Chicken and Wild Rice Instant Pot Recipe: Nutty Grains and Juicy Chicken Together

This Instant Pot recipe combines tender chicken with the earthy, nutty flavor of wild rice in a juicy, one-pot meal. The pressure cooker locks in moisture, ensuring the chicken stays succulent while the rice cooks to perfection.

Wild rice adds a delightful chew and depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken. A simple blend of herbs and broth enhances the dish without overpowering its natural richness.

Ready in under an hour, this meal delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The Instant Pot does all the work, leaving you with a hearty, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

Serve it as a complete meal or alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients for Chicken and Wild Rice Instant Pot

Pantry staples and a few fresh picks deliver that nutty, juicy magic.

The chicken thighs are key here (trust me, they stay juicier than breasts). Costco has great packs, but any supermarket will do—just look for skinless, boneless. Wild rice blend cooks faster than pure wild rice, and Lundberg is a solid brand. The broth should be low-sodium so you can control the salt. Butter ties everything together, but olive oil works if that’s what you’ve got.

No wild rice blend? Brown rice plus a handful of actual wild rice gets you close. Chicken breasts can swap in, but they’ll need less time (check at 15 minutes). Out of fresh herbs? Dried Italian seasoning at half the amount works. Fresh parsley is optional for garnish, but it adds that pop of color. The celery can be skipped in a pinch—it’s mostly for flavor depth.

Leftovers reheat like a dream—actually better the next day. Keeps 4-5 days in the fridge, freezes for 3 months (portion before freezing). Wild rice can get mushy if overcooked, so don’t go past the recommended time.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken and Wild Rice Instant Pot

Here’s how I cook this dish perfectly every single time.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and melt the 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Add the diced yellow onion and celery stalks, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the celery softens slightly.

This builds a flavor base that infuses the entire dish. Stir in the minced 3 cloves garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Add the 1.5 cups wild rice blend to the pot and stir to coat it in the butter and aromatics. Pour in the 3 cups chicken broth, then add the 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs on top, pressing them down gently into the liquid.

Sprinkle the 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper evenly over the chicken. Add the 1 whole bay leaf to the broth. This layering ensures everything cooks evenly.

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 24 minutes. The rice will absorb the broth while the chicken becomes incredibly tender. You’ll know it’s working when the float valve pops up and the Instant Pot beeps.

Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure. This gradual release prevents the rice from turning mushy and keeps the chicken juicy, as promised.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Carefully remove the lid and discard the bay leaf. Using a fork, shred the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it with the rice. The chicken should pull apart effortlessly, and the rice should be tender with a slight bite.

Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in the 0.25 cup fresh parsley just before serving for a bright, fresh finish. The parsley adds color and a pop of freshness to each bite.

Pro Cooking Tips for Great chicken and wild rice instant pot

Prevent Burning

Always deglaze the pot after sautéing aromatics. Pour ¼ cup chicken broth into the hot pot and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. This prevents the dreaded Burn notice on your Instant Pot. 🔥

Rice Texture Control

Wild rice blends vary in cooking time. If using a blend with long-grain brown rice, reduce pressure time to 22 minutes. For pure wild rice, increase to 25 minutes. Always check that grains are tender but still have a slight bite.

Chicken Placement

Don’t stir the chicken into the rice before cooking. Place thighs on top in a single layer, pressing down just enough to submerge. This ensures even cooking and prevents the rice from becoming gummy or overcooked.

Liquid Ratio

The 1:2 rice-to-liquid ratio works perfectly here. For 1.5 cups wild rice blend, use exactly 3 cups broth. If you’re using a different rice variety, adjust the liquid accordingly to maintain this ratio.

Avoid Overfilling

Never exceed the ⅔ max fill line in your Instant Pot. With rice and chicken, the contents expand during cooking. I use my 6-quart Instant Pot for this recipe—it’s the perfect size for 4 servings. 💡

Herb Freshness

If your dried herbs have been in the pantry for over 6 months, use ½ tsp extra of each to compensate for flavor loss. Crush them between your fingers as you add them to release their essential oils for maximum impact.

Frequently Asked Questions