Satisfy your busy weeknight cravings with a delicious Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole! This easy recipe features juicy chicken thighs, creamy mushroom soup, and vibrant mixed vegetables, all cooked to perfection. Ideal for beginners, it combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps for a delightful meal. Click through to discover how to whip up this hearty casserole that your family will love!
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
![- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) I love using chicken thighs for this dish. They stay juicy and tender. The rice absorbs all the flavors. The onion and garlic add a nice base. Frozen vegetables make it easy and quick. - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil The broth gives rich flavor. Cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess. Garlic and onion powders boost the taste. Thyme and paprika add depth. Adjust salt and pepper for your taste. - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Garnishing with fresh parsley adds color and brightness. You can also add more herbs if you like. A sprinkle of paprika on top looks nice too. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. - Sautéing Until Golden Brown Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Pour in the olive oil and let it heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté the chicken for about 5 minutes until it turns golden brown. This step locks in flavor and adds a nice crust. - Seasoning Tips Using fresh herbs can enhance flavor. Try adding dried thyme and paprika for a warm, earthy taste. Adjust the amount of salt based on your preference and dietary needs. - Softening Onion and Garlic After removing the chicken, add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir often until the onions are soft and see-through. This builds a tasty base for your casserole. - Importance of Base Flavors Onion and garlic are key to creating depth in your dish. They add richness that complements the chicken and rice. - Mixing Rice and Broth Return the chicken to the pot. Add the rinsed rice and low-sodium chicken broth. Sprinkle in dried thyme and paprika. Stir gently to ensure the rice is covered with liquid. This step is crucial for even cooking. - Adding Vegetables and Soup Now, mix in the frozen vegetables and the cream of mushroom soup. Stir until everything is well combined. This adds creaminess and nutrition to your meal. - Setting Up Pressure Cooking Close the lid and check the steam release valve. Make sure it’s set to sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting for 10 minutes. This locks in moisture and flavors. - Natural Pressure Release Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This helps the rice finish cooking and keeps it fluffy. After that, carefully switch the valve to venting to let out any remaining steam. - Fluffing the Casserole Open the lid and use a fork to fluff the casserole. Mix gently so the rice stays intact. This gives your dish a light and airy texture. - Adjusting Seasoning and Serving Taste your casserole and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt or pepper. Serve in colorful bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a lovely presentation. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make your casserole burst with flavor, use fresh herbs. I love adding thyme and parsley. They bring brightness to the dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs, use dried ones. Just remember that dried herbs are stronger. Use less than you would of fresh. For depth, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. It adds a savory kick. You can also swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer. However, thighs stay juicier, which helps with flavor. Always check the sealing ring on your Instant Pot. If it’s damaged, you won’t get a proper seal. This can lead to uneven cooking. Proper sealing is key for pressure cooking to work well. If you see a burn notice, do not panic. It often means food stuck to the bottom. Make sure to scrape up any bits after sautéing. This helps prevent that issue and keeps your casserole from burning. When serving, I recommend using colorful bowls. They make the dish pop. A large platter works too if you’re serving a crowd. For garnishing, sprinkle extra parsley on top. A bit of paprika can also add color. These small touches make your casserole look fancy and inviting. {{image_4}} When you cook Instant Pot chicken and rice casserole, you can switch it up in fun ways. Here are some ideas to make your dish unique and tasty. - Brown Rice or Quinoa Options: Instead of white rice, try brown rice or quinoa. These grains add more fiber and nutrients. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust your time to 22 minutes. Quinoa cooks in about 8 minutes, but rinse it well first. - Low-Fat Soups and Creams: Use low-fat cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade version. You can blend cooked mushrooms with broth to create a lighter base. This keeps your casserole creamy without extra calories. - Different Vegetables to Include: You can add fresh or frozen veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. This adds color and nutrition to your dish. Just remember to chop them small for even cooking. - Alternative Protein Sources: If chicken isn’t your thing, swap it out for turkey or tofu. These options provide different flavors and textures. For tofu, press it to remove moisture and cube it before cooking. - Inspiration from Global Flavors: Try adding spices like curry powder or cumin for an Indian twist. You can also use soy sauce and ginger for an Asian flair. This makes your casserole exciting and new. - Adding Heat or Sweetness: For spice, toss in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. If you like it sweet, add a touch of honey or maple syrup. Both options change the taste profile and make your meal stand out. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions and enjoy the journey of cooking! - Refrigeration Guidelines: Allow your casserole to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container. It will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it tightly sealed to prevent drying out. - Freezing for Future Meals: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy reference. - Best Methods for Microwaving: To reheat in the microwave, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. This method keeps the rice from drying out. - Oven Reheating Techniques: For oven reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. This dish takes about 30 minutes total. You will spend 15 minutes prepping. The Instant Pot cooks the casserole in about 10 minutes. Yes, you can use brown rice. However, you need to adjust the cooking time. Use 22 minutes instead of 10 minutes. Brown rice takes longer to cook but adds a nice chewy texture. Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to four days. For sides, consider fresh salad or steamed broccoli. These dishes add color and nutrients. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal. This post covers how to make a delicious Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole. We discussed the key ingredients, seasonings, and optional garnishes. I provided step-by-step instructions and tips for perfect flavor. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers effectively. In the end, this dish is versatile and easy to prepare. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Your next family meal can be simple and tasty!](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/c9ee0597-b7db-4965-b684-3012dfdd0f5b-250x250.webp)