• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Foodie Eats

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Dessert
    • Drinks
    • Entrée
    • Gluten-Free
    • Instant Pot
    • Sides
    • Soups
    • Starters
    • Slow Cooker
    • Vegan
    • Whole30
  • How To
  • About
    • About
    • Our Story
    • Disclosure
    • Contact
    • Privacy Ploicy
  • Subscribe
  • Instant Pot Recipes
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Air Fryer
  • Dessert
  • Drinks
  • Entrée
  • Gluten-Free
  • Instant Pot
  • Low Carb
  • Sides
  • Slow Cooker
  • Soups
  • Vegan
  • Whole30
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Instant Pot

    Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice "Casserole"

    Published January 8, 2020. Last modified January 23, 2020 By Gary White

    654 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice "Casserole" - The Foodie Eats

    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!

    Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice "Casserole" - The Foodie Eats

    (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

    1. Using a whole chicken creates rich and flavorful broth that adds depth of flavor to the dish, while still using mostly whole food ingredients.
    2. With just 6 simple ingredients, this recipe in healthier than many broccoli and chicken rice dishes, and it's gluten-free!

    Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice "Casserole" - The Foodie Eats

    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.

    Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice "Casserole" - The Foodie Eats

    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.

    Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice "Casserole" - The Foodie Eats

    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).

    Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice "Casserole" - The Foodie Eats

    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.

    Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice "Casserole" - The Foodie Eats

    For brown rice... Return broth to pot, along with rice, and cook for 20 minutes at high pressure.

    Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice "Casserole" - The Foodie Eats

    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.

    Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice "Casserole" - The Foodie Eats

    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...

    Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice "Casserole" - The Foodie Eats

    Expert Tips

    1. 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.
    2. 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…

    ★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!★

    Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice "Casserole" - The Foodie Eats

    Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice "Casserole"

    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!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings: 16
    Calories: 508kcal
    Author: Gary White

    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

    Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 690mg | Potassium: 504mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 695IU | Vitamin C: 52.9mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 2.1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag us Today!Mention @The.Foodie.Eats or tag #TheFoodieEats!

    THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT OUR DISCLOSURE PAGE.

     

    More Instant Pot Recipes

    • Pressure Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage with Crispy Top
    • Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Curry and Potatoes
    • Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with Leftover Ham
    • Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake with Maple Glaze

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ash

      February 26, 2019 at 2:35 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Gary

        February 28, 2019 at 8:39 am

        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.

        Reply
    2. Natasha Price

      December 02, 2020 at 5:04 pm

      Can I use cauliflower rice as a substitute...?

      Reply
      • Gary White

        December 03, 2020 at 2:03 pm

        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.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Meet Gary:

    I believe that food is meant to be enjoyed! Whether creating a simple recipe or taking the time to cook a recipe that's more involved, this is my goal: Creating delicious food that everyone can enjoy. Read more about me...

    As Featured On

    Parade logo Delish logo Romper logo MSN logo Pop Sugar logo Forkly logo Shari's Berries logo Greatist logo Bulletproof Blog logo FoodBlogs logo openfit logo Brit+Co logo Misfits Market logo life Health HQ logo Zola logo Sortathing logo Pure Wow logo Cafe Mom logo VegNews logoBrightlyWell+Good

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 The Foodie Eats

    654 shares
    654 shares