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Creamy Instant Pot Crack Chicken and Rice Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner

instant pot crack chicken and rice - featured image

A creamy, cheesy, and comforting one-pot meal made in the Instant Pot with tender chicken, fluffy rice, ranch seasoning, and cream cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup white long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of white long-grain rice under cold water until water runs clear. Pat dry and set aside.
  2. Pat dry 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  3. Pour 2 cups chicken broth into the Instant Pot inner pot. Evenly spread the rinsed rice on the bottom without stirring.
  4. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice in a single layer.
  5. Sprinkle 1 packet ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken. Dollop 4 ounces softened cream cheese on top of the chicken breasts. Do not stir.
  6. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the timer starts.
  7. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
  8. Open the lid and shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks.
  9. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined into a creamy mixture.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Rinse rice well to prevent stickiness. Layer ingredients without stirring to avoid burn notices. Use natural pressure release for best rice texture. Soften cream cheese before adding to avoid lumps. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with vegan alternatives. For low-carb, substitute rice with cauliflower rice added after cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, crack chicken, creamy chicken, chicken and rice, easy dinner, ranch seasoning, one pot meal