20 Minute Pressure Cooker Chicken & Rice

Looking for a comforting homemade meal that doesn't take all evening? This 20-minute pressure cooker chicken and rice recipe is a complete meal that delivers amazing flavor in a fraction of the time.

Using a stovetop pressure cooker locks in moisture and builds rich taste quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Make Chicken and Rice in a Pressure Cooker?

Whether you use a stovetop or electric pressure cooker, you'll get results faster than a slow cooker while enjoying tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked rice. A quality stovetop pressure cooker creates a sealed, high-pressure environment that delivers:

Tender, juicy chicken
Perfectly cooked rice
Fast, even cooking with excellent heat retention
Energy-efficient performance
One-pot convenience with fewer dishes to wash

It's an easy recipe that's ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in your stovetop pressure cooker over medium heat until it shimmers slightly.

Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. You'll know it's ready when you can smell the garlic releasing its aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and season generously with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the outside begins to brown and develop colour. The chicken doesn't need to cook through at this stage—you're simply building flavour and texture that will enhance the final dish.

Step 3: Add the Rice

Stir in the rinsed rice and pour in the chicken broth to create your rice mixture.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot gently, releasing any browned bits stuck to the surface. These flavorful pieces will dissolve into the liquid and add depth to your meal. Stir the rice mixture gently to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Build Pressure

Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the rice so they're evenly distributed. Lock the lid securely and place the pressure regulator according to your manufacturer's instructions.

Heat over high heat until full pressure is reached; you'll typically hear a steady hissing sound. Once pressure is achieved, reduce the heat just enough to maintain steady pressure and cook for 8 minutes.

Step 5: Release the Pressure

Remove the cooker from the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes.

Carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure according to your pressure cooker's instructions. Note: Always check your manufacturer's instructions for proper pressure release techniques, as methods can vary between models.

Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Pressure Cooker Chicken and Rice

A few simple techniques can help you achieve the best results every time.

Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
If substituting brown rice, increase the liquid by half a cup and cook for 20 minutes instead of 8.
Thaw frozen chicken completely before cooking for even results and proper timing.
Avoid overfilling the pressure cooker.
Use chicken broth instead of water for richer flavour.
Let the pressure release naturally for several minutes before opening the lid.
Adjust seasoning after cooking, since flavours become more concentrated under pressure.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook chicken and rice together in a pressure cooker? Yes. Chicken and rice cook well together in a stovetop pressure cooker, creating a flavorful one-pot meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

How long does chicken and rice take in a pressure cooker? Once full pressure is reached, this recipe cooks in about 8 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural pressure release. Including prep time, the entire meal is ready in about 20 minutes.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Brown rice takes about 15 to 18 minutes under pressure instead of 8, and you'll need to increase the broth to maintain the right consistency for the rice mixture. The firmer texture of brown rice also means it holds up well under pressure.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then reheat before serving.

Can you cook a whole chicken in a pressure cooker? Yes, a whole chicken can be cooked in a pressure cooker, but it requires a longer cook time of about 25 to 30 minutes at high pressure, depending on the size. The rice should be cooked separately, since the timing doesn't align well with chicken pieces.

Is pressure cooker chicken and rice the same as a pressure cooker chicken casserole? Yes, they can be very similar. A pressure cooker chicken casserole typically combines chicken, rice, vegetables, broth, and seasonings in one pot to create a hearty, comforting meal. This recipe follows the same one-pot approach, making it an easy weeknight alternative to a traditional chicken casserole.

Can I use a slow cooker instead of a pressure cooker? Yes, a slow cooker works for this recipe but takes 3 to 4 hours on high heat instead of 20 minutes. Chicken thighs hold up better than chicken breasts during the longer slow cooker time, staying moist and tender without drying out.