15 Instant Pot Rice Recipes for Easy Sides and Dinners

Rice dishes transform from ordinary to extraordinary when you use your Instant Pot. These pressure cooker recipes make cooking rice foolproof and delicious.

From creamy puddings to savory dinners, these recipes will become your go-to favorites for quick weeknight meals.

01. Creamy Instant Pot Rice Pudding

This comforting dessert brings back childhood memories with every spoonful. The Instant Pot creates perfectly creamy rice pudding without constant stirring or watching.

Ingredients: 1 cup arborio rice, 4 cups whole milk, ½ cup heavy cream, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons butter.

How To Make Creamy Instant Pot Rice Pudding

1. Add rice, milk, cream, sugar, and salt to your Instant Pot. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the liquid mixture.

2. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

3. Whisk eggs in a small bowl, then slowly add 1 cup of the hot rice mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent scrambling.

4. Stir the tempered egg mixture back into the pot along with vanilla, cinnamon, and butter. The residual heat will cook the eggs and create that perfect creamy texture you’re looking for.

02. Tropical Coconut Rice

Transform plain rice into an exotic side dish with rich coconut flavor. This aromatic rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or Asian-inspired dishes.

Ingredients: 1½ cups jasmine rice, 1 can coconut milk, 1¼ cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes.

How To Make Tropical Coconut Rice

1. Rinse jasmine rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then drain thoroughly. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy during cooking.

2. Combine rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar in your Instant Pot. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and distribute the coconut milk evenly throughout.

3. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes with a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. The coconut milk will infuse every grain with tropical flavor.

4. Fluff with a fork and stir in butter until melted. Top with toasted coconut flakes for extra texture and visual appeal before serving warm.

03. Dairy-Free Vegan Rice Pudding

Everyone deserves creamy rice pudding, regardless of dietary restrictions. This plant-based version delivers all the comfort without dairy or eggs.

Ingredients: 1 cup arborio rice, 3 cups coconut milk, 1 cup almond milk, ½ cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, pinch of salt.

How To Make Dairy-Free Vegan Rice Pudding

1. Pour coconut milk, almond milk, and maple syrup into your Instant Pot. Whisk together until the maple syrup is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

2. Add rice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

3. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes to let the rice absorb all the flavors.

4. Stir the pudding well after opening. The coconut milk creates natural creaminess that rivals traditional dairy versions. Serve warm or chilled with fresh berries.

5. For extra richness, I like to stir in a tablespoon of coconut cream before serving. This adds an indulgent finish that makes the pudding extra special.

04. One-Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Skip the takeout and make restaurant-quality fried rice at home. This complete meal cooks everything together for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients: 1½ cups jasmine rice, 1 pound chicken thighs diced, 2 cups chicken broth, 3 eggs beaten, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 3 green onions chopped, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic minced.

How To Make One-Pot Chicken Fried Rice

1. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper. Use the sauté function to brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden, about 6 minutes total. This creates depth of flavor.

2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in rice and stir to coat with the chicken drippings, toasting lightly for about 2 minutes.

3. Add chicken broth and soy sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits add incredible flavor to your rice as it cooks under pressure.

4. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes with quick release. Immediately stir in beaten eggs, letting the heat cook them into silky ribbons throughout the rice.

5. Fold in frozen vegetables, green onions, and sesame oil. The residual heat will warm the vegetables perfectly while keeping them crisp and colorful.

05. Comforting Chicken Congee

This silky rice porridge soothes both body and soul. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or whenever you need something warm and nourishing.

Ingredients: 1 cup jasmine rice, 6 cups chicken broth, 1 pound chicken breasts, 2 inches fresh ginger sliced, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon white pepper, 3 green onions sliced, 2 tablespoons soy sauce.

How To Make Comforting Chicken Congee

1. Rinse rice until water runs clear, then add to Instant Pot with chicken broth, whole chicken breasts, ginger slices, and salt. The ginger infuses everything with warm, aromatic flavor.

2. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes to break down the rice completely. Natural pressure release for 15 minutes allows the congee to reach perfect creamy consistency.

3. Remove chicken breasts and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Discard ginger slices and stir the shredded chicken back into the silky rice mixture.

4. Season with white pepper and soy sauce, adjusting to taste. The congee should be creamy and porridge-like, with rice grains completely broken down.

5. Serve hot topped with sliced green onions. I love adding a drizzle of sesame oil and crispy fried garlic for extra flavor and texture.

06. Mexican Beef and Rice Bowl

This hearty one-pot meal combines seasoned ground beef with perfectly cooked rice. It’s like having a burrito bowl ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1½ cups long-grain white rice, 2 cups beef broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 bell pepper diced, 1 onion diced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 cup shredded cheese.

