Did you know you can make Rice a Roni and chicken in your Instant Pot? It’s a deliciously simple one-pot meal!
Instant Pot Rice a Roni and chicken comes together quickly to make a casserole type meal in one pot!
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At one of my bridal showers many years ago, the hostess asked the guests to each write down a recipe from memory for me to start my new married life with.
The idea was that the recipes would all be something the guests had made many times, and the recipes would be easy enough to commit to memory.
What a great way to start out with a collection of tried-and-true recipes!
One of those recipes used Rice a Roni to make a casserole type dish in the skillet. I’ve been making a variation of that meal ever since!
I used to cook the chicken in one pot, then cook the rice in another pot, and add them all together at the end.
But because I use my pressure cooker to make Instant Pot chicken and rice, Instant Pot chicken and wild rice casserole, and Instant Pot cheesy chicken, broccoli, and rice, I wanted to try to use it to make this dish even easier!
The Instant Pot allows you to cook the rice and chicken together AND shorten the cook time.
I’m so happy to report that it worked!
Why You’ll Love this Rice a Roni Chicken Casserole
Ricearoni is a super simple seasoned rice and pasta mix that typically cooks on the stove. With this simple recipe, the chicken, seasoning, rice, and peppers all cook together!
Even if you’re like us and don’t eat a whole lot of convenience foods, this is one of those easy one-pot meals that is perfect for a busy weeknight.
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How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Rice a Roni
You’ll be glad to know that this is a quick and easy recipe. I like to keep the ingredients on hand for those days when dinner otherwise might not happen! 🙂
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6.9-oz box chicken flavored Rice-A-Roni
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 large chicken breast, cut into three pieces
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional; can also use different veggies as desired)
How to Make It:
(Full printable recipe below)
Saute the rice mix. First, you’ll use the Saute function to melt some butter in the insert pot of the Instant Pot. Then, add the rice to the pot, stirring occasionally, heating until it turns light golden-brown.
Add remaining ingredients. Next, you’ll add the water, seasoning packet, and chicken breast pieces. Stir to combine, then add the bell peppers on top.
Pressure cook. Last, you’ll cook this at high pressure for 5 minutes using the Manual/Pressure Cook button. After the cook time has finished, perform a quick release of pressure.
Shred the chicken. Remove the chicken pieces to a cutting board and shred or chop as desired, then return to the pot and stir to combine. Serve and enjoy!
Notes and Adaptations:
- I have not tried doubling this recipe, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work, as long as it doesn’t exceed your pressure cooker’s maximum fill recommendation! You would keep the cook time the same.
- I like the added flavor from the bell pepper, but you could use different veggies if desired! Carrots, celery, or peas would all be tasty choices!
Recommended Equipment:
- Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice-a-Roni
You can enjoy Rice-a-Roni and chicken casserole as a quick and easy meal, thanks to the Instant Pot!
Ingredients
- 6.9-oz box chicken flavored Rice-A-Roni
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 large chicken breast, cut into three pieces
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional; can also use different veggies as desired)
Instructions
- Add butter to the insert pot of an Instant Pot. Use the Saute function to melt the butter.
- Add the dry Rice-a-Roni to the butter and saute until it starts to turn light golden-brown.
- Turn off the Saute function. Add water, seasoning mix, and chicken breast pieces. Stir to combine. Add bell pepper on top.
- Close the lid and set the vent to the sealed position. Select a 5 minute cook time at high pressure using the Manual/Pressure Cook button.
- Once the cook time is complete, perform a quick pressure release.
- After the pressure has released and the valve has dropped, carefully remove the lid. Transfer chicken pieces to a cutting board and shred or chop as desired, then return to the rice mixture and stir to combine. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to add different veggies if preferred! Carrots, celery, or peas would all be tasty options!
- Although I haven't tried it, you should be able to double the recipe if needed (as long as it doesn't exceed your pressure cooker's recommended maximum fill amount). You would keep the cook time the same.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 149Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 234mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 11g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is not guaranteed for accuracy.
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2. No need to thaw before cooking in the Instant Pot--meals can cook from frozen!
3. Easy-to-use plan includes shopping lists, labels, recipes, and instructions!
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