Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice

Embrace the simplicity of Instant Pot cooking with this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe, a perfect introduction for those new to pressure cooking. Quick, tasty, and satisfying, this meal is sure to become a family favorite.

Whether you’ve been underusing your Instant Pot out of fear or just need a quick, hassle-free meal, this recipe is perfect for you. Follow along as we guide you through a straightforward dump-and-go process that promises a delicious, family-friendly dish.

Overcoming Instant Pot Intimidation

Getting Started

Many people are intimidated by their Instant Pot, often feeling it’s too complex or could be dangerous. Kristen shared her own experience—she avoided using her Instant Pot for two years after receiving it as a wedding gift!

She compared it to a “bomb ready to go off at any minute” whenever she touched a button. If you’re in the same boat, fear not! This guide will help demystify the Instant Pot, starting with this easy recipe.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe is excellent for beginners as it involves minimal steps and ingredients. It’s essentially a dump-and-go recipe, making it less daunting and extremely convenient for busy days.

There’s no need for advanced cooking skills—just a willingness to follow simple instructions and enjoy the process.

Ingredients and Preparation

Required Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 1 ½ cups of plain white rice (note: brown rice requires different cooking time)
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups of steamed broccoli
• 6 ounces of cheddar cheese (about 1 ½ cups)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Rice and Broth

Begin with a cup and a half of plain white rice. For this recipe, it’s best to stick with white rice because brown rice requires a different cooking duration.

Next, add four cups of chicken broth. The key to perfect rice in an Instant Pot is using the right ratio of rice to liquid.

For this recipe, if you have one cup of rice, use 1 ¼ cups of liquid. Since we’re using 1 ½ cups of rice, you’ll need just enough broth to meet this ratio.

Mix the rice and broth thoroughly to ensure all the rice is soaked. This will prevent those unpleasant, hard pieces of rice that nobody wants in their meal.

Step 2: Adding Chicken and Onion

Add in one thinly sliced yellow onion. The Instant Pot will soften the onion as it cooks. Next, add about 1 ½ cups of shredded rotisserie chicken.

Using pre-cooked chicken from your local deli can save you time and effort, but feel free to cook and shred your own chicken if you like.

Following that, throw in a teaspoon of minced garlic. If you’re using fresh garlic, remember that two cloves are roughly equivalent to one teaspoon. Finally, season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Step 3: The Pressure Cooking

Once everything is in the pot, the essential step is not stirring the ingredients. Layer them instead, which helps prevent the infamous “burn notice.”

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot. Most models will play a little jingle indicating it’s correctly sealed. If your Instant Pot has a knob, make sure it’s set to ‘Sealing’ and not ‘Venting’.

Now, push the ‘Pressure Cook’ button (or ‘Manual’ on some models), and set the timer for 7 minutes. This cooking time is perfect for white rice and will also heat the other ingredients adequately.

Post-Pressure Cooking Steps

Quick Release and Broccoli Preparation

Once the cooking time is complete, it’s time for a quick pressure release. If your Instant Pot has a knob, turn it to ‘Venting’.

Modern Instant Pot models might only require the press of a button to release the pressure. While the pressure is releasing, steam your broccoli separately.

If you were to cook the broccoli with the other ingredients from the start, it would disintegrate, losing its texture and color.

Combining Ingredients

Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid. Add the steamed broccoli into the pot. Integrate the broccoli by stirring it into the mixture.

Then, add about six ounces (1 ½ cups) of cheddar cheese. Stir well to ensure the cheese melts and combines smoothly with the rest of the dish. This will give the entire dish a rich, cheesy flavor that’s hard to resist.

Serving Suggestions

Dish out the cheesy chicken broccoli and rice into bowls. The vibrant colors and enticing smell will make it an instant hit at the dinner table.

Feel free to adjust the seasonings at this stage if you prefer more salt or pepper. This meal is not only delicious but also makes for great leftovers.

Conclusion

There you have it—a simple yet delightful meal made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe is a fantastic way to start getting comfortable with your Instant Pot.

By following these easy steps, you can overcome any fears or hesitations you might have about using this versatile kitchen appliance. Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!