There’s something comforting about an Instant Pot meal bubbling away in the background of a busy day. The scent fills the house, the anticipation builds, and by the time dinner rolls around, you’ve got a wholesome, homemade meal that feels like a warm hug.
This Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli Over Rice is one of those recipes that’s deceptively simple but delivers big on flavor and comfort. It takes just 10 minutes of prep time, and then your pressure cooker does all the heavy lifting. Tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant broccoli all come together and get spooned over fluffy rice — the kind of dish that satisfies everyone at the table.
Growing up, we had versions of this dish at least once a week. My mom was a master at stretching ingredients and making meals that felt hearty and homemade without taking hours in the kitchen. This recipe reminds me of those days — simple, cozy, and family-friendly. It’s also a lifesaver on nights when sports practices, homework, and a busy to-do list make it hard to pull dinner together.
So grab your Instant pot, a couple of pantry staples, and let’s make one of the easiest, most comforting dinners you’ll ever put on the table
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Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli Over Rice
- Hands-off cooking: Just 10 minutes of prep, then let the pressure cooker work its magic.
- Family favorite: Even picky eaters love the creamy, cheesy chicken with broccoli.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Versatile: Swap in different veggies, seasonings, or even make it low-carb by serving over cauliflower rice.
- Freezer-friendly: You can prep the base ahead and freeze it for an easy dump-and-go dinner later.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy Instant Pot meal:
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless breasts are lean and shred beautifully after slow cooking. You could also use thighs if you prefer richer flavor.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds creaminess and depth of flavor. It’s a pantry staple that makes the sauce velvety smooth.
- Cheddar Soup – A little different from the usual cheese sauce, but it melts into the dish and makes it taste like cheesy chicken broccoli casserole.
- Chicken Broth – Thins the sauce so it cooks evenly and infuses everything with savory flavor.
- Garlic Salt – A simple seasoning that brings balance without overpowering the dish.
- Sour Cream – Stirred in at the end for a creamy, tangy finish.
- Broccoli Florets – Added last to keep them bright, tender, and just slightly crisp.
- Rice – The perfect base for soaking up that creamy chicken and broccoli sauce. White rice is classic, but brown rice or even quinoa work too.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine specified ingredients into Instant Pot, whisk and cook.
- Step 2: While sauce and chicken are cooking, chop and steam broccoli.
- Step 3: Once sauce has finished cooking: shred chicken, add sour cream and mix. Then add in steamed broccoli.
- Step 4: Serve while hot over fluffy rice.
Step-by-Step Tips
- Layer the Base: Add chicken, soups, broth, and garlic salt into the Instant Pot. Whisk so the soups and broth blend into a smooth sauce.
- Set It and Forget It: Lock the lid and push the Poultry button, allow to cook. The chicken will be tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to pull the chicken apart right in the Instant Pot. It will soak up all that creamy sauce.
- Finish with Creaminess: Stir in the sour cream — don’t skip this step, it makes the sauce extra luscious.
- Add Broccoli Last: Mix in the steamed broccoli so it stays bright green and doesn’t turn mushy.
- Serve Over Rice: Ladle the creamy chicken and broccoli over a bed of rice for the perfect comforting meal.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- Healthier Swap: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein.
- Different Veggies: Try adding peas, carrots, or even spinach at the end.
- Cheesier Finish: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar right before serving.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or even zucchini noodles.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty on its own, but here are some easy pairings:
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the creaminess.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the chicken and sauce (without broccoli) for up to 2 months. Thaw, reheat, and stir in fresh broccoli.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, I almost always use frozen chicken and it turns out perfectly.
Do I have to steam the broccoli first?
Yes, steaming keeps the broccoli tender-crisp and prevents it from turning soggy in the Instant Pot.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your Instant Pot is large enough, and extend the cooking time slightly if needed.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish works because it combines classic comfort-food flavors in a foolproof method. The soups and broth create a creamy, flavorful base, the chicken pressure-cooks until tender, and the sour cream stirred in at the end balances everything with tang. By adding broccoli last, you get freshness and texture that keeps the meal from feeling heavy. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and adaptable — exactly what a weeknight dinner should be.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing fancy about this Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli Over Rice, and that’s what makes it so wonderful. It’s real food for real life — hearty, comforting, and easy enough for the busiest of days. Whether you’re cooking for a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.
So next time you don’t know what’s for dinner, pull out your crockpot and let it do the work. You’ll end up with a creamy, comforting bowl of chicken and broccoli over rice that feels like home.
Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Over Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chicken, cream of chicken soup, cheddar soup, chicken broth, and garlic salt into a Instant Pot. Whisk until smooth.
- While chicken sauce is cooking; chop and steam broccoli.
- When chicken is cooked, shred with two forks.
- Stir in sour cream and steamed broccoli.
- Serve hot over rice.
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