Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

A perfect weeknight dinner, this Instant Pot chicken and rice casserole boasts flavor, veggies and rice all in one dish. Kids and adults love it! So delicious and easy, making dinner a breeze while also filling everyone at the table up.

Why This Recipe Works

One of my all-time favorite meals is a spinoff of my mom’s famous Chicken Rice Bake. Once I began falling hard in love with my dearest Instant Pot, I knew very quickly that I needed to create a version of my mom’s chicken casserole inside its magical walls.

This pressure cooker version has all of the same delicious flavors involved in the original dish, but with pressure cooker magic thrown in.

I have to point out that the way this recipe LOOKS does not reflect how it TASTES. There is nothing stunning about the visuals here, friends, but please do not let that keep you from trying this super tasty meal.

It is so delicious and filling and EASY! If you, too, love your dear Instant Pot, please promise me you will give this dinner recipe a try.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole

This family favorite dinner can be put together in about 30 minutes!

Step 1

Spray the inside of instant pot with cooking spray. Layer as follows from the bottom of the pot: sliced mushrooms, sliced celery, 1 cup uncooked long grain and wild rice, 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 2 cups of broth or chicken stock and a can of cream of chicken soup.

Do not stir. Sprinkle a packet of dry onion soup mix over the top.

Step 2

Place the cover on the pot and set timer to 10 minutes on high pressure (use the pressure cook setting). It will take the pressure cooker around 20 minutes to build up pressure before it begins cooking.

Step 3

When cooking is done, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes then do a quick release. Remove cover and carefully transfer the chicken to a work surface. Use two forks to shred and add the meat back to the pot. Let sit for 5 minutes and serve!

Recipe Notes

• If you can’t find long grain and wild rice, use brown or white rice. It’s really a no-fail recipe!
• Sprinkle a generous coating of salt and pepper over the chicken before placing it into the IP for an added touch of flavor.
• If you replace the chicken breasts with bone-in chicken thighs, increase the cook time by 2 minutes.
• To add flavor and creaminess to the recipe, sprinkle 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese over the top before cooking.
• Be sure to add the chicken in a single layer to ensure it cooks evenly.
• Dress this dish up with chopped parsley, sliced green onions or red pepper flakes!

Is Rinsing Rice Important

I don’t always take the time to rinse rice before cooking it, but it should definitely be a part of the rice-making process. Simply add the rice to a fine mesh strainer and run cold water over it, tossing it around a bit using your fingers to get a thorough rinse.

This process will ensure that there is no extra debris stuck to the rice. It also removes the starch, which will prevent your final product from being clumpy.

Rice Cooker vs Instant Pot Rice

Both rice cookers and electric pressure cookers cook rice in the same way. Both use steam inside the pot to cook the rice. The main difference is that a pressure cooker has a sealing ring inside the lid that prevents any steam from escaping during the cooking process.

This allows the appliance to maintain pressure levels inside the pot with greater accuracy, therefore cooking it more quickly.

Shortened cook time is an advantage when using an Instant Pot and typically it requires a bit less liquid than when using a rice cooker.

However, if you are planning to cook a variety of different types such as wild, black or basmati rice frequently, a rice cooker might be the better option for you. Plus, rice cookers are more affordable and will take up less valuable counter space.

Instant Pot Recipes

The list of recipes you can make in an Instant Pot is endless! It can cook soup, chili, pasta, meat, potatoes, veggies, cake, beans and so much more. Here are a few of my favorite Instant Pot recipes:

• Steamed Artichokes
• Goulash
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Instant Pot Cake
• White Turkey Chili
• Chicken Burrito Bowls

Why Does it Take My Instant Pot So Long to Pressurize

The time leading up to actual cook time may seem long and even confusing (“What is going ON in there?!”), but it’s an important part of the process! The Instant Pot is working on building up the appropriate amount of pressure that it will be cooking the food at.

It handles liquids and solids differently and also fresh and frozen differently, so the time can vary. Most recipes take between 10 and 25 minutes to build up pressure.

Avoid the Burn Notice on Instant Pot

• Stir heavy sauces or soups just before placing the cover on the pot for cooking. You will want the heaviest ingredients toward the top in order to ensure they don’t stick to the bottom and burn.
• Make sure your pot contains enough liquid! Add extra beef broth or chicken broth if it is already an ingredient in the recipe. If the recipe does not contain a thin liquid (e.g., a recipe that requires a trivet), add 1 1/2 cups of liquid to the bottom of the Instant Pot before cooking.
• I do not use an 8-quart IP, but from what I have read this size is much quicker to burn than the 6-quart version. The 8-quart Instant Pot may require more liquid than the 6-quart does.

What is the Best Way to Freeze a Casserole

If you want to freeze a casserole for later use, you have a couple options:

Freeze unbaked – Assemble the layers as directed in an aluminum baking pan and wrap tightly in foil. Place into resealable freezer bags and freeze for 3-4 months.

When you are ready to enjoy the casserole, let it thaw completely (preferably in the fridge overnight) and bake as directed on the recipe.

Freeze baked – Assemble the layers and bake as directed in an aluminum baking pan. Let the casserole cool completely and wrap tightly in foil. Place into resealable freezer bags and freeze for 3-4 months.

When you are ready to enjoy the casserole, let it thaw completely (preferably in the fridge overnight). Reheat in a 250 degree F oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

FAQ About Mushrooms

Comfort Food Recipes

• The Best Meatloaf is my mother’s delicious recipe with an added touch of delicious sauce. This dinner recipe will quickly become a favorite family meal!
• Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole boasts flavor and creaminess over a bed of steaming egg noodles. This casserole is just like your mom’s recipe but so much more!
• Best Baked Ziti is packed with flavorful meat sauce and layers of cheesy goodness. This delicious dinner feeds a lot of people and is super filling and hearty.
• Slow Cooker Crack Chicken – You need to try this mixture on a bun because it’s an addicting and delicious lunch or dinner option that everyone will enjoy.
• Dinner has never been easier! NO PREP is required for this quick and delicious One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – Simplify those busy weeknights by adding this hearty meal to the dinner rotation!
• Easy Classic Chicken Alfredo is the perfect dinner recipe for busy nights. Done in 30 minutes and made in a single pan, everyone at the table will love this comforting dish!

Will you help add value to Pip and Ebby?
If you make this recipe and love it, stop back and give it a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!