Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom with Chicken and Rice is a perfect weeknight dinner solution that brings warmth and flavor to your table without the fuss. This cozy casserole comes together quickly and easily in just one pot, ensuring minimal prep and an even easier cleanup, making it a true lifesaver on busy evenings.

Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort

There’s nothing quite like a hearty chicken and rice dish, and this Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Chicken and Rice stands out as an absolute family favorite. It’s the ideal meal for dinner, offering both satisfaction and convenience, and it stores beautifully, so you never have to worry about leftovers going to waste.

This delightful chicken with mushroom soup and rice recipe is designed for maximum ease. You can effortlessly assemble it in just a few minutes, secure the Instant Pot lid, and in practically no time at all, you’ll be treated to a comforting, soul-satisfying dinner. It’s the kind of home-cooked goodness that tastes like it took hours, but truly only requires a fraction of the time.

We are firm believers in quick, easy, and comforting meals, and the Instant Pot is our go-to appliance for achieving just that. From cheesy shrimp casserole to hearty Instant Pot beef stew, and even a speedy Instant Pot lasagna, we regularly whip up these dishes, and they consistently receive rave reviews.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

• Effortless One-Pot Cooking: Say goodbye to multiple dirty dishes! Everything cooks in a single pot, making both preparation and cleanup incredibly simple.
• Lightning-Fast Dinner: Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, this meal is ready in approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: A creamy, savory mushroom sauce coats tender chicken and flavorful wild rice, creating a rich and satisfying casserole experience.
• Family-Friendly: This classic combination is a hit with kids and adults alike, making meal planning a breeze.
• Delicious Leftovers: This dish tastes just as good, if not better, the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

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Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken and Rice

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable Instant Pot cream of mushroom chicken and rice. Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yet satisfying meal:

• Olive Oil: A couple of tablespoons are used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, adding a foundational layer of flavor. If olive oil isn’t on hand, canola oil or even butter can serve as excellent alternatives.
• Chicken Breast: You’ll need about 16 ounces (1 pound) of boneless, skinless chicken breast. For optimal cooking and even distribution in the casserole, cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces. While raw chicken tenders can also be used, they will still benefit from being cut smaller.
• Fresh Veggies: A classic combination of a medium white or yellow onion, finely diced, and chopped celery forms the aromatic base of this dish, adding texture and depth.
• Canned Mushrooms: Approximately 4 ounces of drained canned mushrooms contribute to the rich mushroom flavor without requiring extra chopping. Feel free to use your preferred brand. For an extra boost of fresh flavor, consider adding a handful of sliced fresh mushrooms (like cremini or button) along with the canned ones, or as a full substitute if desired.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the dish. If you only have table salt, use slightly less (about ¾ of the amount) as it’s finer and more concentrated. Sea salt is another great option.
• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: The star of the creamy sauce! A 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup provides the signature rich and velvety texture. Campbell’s is a popular choice, but any quality brand will work wonderfully.
• Chicken Broth: Two cups of chicken broth are needed to provide the liquid for the rice to cook in and to create the luscious sauce. You can use either regular or reduced-sodium chicken broth, depending on your dietary preferences.
• Box of Wild Rice: The recipe calls for a 6-ounce box of wild rice blend (such as Uncle Ben’s Long Grain & Wild Rice Blend). The key here is to use a boxed variety that includes a seasoning packet, as this packet contributes significantly to the dish’s unique flavor profile and the cook time is specifically calibrated for this type of rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Instant Pot Masterpiece

Making this delightful casserole in your 6-quart Instant Pot is surprisingly simple. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect result every time:

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function. Once the pot is hot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up before carefully adding the cut chicken breast pieces. Cook the chicken until it is beautifully browned on all sides, which typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning the chicken not only adds a deeper flavor to the dish but also ensures a better texture. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate; it will finish cooking later with the rice.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

With the chicken removed, add the diced onions and chopped celery to the Instant Pot. Sauté these vegetables for approximately 5 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. As the vegetables cook, use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan from the chicken. This process, known as deglazing, adds incredible flavor to your sauce and helps prevent the “burn” warning on your Instant Pot.

Step 3: Introduce Seasoning, Mushrooms, and Broth

Now, add the kosher salt, the seasoning packet from your wild rice mix (not the rice itself yet!), and the drained canned mushrooms to the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together gently to combine the flavors. Next, pour in the chicken broth. Use the liquid from the broth to help you thoroughly scrape up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pan, ensuring nothing is left to potentially cause a “burn” notice during pressure cooking.

Step 4: Layer the Soup and Chicken (No Stirring!)

