With just 6 simple ingredients, this healthy chicken, broccoli and rice dish has all the comfort of a casserole, cooked in a pressure cooker. And still completely delicious!
(Originally posted on June 21, 2018; Updated on tips and FAQs on January 8, 2020)
Is there anyone who didn't grow up eating some kind of chicken and rice dish? Whether it's chicken biryani, arroz con pollo, Hainan chicken rice, a savory bowl of chicken and rice, or a cheesy chicken and rice casserole... Across many cultures, the classic combination of chicken and rice always says comfort food. And this pressure cooker chicken broccoli rice casserole is no different! Comfort food at its finest.
Why This Recipe Works
- Using a whole chicken creates rich and flavorful broth that adds depth of flavor to the dish, while still using mostly whole food ingredients.
- With just 6 simple ingredients, this recipe in healthier than many broccoli and chicken rice dishes, and it's gluten-free!
How to make Pressure Cooker Chicken, Broccoli and Rice
Place whole chicken in Instant Pot breast side up. Then add water, salt, and black pepper. Lock lid, close vent, and set manual timer for 30 minutes at high pressure.
Place broccoli florets in a large bowl and cover with cold water and allow to defrost completely. Obviously, this step is not necessary if using fresh broccoli.
Pour broccoli into a colander and allow to drain completely.
Once cook time is complete, allow pressure to release naturally (will take about 30 minutes).
Then remove chicken from pot to a separate bowl. Be careful because it might be falling apart, which is good!
Pass broth through a fine mesh strainer and return to pressure cooker.
Add broccoli to pot and set manual timer for 0 (zero) minutes. Once cook time is complete, quick-release pressure.
Pour broccoli into a fine mesh strainer, making sure to reserve all the broth.
For white rice... Return broth to pot, along with rice, and cook for 4 minutes at high pressure.
For brown rice... Return broth to pot, along with rice, and cook for 20 minutes at high pressure.
Meanwhile... remove all chicken meat in large pieces. Discard skin and bones. If you prefer smaller pieces of chicken, you can shred the chicken with a hand mixer.
Once cook time is complete, quick-release pressure.
I've cooked this dish several times, and this is my personal favorite cheese to use.
Add chicken, broccoli, and cheese to pot and mix well.
And the Delicious Result...
Expert Tips
- For larger pieces of chicken, tear the chicken into pieces with two forks. For smaller pieces of chicken, shred your chicken with a hand mixer. To do so, tear pieces into chunks and place in a large, deep bowl. Press beaters of the hand mixer into the meat and turn on to low, letting the beaters pull the chicken apart.
- If you prefer your dish to be less brothy, let it sit before serving. Some of the broth will be absorbed by the rice.
FAQs
Is zero minutes really enough to cook the broccoli? Yes! The broccoli cooks as it is coming up to pressure. If your pressure cooker does not have a zero minute option, you can try one minute.
Is this the same consistency as a casserole? This recipe will not actually make a casserole, it's more the idea of a casserole. There will be some broth in your bowl. But the longer it sits, the more the rice will absorb the remaining liquid.
Do I have to use a whole chicken? Well, the short answer is: no. You do not have to use a whole chicken. However, using a whole chicken is the best way to make an amazing broth – which is what makes this recipe amazing. Since you cook both the rice and broccoli in the broth, I highly recommend taking the extra step of making your own broth. Trust me, it’s worth it! Plus, you need to cook the chicken anyways, so…
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Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice "Casserole"
Ingredients
- 5 lb. whole chicken
- 6 cups water
- 4 tsp. sea salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 2 lbs. broccoli florets
- 3 cups rice
- 8 oz. cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Place whole chicken in Instant Pot breast side up. Then add water, salt, and black pepper. Lock lid, close vent, and set manual timer for 30 minutes at high pressure.
- Place broccoli florets in a large bowl and cover with cold water and allow to defrost completely. Obviously, this step is not necessary if using fresh broccoli. Then pour broccoli into a colander and allow to drain completely.
- Once cook time is complete, allow pressure to release naturally (will take about 30 minutes). Then remove chicken from pot to a separate bowl. Be careful because it might be falling apart, which is good!
- Pass broth through a fine mesh strainer and return to pressure cooker. Add broccoli to pot and set manual timer for 0 (zero) minutes. Once cook time is complete, quick-release pressure. Pour broccoli into a fine mesh strainer, making sure to reserve all the broth.
- For white rice… Return broth to pot, along with rice, and cook for 4 minutes at high pressure. Once cook time is complete, quick-release pressure.
- For brown rice… Return broth to pot, along with rice, and cook for 20 minutes at high pressure. Once cook time is complete, quick-release pressure.
- Meanwhile… remove all chicken meat in large pieces. Discard skin and bones.
- Add chicken, broccoli, and cheese to pot and mix well. Serve & enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe will not actually make a casserole, it’s more the idea of a casserole. There will be some broth in your bowl. But the longer it sits, the more the rice will absorb the remaining liquid.
- For larger pieces of chicken, tear the chicken into pieces with two forks. For smaller pieces of chicken, shred your chicken with a hand mixer. To do so, tear pieces into chunks and place in a large, deep bowl. Press beaters of the hand mixer into the meat and turn on to low, letting the beaters pull the chicken apart.
- Zero minutes really is enough time to cook the broccoli. The broccoli cooks as it is coming up to pressure. If your pressure cooker does not have a zero minute option, you can try one minute.
- We've been asked if you have to use a whole chicken for this recipe. Well, the short answer is: no. You do not have to use a whole chicken. However, using a whole chicken is the best way to make an amazing broth – which is what makes this recipe amazing. Since you cook both the rice and broccoli in the broth, I highly recommend taking the extra step of making your own broth. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
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Ash
Zero minutes to cook the broccoli? Are you sure? I know the broth is hot, but I can't set my pressure cooker to zero minutes. Sounds, and looks, good otherwise.
Gary
On an Instant Pot there is an option to set for zero minutes. The broccoli cooks as it is coming up to pressure. If your pressure cooker does not have a zero minute option, you can try one minute.
Natasha Price
Can I use cauliflower rice as a substitute...?
Gary White
I haven't tested that, but I think cauliflower "rice" will probably turn to mush. It has such a short cook time, not sure you could execute it well in the IP.