Easy Instant Pot Sausage and Rice

Instant Pot Chicken, Sausage, and Rice is the epitome of comfort food, bursting with deep flavors from smoky sausage, succulent chicken, vibrant fire-roasted tomatoes, and perfectly cooked, fluffy rice. This hearty, one-pot meal is designed to warm you from the inside out and bring a smile to every face at the dinner table.

Instant Pot Chicken, Sausage, and Rice: Your New Weeknight Favorite

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, our cravings naturally shift towards meals that offer warmth, richness, and that comforting hug-in-a-bowl sensation. This is where the magic of the Instant Pot truly shines, transforming simple ingredients into deeply satisfying dishes with minimal effort.

This Instant Pot Chicken, Sausage, and Rice recipe perfectly fits the bill. It’s a robust, stew-like creation that not only satisfies immediate hunger but also promises to get even more delicious with each passing day. Imagine a dish that reheats like a dream, with flavors that meld and intensify after a night in the fridge – much like a rich curry or a hearty beef stew. This recipe is exactly that kind of culinary treasure, making it ideal for meal prepping or simply enjoying scrumptious leftovers throughout the week.

What makes this dish so special? It’s the harmonious blend of savory meats, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy, spiced broth, all cooked to perfection under pressure. The Instant Pot streamlines the cooking process, allowing you to achieve complex flavors in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. Whether you’re a seasoned pressure cooker enthusiast or new to the world of Instant Pot cooking, this recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and guaranteed to impress.

Essential Ingredients for a Rich and Flavorful Instant Pot Dish

Crafting a truly memorable Instant Pot Chicken, Sausage, and Rice begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors that make this dish so irresistible:

• Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes: These are a game-changer for this recipe. Unlike regular diced tomatoes, fire-roasted varieties bring a subtle smokiness and depth that elevates the entire dish. If you absolutely cannot find them, regular diced tomatoes can be used, but you will miss that distinctive smoky note that contributes significantly to the overall flavor profile.
• Chicken Thighs: For unparalleled tenderness and flavor, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended. Their higher fat content ensures they remain moist and juicy during pressure cooking, easily shredding or dicing once cooked. While chicken breasts can be used, they tend to dry out more easily under pressure and may not offer the same rich texture.
• Smoked Sausage: The choice of sausage profoundly impacts the dish’s character. Andouille sausage, with its robust flavor and spicy kick, is an excellent choice, lending a Cajun-inspired flair. However, you can also opt for other smoked sausages like kielbasa, or for a lighter option, chicken or turkey sausage. Be aware that milder sausages may result in a less intense flavor, so consider adjusting seasonings accordingly.
• Creole Seasoning: This vibrant spice blend is key to achieving the authentic, savory taste of this dish. Creole seasoning typically includes a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. Since the heat and salt levels can vary significantly between brands, it’s crucial to taste and adjust as you go. If your blend is unsalted, remember to add salt to taste. You can also make your own Creole seasoning from scratch for a personalized touch.
• White Rice: While various types of white rice work, Basmati rice is a favorite for its fragrant aroma and distinct, fluffy grains that don’t clump together. For best results, we recommend cooking the rice separately and serving the chicken and sausage mixture over it, preventing overcooking or a mushy texture within the Instant Pot.
• Chicken Broth: This forms the liquid base of our dish. Using good quality chicken broth will enhance the overall flavor. For an even richer, more profound taste, consider using chicken stock. Low-sodium versions are also a great option, allowing you more control over the final salt content of your meal.
• Aromatics (Celery, Yellow Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic): Often referred to as “the holy trinity” in Creole and Cajun cooking, the combination of diced celery, onion, and bell pepper forms the aromatic foundation of this dish, providing essential flavor and depth. Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent, savory layer that rounds out the aromatics beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter and All-Purpose Flour: These two ingredients are used to create a simple roux, which thickens the sauce and adds a rich, velvety texture to the final dish. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content precisely.