Press the CANCEL button on your Instant Pot to end the sauté mode. Carefully add the condensed cream of mushroom soup to the pot, spreading it evenly over the vegetable mixture. Then, place the browned chicken pieces on top of the soup layer. It is crucial at this stage to NOT STIR the contents of the pot. Layering helps prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom and burning, while allowing the pressure to build correctly.

Step 5: Add the Rice (Gentle Press, No Stirring!)

Finally, gently spread the wild rice on top of the chicken and soup layers. Again, do NOT STIR the rice into the liquid. Instead, use the back of your spoon to gently press the rice down, ensuring that all the grains are submerged in the liquid. This layering technique is key to achieving perfectly cooked rice and preventing a burn warning.

Step 6: Lock and Pressure Cook

Securely lock the lid in place on your Instant Pot. Make sure to turn the steam release valve to the SEALING position. Set the Instant Pot to cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes. The pot will take some time to come to pressure before the 5-minute cooking cycle begins.

Step 7: Vent and Stir

Once the cooking timer signals completion, press the CANCEL button. Allow the Instant Pot to perform a natural release for 5 minutes. This natural release period helps the rice finish cooking perfectly. After 5 minutes, carefully and slowly flip the steam release valve to the VENTING position to release any remaining steam. Stand clear of the valve to avoid steam burns. Once the float valve (pin) drops down, indicating all pressure has been released, it is safe to open the lid. Carefully remove the lid and give everything a good stir to combine the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the cream of mushroom soup chicken and rice casserole to sit in the pot for approximately 5 minutes after stirring. This crucial resting period allows the rice to absorb any excess liquid, resulting in a perfectly creamy and less watery dish. Give it one last gentle stir before serving this comforting meal warm to your family and friends. Enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Best Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Chicken and Rice

• Don’t Skip Browning the Chicken: While tempting to skip for speed, browning adds a crucial layer of flavor (the Maillard reaction!) that you won’t get otherwise.
• Deglaze Properly: After sautéing, ensure you scrape all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This prevents the “burn” error and adds delicious flavor to your sauce.
• Layering is Key: Resist the urge to stir once the soup, chicken, and rice are added. Proper layering ensures even cooking and prevents the thicker soup from settling at the bottom and burning.
• Use the Right Rice: This recipe is designed for a boxed wild rice blend with a seasoning packet. If substituting, be aware that cook times and liquid ratios may need adjustment, and you might need to add extra seasoning.
• Natural Release is Important: The 5-minute natural release allows the pressure to drop gradually and the rice to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in perfectly fluffy grains. Don’t rush it!
• Resting Time Matters: The final 5-minute rest after stirring helps the dish thicken and allows the flavors to meld, preventing a watery consistency.
• Enhance Flavor: A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the seasoning. For a fresh touch, stir in some fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving.

Customizing Your Creamy Chicken and Rice

This Instant Pot chicken and rice casserole is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add More Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots during the last minute of sautéing the onions, or add frozen broccoli florets on top with the rice.
• Cheesy Goodness: For an extra layer of comfort, stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyère, or Parmesan after the pressure cooking is complete and before the final rest.
• Different Proteins: Instead of chicken breast, you could use boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces) for a richer flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed. Cooked shredded turkey would also be a fantastic option for using up holiday leftovers.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings for a little kick, or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
• Herbacious Twist: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or dried Italian seasoning can elevate the aromatics. Add fresh herbs at the end for vibrant flavor.

How to Store Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Chicken and Rice

Proper storage ensures your delicious leftovers remain fresh and safe to enjoy:

• Refrigeration: Allow the chicken and rice casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the leftovers into a sealed airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
• Reheating from Fridge: To reheat a single portion, place it in the microwave and heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed through. Alternatively, for stovetop reheating, add about ½ cup of chicken broth to a pot or skillet, then add the chicken and rice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. The broth helps prevent it from drying out and keeps it creamy.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Scoop individual portions or the entire batch into a sealed, gallon-sized freezer bag, pressing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, use freezer-safe airtight containers. It will last beautifully in the freezer for up to 1 month for best quality.
• Reheating from Freezer: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, follow the microwave or stovetop reheating instructions above, adding extra broth if needed to restore creaminess.

Looking For More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes?

If you love the convenience and speed of your Instant Pot as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of our fantastic pressure cooker recipes:

• Hearty Instant Pot Chili
• Instant Pot Hoppin’ John
• Instant Pot Low Carb Butter Chicken
• Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
• Flavorful Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
• Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice (a similar classic!)
• Discover More Instant Pot Recipes…

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