoli.
You totally could. I would actually throw it in and cook everything together. Those veggies should hold up much better than broccoli under pressure.
Can you use minute rice?
I think it would turn out to mushy, but don’t quote me because I have never tried it.
Do you add the seasoning that came with the long grain rice?
No seasoning comes with plain white rice. 🙂
This was awesome. I’m super happy with the flavour and how quickly it came together. I think I’m going to add chili flakes to this next time, otherwise, it was great!
I made this tonight and loved it! I wish the rice was a little fluffier so I will try a slower pressure release next time but this is definitely a winner
I accidentally did the milk and flour (actually heavy cream we were out of milk) in with the rest and it still worked once I added the cheese. Soooooo good
I should also add that I made this for my partner because I was headed out of town for a few days and we had been doing so well with not eating fast food, this was the perfect, easy, tasty, leftover ready dish to help us.
just wanted to say THANK YOU! this has become a new favorite in our house, love how easy it is and so tasty!! 🙂
I put the boccoli on top of the chicken, etc before cooking for 5 mins. Worked out great.
I put the broccoli on top of the chicken, rice and broth so it could steam while the rest cooked for the 5 minutes. It turned out perfectly.
Made this with a bit extra broth and milk, and added the broccoli uncooked. Turned out almost like risotto. All 3 kids loved it. Will definitely make it again. Thanks so much. Can’t wait to try some more of your recipes.
Delicious, hardy and easy. Will make again.
I get perfect broccoli using about a cup of water, steamer basket, mid size fresh broccoli cuts, steam setting for zero minutes. Cauliflower is good at these settings too.
I made this when I had friends over this past weekend. It was so simple and ALL of us loved it. From the 4 year old to the 37 year old. Thank you for a yummy crowd-pleaser.