This Pressure Cooker Chicken and Rice Casserole is everything you love about a classic, creamy casserole—except it’s ready in a fraction of the time. Tender bites of chicken, fluffy seasoned rice, and comforting vegetables come together in one pot for a quick, hearty weeknight dinner. If you enjoy easy, family-friendly meals that taste like they were cooked all afternoon, this pressure cooker version delivers all the nostalgic flavor with none of the fuss.
With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of prep, you can have a warm, satisfying dish on the table that everyone will love. It’s simple enough for beginners yet flavorful enough for seasoned home cooks looking to expand their pressure cooker recipe collection.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins (plus 10 minutes natural release)
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (not instant)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a classic “casserole” finish)
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional, added at the end)
Tip: For best results, stick with long-grain white rice. Short-grain or instant rice may turn mushy, and brown rice requires much longer cooking and will overcook the chicken.
Directions
- Prepare the base:
Turn the pressure cooker to Sauté. Add olive oil, then sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Brown the chicken:
Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned on the outside, about 3 minutes. It does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. - Add rice and liquids:
Stir in rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Important: Gently push the rice below the liquid without stirring vigorously—this helps prevent the dreaded Burn Notice. - Pressure cook:
Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
When done, allow the cooker to naturally release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release. - Finish the casserole:
Open the lid and stir the mixture. Add cheddar cheese if desired, stirring until melted and creamy. If using frozen peas, fold them in now and let the heat warm them through for a couple of minutes. - Adjust seasoning:
Taste and add additional salt, pepper, or broth (1–2 tablespoons) if the mixture seems too thick.
Best Practice: If your pressure cooker is sensitive to burn warnings, add an extra ¼–½ cup broth before cooking.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 365
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 78mg
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
Pro Tip:
If you’ve never made this recipe with a pressure cooker before, prepare to be amazed at how much time and effort it saves—while still delivering incredible homemade flavor. A good pressure cooker transforms simple ingredients into tender, creamy perfection in minutes, making dishes like this Chicken and Rice Casserole practically foolproof. If you don’t yet own one, or if your current model is due for an upgrade, now is the perfect time to invest in a reliable, modern pressure cooker that will elevate your everyday cooking. Ready to find the ideal pressure cooker? Click the button below to explore top-rated models on Amazon and bring faster, easier comfort meals to your kitchen.
Conclusion
This Pressure Cooker Chicken and Rice Casserole is a true comfort-food classic, made faster and easier with your pressure cooker. The result is a warm, creamy, and filling meal that tastes like it simmered all day, yet comes together in just over 30 minutes. Whether you're feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy homemade dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Try personalizing it with your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheeses—pressure cooker casseroles are wonderfully flexible. Once you make it, you may find yourself coming back to this simple, flavorful dish again and again.