How To Make Mexican Beef and Rice Bowl

1. Brown ground beef using the sauté function, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 6 minutes until the beef is no longer pink.

2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 3 minutes until vegetables start to soften and become fragrant throughout the mixture.

3. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Add rice, beef broth, and diced tomatoes with their juice, stirring to combine everything evenly.

4. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes with quick release. The rice absorbs all the savory beef and tomato flavors during the pressure cooking process.

5. Fluff with a fork and top with shredded cheese. Let it sit for 2 minutes so the cheese melts beautifully over the hot rice mixture.

07. Caribbean Rice and Beans

Transport your taste buds to the islands with this aromatic rice dish. Coconut milk and Caribbean spices create an unforgettable flavor experience.

Ingredients: 1½ cups jasmine rice, 1 can kidney beans drained, 1 can coconut milk, 1½ cups water, 1 onion diced, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 scotch bonnet pepper minced, 2 teaspoons allspice, 1 teaspoon thyme, salt and pepper.

How To Make Caribbean Rice and Beans

1. Sauté diced onion using the Instant Pot’s sauté function until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, scotch bonnet pepper, allspice, and thyme, cooking until fragrant.

2. Add rice and stir to coat with the aromatic vegetables and spices. This toasting step adds depth and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.

3. Pour in coconut milk, water, and kidney beans. Season generously with salt and pepper, then stir to distribute everything evenly throughout the pot.

4. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes with natural pressure release for 10 minutes. The coconut milk creates incredibly creamy, flavorful rice that’s absolutely irresistible.

5. Fluff gently with a fork, being careful not to mash the beans. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving this tropical delight.

08. Perfect Brown Rice Every Time

Finally master brown rice with this foolproof method. The Instant Pot eliminates guesswork and delivers fluffy, tender grains consistently.

Ingredients: 2 cups brown rice, 2½ cups water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt.

How To Make Perfect Brown Rice Every Time

1. Rinse brown rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky or gummy.

2. Add rinsed rice, water, olive oil, and salt to your Instant Pot. The olive oil helps prevent foaming and adds a subtle richness to the finished rice.

3. Cook on high pressure for 22 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes. This longer cooking time ensures the tough bran layer softens completely.

4. Quick release any remaining pressure and fluff with a fork. Each grain should be tender but still have a slight bite, never mushy or overcooked.

09. Aromatic Chicken Biryani

This fragrant Indian rice dish layers tender chicken with perfectly spiced basmati rice. The Instant Pot makes this complex dish surprisingly approachable for home cooks.

Ingredients: 2 cups basmati rice, 1 pound chicken thighs cubed, 1 large onion sliced, 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons biryani masala, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 4 cloves garlic minced, 1 inch ginger minced, 2½ cups chicken broth, ¼ cup fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons ghee.

How To Make Aromatic Chicken Biryani

1. Marinate cubed chicken in yogurt, half the biryani masala, turmeric, garlic, and ginger for at least 20 minutes. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.

2. Heat ghee using sauté function and brown the marinated chicken pieces until golden on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside, keeping all those flavorful drippings in the pot.

3. Add sliced onions to the same pot and cook until golden brown and caramelized, about 8 minutes. These onions add sweetness and depth to the biryani.

4. Rinse basmati rice until water runs clear, then add to the pot with remaining biryani masala. Stir to coat rice with the aromatic onion mixture.

5. Layer the browned chicken over the rice, then pour chicken broth evenly over everything. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes with natural release for 10 minutes.

6. Gently mix everything together and garnish with fresh cilantro. The result is perfectly spiced, restaurant-quality biryani that will impress everyone at your table.

10. Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice

This vibrant side dish rivals your favorite Mexican restaurant’s version. Tomatoes and spices create the perfect accompaniment for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.

Ingredients: 1½ cups long-grain white rice, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 can tomato sauce, 1 onion diced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, salt to taste.

How To Make Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice

1. Heat oil using the sauté function and add rice, stirring constantly for 3 minutes until grains are lightly toasted and golden. This crucial step prevents mushy rice.

2. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant. The toasted rice will absorb all these wonderful aromatic flavors during cooking.

3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, and paprika, cooking for 30 seconds until the spices bloom and become fragrant throughout the mixture.

4. Pour in chicken broth and tomato sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Season with salt and stir to combine everything evenly.

5. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes with quick release. Fluff with a fork and let rest for 5 minutes before serving alongside your favorite Mexican dishes.

11. Hands-Free Mushroom Risotto

Enjoy creamy, restaurant-quality risotto without the constant stirring. This Instant Pot version delivers perfect results every time with minimal effort required.

