This Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice is a creamy, comforting one-pot wonder that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp broccoli come together in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a hearty meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures—silky cheese, juicy chicken, and vibrant broccoli—all infused with savory goodness. With just 10 minutes of prep and a quick cook time, this dish is as convenient as it is delicious. It’s a wholesome, family-friendly recipe that’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups white rice, uncooked
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium works well)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!)
- 1 pound fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, uncooked rice, chicken broth, salt, and shredded chicken to the bottom of your Instant Pot.
- Cook the Rice and Chicken: Seal the lid and turn the valve to SEALING. Set the Instant Pot to MANUAL mode and cook for 7 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, carefully turn the knob to VENTING to release the pressure quickly (this is called a quick release).
- Steam the Broccoli: While the pressure releases, steam the broccoli florets in the microwave for 4-5 minutes or on the stovetop. (If using frozen broccoli, follow the package instructions.)
- Combine Ingredients: Open the Instant Pot and stir in the steamed broccoli and grated cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Dish onto plates or bowls and top with extra shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Cheesy Toppings and Sauce Ideas
Take this dish to the next level with extra toppings and sauces! Sprinkle crumbled bacon or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture. For a creamy twist, drizzle ranch dressing or buffalo sauce over the top. If you’re a fan of spice, a dollop of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a kick.
Perfect Pairings for Serving
This cheesy broccoli chicken and rice is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. For a lighter option, serve with steamed green beans or roasted carrots. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to soak up any extra cheesy goodness!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a splash of chicken broth or water over the rice to keep it moist, then microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For a crispier texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Quick Variations to Mix It Up
Swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. You can also replace the broccoli with cauliflower florets or zucchini chunks. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of white rice—just reduce the cooking time to 1-2 minutes under pressure.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or frozen diced onions to skip chopping. If you’re short on time, steam the broccoli in the Instant Pot after cooking the rice by placing it in a steamer basket on top. This way, everything cooks in one pot, and you’ll have fewer dishes to clean!
Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, or white onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups white rice, uncooked
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken works great
- 1 pound fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese, plus more for optional topping
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add onion, garlic, rice, chicken broth, salt, and cooked chicken into the bottom of your Instant Pot.
- Seal lid and turn valve to SEALING. Set MANUAL and set timer to 7 minutes.
- Once time is up, turn the knob to VENTING to let the pressure out (a quick release).
- While the pressure is being released, steam your broccoli in the microwave for 4-5 minutes or on the stove top (or follow directions on the frozen broccoli package if using frozen).
- Stir in the broccoli and cheddar cheese.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Dish onto plates or bowls and top with more shredded cheese, if desired.