Pressure cooker recipes are a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, healthy meal on the table fast. One of the best combos is boneless chicken breast cooked alongside rice and vegetables in a pressure cooker.
This method locks in flavors, keeps the chicken tender and juicy, and infuses the rice and veggies with a delicious savory broth. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for families or meal prepping.
Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe guarantees minimal fuss and maximum taste.
In this blog post, I’ll share a detailed recipe for making boneless chicken breast with rice and mixed vegetables in your pressure cooker, plus tips and variations to customize it to your liking. Ready to discover your new favorite weeknight dinner?
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true one-pot wonder. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Quick and easy: Everything cooks together in under 30 minutes, saving you precious time.
- Healthy and balanced: Lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and wholesome rice all in one dish.
- Flavor-packed: The pressure cooker intensifies the savory broth, giving the chicken and rice a rich, comforting taste.
- Minimal cleanup: One pot means less mess and more convenience.
- Versatile: You can swap vegetables, seasonings, and rice types depending on what you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as diced carrots, peas, green beans, and corn)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
Equipment
- Electric pressure cooker or Instant Pot (6-quart or similar size)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Bowl for rinsing rice (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the rice and vegetables: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well. Chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Sauté aromatics: Press the “Sauté” function on your pressure cooker and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Season the chicken: While the onions cook, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Sear the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot and sear each side for about 2 minutes until lightly browned. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re in a hurry.
- Add rice and broth: Pour in the rinsed rice evenly over the chicken. Then, carefully add the chicken broth. Do not stir; layering helps prevent rice from sticking.
- Add vegetables: Sprinkle the mixed vegetables over the rice and broth.
- Pressure cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (for white rice) or 22 minutes (for brown rice).
- Natural release: Once the cooking time finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully quick releasing any remaining pressure.
- Check and fluff: Open the lid carefully. Remove the chicken breasts, slice or shred as desired, and fluff the rice and vegetables with a fork.
- Serve: Plate the rice and vegetables, top with chicken, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if you like.
Tips & Variations
“For perfectly cooked rice and juicy chicken, be sure not to stir the rice and broth before cooking. Layering ingredients allows the rice to cook evenly without sticking to the bottom.”
- Vegetable swaps: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand—broccoli florets, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms all work beautifully.
- Rice alternatives: Try jasmine rice for a fragrant twist or quinoa for extra protein.
- Spice it up: Add cumin, coriander, or a splash of soy sauce or lemon juice to change the flavor profile.
- Meal prep: This recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of coconut milk after cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (serves 4) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 32 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This dish is complete on its own but pairs wonderfully with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Warm naan or crusty bread to soak up the juices
- Steamed or roasted asparagus for extra greens
- A dollop of tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce for creaminess
Conclusion
Cooking boneless chicken breast with rice and vegetables in a pressure cooker is not only efficient but also incredibly rewarding. You get a wholesome, flavorful, and balanced meal with minimal effort and cleanup.
The pressure cooker intensifies the flavors and ensures the chicken stays tender while the rice soaks up all those delicious juices. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or anytime you want a comforting, nutritious dinner without the fuss.
Feel free to experiment with different veggies and seasonings to keep it fresh and exciting. For more healthy, easy meal ideas, check out A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion, explore wholesome grains in Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals, or add a spicy kick with the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.
More Boneless Chicken Breast Pressure Cooker Rice Vegetables Recipes
Lemon Herb Chicken with Brown Rice and Broccoli
This bright and zesty version uses fresh lemon juice and herbs to flavor the chicken and rice, paired with tender broccoli florets. Brown rice adds a nutty texture and extra fiber to the dish.
- Substitute the chicken broth with lemon-infused broth
- Add 1 tsp each of fresh rosemary and thyme
- Include 1 ½ cups broccoli florets for steaming on top
Spicy Cajun Chicken and Vegetable Rice
Turn up the heat with a Cajun seasoning blend, peppers, and onions. This recipe is perfect for spice lovers who want a bold, flavorful meal in minutes.
- Use 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning instead of paprika and thyme
- Add ½ cup diced bell peppers and ½ cup diced onions
- Serve with sliced avocado for cooling contrast
Coconut Curry Chicken with Jasmine Rice and Mixed Veggies
A creamy, aromatic curry made easy in the pressure cooker. Coconut milk and curry powder transform the simple ingredients into a comforting dish with vibrant flavors.
- Add 1 cup canned coconut milk along with broth
- Use 1 tbsp curry powder and 1 tsp turmeric
- Include diced carrots, peas, and green beans
For those who enjoy one-pot meals with wholesome ingredients, these variations are sure to keep your dinner routine exciting and delicious.
📖 Recipe Card: Boneless Chicken Breast Pressure Cooker Rice Vegetables
Description: A quick and healthy one-pot meal combining tender chicken breast, fluffy rice, and mixed vegetables. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
- Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
- Add chicken to the cooker and brown for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add rice, mixed vegetables, and chicken broth to the pot.
- Stir gently to combine and ensure rice is submerged.
- Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
- Remove chicken, shred or slice, and mix back into the rice and vegetables.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 30 g
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