Crafting Your Instant Pot Chicken, Sausage, and Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this hearty Instant Pot Chicken, Sausage, and Rice dish is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the efficiency of pressure cooking. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly flavorful and comforting meal:

1. Prepare the Instant Pot Base: Begin by adding the celery, yellow onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained), boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced smoked sausage, and chicken broth to your 6-quart Instant Pot. If you wish to deepen the savory notes, now is the time to add a dried bay leaf. Ensure all ingredients are nestled comfortably in the pot.
2. Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place and the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time for 8 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, immediately perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the steam release valve to the venting position. This rapid release prevents the chicken from overcooking and ensures it remains tender.
3. Prepare the Chicken and Roux: Once the pressure has fully released and the float valve has dropped, open the lid. Carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a cutting board. Allow them to cool slightly, then either shred them using two forks or dice them into bite-sized pieces. While the chicken cools, prepare the roux: in a small pot on the stovetop, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, one tablespoon at a time, ensuring a smooth, lump-free mixture. Continue whisking constantly until the roux turns a light golden color and becomes creamy. Reduce the heat and let it thicken slightly, then remove it from the heat.
4. Combine and Season: Carefully pour the prepared roux into the Instant Pot with the vegetable and sausage mixture. Stir vigorously to fully incorporate the roux, which will begin to thicken the sauce into a rich, velvety consistency. Return the shredded or diced chicken to the pot. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more Creole seasoning, salt, or ground cayenne pepper if you desire more heat. If you used a bay leaf, be sure to remove and discard it before serving. Finally, stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
5. Cook the Rice Separately: While the Instant Pot mixture is finishing, prepare your white rice according to the package directions. Cooking the rice separately ensures it cooks to the perfect fluffy consistency without becoming mushy from being submerged in the main dish.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Divide the freshly cooked rice evenly among serving bowls. Ladle generous portions of the hot chicken, sausage, and rice mixture over the rice. Give it a gentle stir to combine the textures and flavors, then serve immediately and savor this incredibly flavorful and comforting meal!

Expert Tips for Instant Pot Success and Flavor Optimization

• Proper Sealing is Key: Before starting your Instant Pot, always ensure the sealing ring is correctly seated in the lid and the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. A loose ring or open valve will prevent the pot from coming to pressure.
• Quick Release for Tender Chicken: Using the quick release method immediately after cooking is crucial for chicken thighs. This prevents them from continuing to cook in the residual heat, ensuring they remain tender and juicy rather than becoming tough or dry.
• Monitor Salt Levels Carefully: Both chicken broth and smoked sausages often contain significant amounts of sodium. Taste your dish before adding extra salt and adjust seasonings as needed, especially after incorporating the Creole seasoning. It’s easier to add more salt than to fix an overly salty dish.
• Customize Your Heat: Creole seasoning can vary in spiciness. If you love a fiery kick, feel free to add a pinch or two of ground cayenne pepper to the Instant Pot along with the other seasonings, or offer hot sauce at the table for individual customization.
• Cooking Rice Separately: As mentioned, cooking rice on the stovetop (or even in a separate small Instant Pot) prevents it from absorbing too much liquid or becoming mushy when cooked directly with the main chicken and sausage mixture. This ensures distinct, fluffy grains every time.
• Don’t Overfill: Be mindful of the “Max Fill” line inside your Instant Pot. Overfilling can lead to improper pressure buildup or spluttering from the steam release valve.
• Deglaze for Extra Flavor: While this recipe doesn’t explicitly require sautéing and deglazing, if you choose to brown your sausage or chicken prior to pressure cooking, ensure you scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a splash of broth before sealing. This prevents a “Burn” error and adds tremendous flavor.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Instant Pot Chicken, Sausage, and Rice

This rich and flavorful Instant Pot Chicken, Sausage, and Rice is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate the dining experience. Here are some excellent suggestions:

• Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp, vibrant garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish. The lightness and acidity cut through the richness beautifully.
• Warm Cornbread: Sweet, crumbly cornbread is an absolute classic pairing for any stew-like dish. It’s perfect for soaking up the savory sauce and adds a wonderful textural element.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and add more color to your plate with simple vegetable sides. Options like oven-roasted Parmesan asparagus, tender roasted green beans, or crispy Parmesan Brussels sprouts complement the main dish without overpowering it.
• Creamy Coleslaw: A cool, crunchy, and slightly tangy coleslaw offers another delightful textural and flavor counterpoint. It’s an easy-to-prepare side that adds a refreshing element.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Especially if serving in warmer months, grilled corn on the cob (buttered and seasoned) provides a sweet and smoky addition that harmonizes well with the flavors of the chicken and sausage.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

One of the best qualities of this Instant Pot Chicken, Sausage, and Rice is how wonderfully it stores and reheats. This makes it an excellent candidate for meal prepping:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen and meld even further, often tasting better on subsequent days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the cooled chicken and sausage mixture (without the rice, if possible, as rice can change texture when frozen and thawed) into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat from the refrigerator, simply warm portions on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat using the stovetop or microwave methods. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

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Instant Pot Chicken, Sausage, and Rice

By
Chelsea Lords

Instant Pot Chicken, Sausage, and Rice is comfort food in a bowl—smoky sausage, tender chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fluffy rice!

Prep Time:
15 minutes minutes

Cook Time:
8 minutes minutes

Total Time:
23 minutes minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Video

Equipment

• Instant Pot 6-quart
• Small pot

Ingredients

• 2 stalks celery thinly sliced, 1/2 cup
• 1 large yellow onion finely diced, 1 cup
• 1 green bell pepper diced, 1 cup
• 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic 3 to 4 cloves
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes undrained
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs see note 1
• 13 ounces smoked sausage thinly sliced, see note 2
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning see note 3
• Dried bay leaf optional
• Ground cayenne pepper optional, if you like some heat
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup uncooked white rice optional, for serving
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley optional, for serving

Instructions

• Add the celery, onion, bell pepper, garlic, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken thighs, smoked sausage, and chicken broth to a 6-quart Instant Pot. If using, add in the bay leaf.
• Seal the Instant Pot and set to pressure cook for 8 minutes. Once done, immediately release the pressure manually. Remove the lid and pull out the chicken thighs. Allow them to cool slightly on a cutting board. Once cooled, either shred or dice them.
• On the stovetop, in a small pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Gradually add the flour, whisking continuously between each tablespoon to ensure a smooth mixture. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes creamy and lightly golden. Reduce heat and let the roux thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
• Pour the roux into the Instant Pot (Note: it may sizzle when added, so pour carefully). Stir well to combine. Return the shredded or diced chicken to the pot. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. If you used a bay leaf, remove and discard it now. Stir in the parsley (if using).
• Meanwhile, prepare rice according to package directions.
• Divide rice evenly among bowls. Ladle the chicken, sausage, and rice mixture over the rice. Stir to combine, then enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the way to go for this recipe. They’re incredibly juicy, remain super tender under pressure, and are a breeze to shred or dice. While chicken breasts were tested, they didn’t hold up as well during pressure cooking, tending to be drier. Sticking with thighs is highly recommended for the best texture and flavor.
Note 2: For optimal flavor, choose a quality smoked sausage brand. Andouille sausage provides a fantastic spicy, savory depth, ideal for a Cajun-inspired dish. If you prefer a lighter alternative, turkey or chicken sausages can be used, but be aware that they might yield a slightly milder flavor profile. While this dish prioritizes quick cooking, for an extra layer of flavor, you can sauté the sliced sausage in the Instant Pot’s “Sauté” mode until lightly browned before adding other ingredients.
Note 3: Creole seasoning is a diverse blend, and its heat and salt content can vary significantly by brand. Always taste your dish and adjust the seasoning (especially salt) as you cook. If your chosen blend doesn’t include salt, you will definitely need to add it separately. Popular and reliable brands include Tony Chachere® and Zatarain’s®.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, with flavors often improving over time. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sausage mixture (without the rice, if possible) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until thoroughly heated. If the mixture appears too thick after reheating, a splash of chicken broth or water can be added to restore the desired consistency.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 631kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 206mg | Sodium: 1650mg | Potassium: 659mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1889IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.