Ingredients: 1½ cups arborio rice, 4 cups warm chicken broth, 8 ounces mushrooms sliced, 1 onion diced, 3 cloves garlic minced, ½ cup dry white wine, ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper.

How To Make Hands-Free Mushroom Risotto

1. Heat olive oil using sauté function and cook sliced mushrooms until golden brown and their moisture has evaporated, about 6 minutes. Remove mushrooms and set aside.

2. Add diced onion to the same pot and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant throughout.

3. Stir in arborio rice, coating each grain with the aromatic oil and vegetables. Toast for 2 minutes until the edges of the rice become translucent.

4. Pour in white wine and let it absorb completely, scraping up any browned bits. Add warm chicken broth and cooked mushrooms, stirring once to combine.

5. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes with quick release. Immediately stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

12. Tropical Pineapple Coconut Rice

Sweet pineapple and creamy coconut transform ordinary rice into something extraordinary. This vibrant side dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish.

Ingredients: 1½ cups jasmine rice, 1 can coconut milk, 1 cup water, 1 cup fresh pineapple diced, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon lime zest, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes.

How To Make Tropical Pineapple Coconut Rice

1. Combine coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt in your Instant Pot, whisking until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth and well combined.

2. Add jasmine rice and diced pineapple, stirring gently to distribute the fruit evenly throughout the rice mixture without breaking the pineapple pieces.

3. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes with natural pressure release for 10 minutes. The pineapple will infuse the rice with tropical sweetness during cooking.

4. Stir in lime juice, lime zest, and butter until the butter melts completely. The citrus brightens all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.

5. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes before serving. This adds wonderful texture and enhances the tropical coconut flavor that makes this rice so special.

13. Zesty Lime Cilantro Rice

Recreate your favorite burrito bowl rice at home with this bright, flavorful side dish. Fresh lime and cilantro make ordinary rice absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients: 1½ cups jasmine rice, 2¼ cups water, ¼ cup fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons lime zest, ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon salt.

How To Make Zesty Lime Cilantro Rice

1. Rinse jasmine rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then drain thoroughly. This removes excess starch for perfectly fluffy individual grains.

2. Add rice, water, and salt to your Instant Pot, stirring once to distribute evenly. The simple base allows the lime and cilantro flavors to really shine.

3. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes with natural pressure release for 10 minutes. This timing creates perfectly tender rice that’s never mushy or overcooked.

4. Fluff rice with a fork and immediately stir in lime juice, lime zest, and butter while the rice is still hot for maximum flavor absorption.

5. Fold in fresh chopped cilantro just before serving. The herbs stay bright green and aromatic when added at the very end of cooking.

14. Fragrant Indian Pilau Rice

This aromatic rice dish features warm spices and tender basmati rice. It’s the perfect accompaniment to curries, dal, or any Indian-inspired meal.

Ingredients: 2 cups basmati rice, 3 cups water, 4 green cardamom pods, 2 bay leaves, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 whole cloves, 1 onion thinly sliced, 2 tablespoons ghee, 1 teaspoon salt.

How To Make Fragrant Indian Pilau Rice

1. Rinse basmati rice until water runs clear, then soak for 15 minutes. This helps the grains cook evenly and prevents them from breaking during cooking.

2. Heat ghee using sauté function and add cardamom, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Fry for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant and aromatic.

3. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown, about 6 minutes. These caramelized onions add sweetness and depth to the finished rice dish.

4. Drain rice and add to the pot along with water and salt. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to break the delicate basmati grains.

5. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes with natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Remove whole spices before serving this beautifully fragrant rice alongside your favorite curry.

15. Italian Chicken Rice Soup

This comforting soup combines tender chicken, rice, and eggs in a warming broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl for cold days.

Ingredients: 1 pound chicken thighs, 1 cup arborio rice, 6 cups chicken broth, 3 large eggs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated, 2 carrots diced, 2 celery stalks diced, 1 onion diced, 3 cloves garlic minced, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper, fresh parsley.

How To Make Italian Chicken Rice Soup

1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them using the sauté function until golden on both sides, about 8 minutes total. Remove and set aside.

2. Add olive oil to the pot along with diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes, then add garlic for another minute.

3. Return chicken to the pot and add chicken broth and arborio rice. The rice will become creamy as it cooks, thickening the soup naturally.

4. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes with natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.

5. Beat eggs with Parmesan cheese, then slowly whisk in 1 cup of hot soup to temper. Stir this mixture back into the pot for silky richness.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan. This soul-warming soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

These Instant Pot rice recipes prove that this versatile grain can be so much more than a simple side dish.

From comforting puddings to exotic pilafs, your pressure cooker makes perfect rice dishes effortlessly every time.