Some nights, we just need a meal that feels like a warm hug, and this Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice does the job every single time. I’ll be honest, the first time I made it, I wasn’t expecting it to taste this good—but the creamy tomato flavor with fresh basil wrapped around tender chicken and fluffy rice made me wonder why I hadn’t cooked it sooner. You know that moment when you’re staring at the fridge, hoping dinner will magically appear? Well, with Instant Pot chicken and rice recipes like this one, it almost feels like magic. Just a handful of simple ingredients, a little chopping, and the Instant Pot takes over while you tidy the kitchen or sneak in an episode of your favorite show. The rice soaks up all that tomato goodness, and the chicken stays juicy without you lifting a finger. I call this recipe one of my weeknight heroes because it saves time without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’ve been hunting for instant pot rice recipes, craving comfort food, or just need a foolproof dish, this one checks all the boxes. It’s cozy, filling, and yes—one of those Instant Pot recipes easy enough to pull off even on your most chaotic days.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe
3) Ingredients for Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
4) How to Make Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
5) Tips for Making Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
6) Making Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!
9) Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice is hearty and simple, perfect for busy nights.
Fresh basil and Parmesan bring a bright finish to a rich tomato base.
Ready in about 30 minutes, it saves time without cutting flavor.
Great for meal prep, family dinners, or a comforting dish after work.

2) Easy Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe

I love recipes that do the heavy lifting for me, and this one tops the list. The Instant Pot handles the simmering, the steaming, and the magic that brings chicken, rice, and tomato together in a way that feels like a home-cooked hug. With a little prep, you can step away and let the Instant Pot work while you sip tea or scroll through recipes on Cook Daily Recipe.

Instant pot recipes make life easier, and I swear they taste better because they carry that sense of relief. This one is no exception. The rice absorbs the tomato broth while the basil brightens every spoonful. Parmesan melts through at the end, giving just enough richness without being heavy. I’ve shared this dish with friends, and every time they say, “You made this on a weeknight?” That’s the magic of Instant Pot recipes easy to master.

I don’t call it fast food, but I call it smart food. It’s the kind of dinner that earns you compliments and keeps you out of the drive-thru lane. And honestly, that feels like a small victory worth celebrating.

3) Ingredients for Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice

Boneless Chicken Breasts: I use chicken breasts cut into chunks, so they cook evenly and stay juicy. They soak up the tomato flavor perfectly.

Olive Oil: A splash to get the onions soft and to carry that garlicky aroma into the dish. It doesn’t take much, but it adds warmth.

Onion: Diced fine, it becomes sweet and soft in the Instant Pot. It sets a base that makes the tomato taste fuller.

Garlic: I love garlic, so I go with three cloves. It gives depth, and it’s the smell that tells me something good is happening in the kitchen.

Crushed Tomatoes: A big can of tomatoes gives this recipe its body. They bring acidity and richness that balance the chicken and rice.

Chicken Broth: One cup is enough to steam the rice and keep things flavorful. It ties the whole pot together.

Long Grain White Rice: I rinse the rice first so it cooks fluffy instead of sticky. It’s the comfort side of this dish.

Dried Basil: It’s a pantry staple, but it keeps the tomato base lively. Fresh basil goes in later, but dried basil builds the background.

Salt and Black Pepper: A pinch of each to wake up the dish. They’re small, but they matter.

Parmesan Cheese: Stirred in at the end, it melts into the sauce and makes it creamy. I always sneak a taste before serving.

Fresh Basil: Chopped and tossed on top, it’s the final touch that makes each bite taste fresh, not flat.

4) How to Make Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice

Step 1. Turn the Instant Pot on sauté. Heat olive oil and add the diced onion. Stir until soft and fragrant, then add garlic. Cook for a minute more until it smells inviting.

Step 2. Drop in the chicken chunks. Let them brown lightly, not cook through. You want the edges golden while the centers stay raw. This step locks in flavor.

Step 3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in rice, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the rice is under liquid so it cooks evenly.

Step 4. Cancel sauté mode. Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to high pressure, and cook for 8 minutes. While it cooks, I usually tidy up the kitchen or steal a quiet five minutes.

Step 5. Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release. Remove the lid, stir well, and watch how the rice has soaked up the tomato broth.

Step 6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot. It’s the easiest dinner applause you’ll ever get.

5) Tips for Making Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice

My first tip is patience with the sauté stage. Let the onion soften and sweeten before moving forward. Rushed onions lose flavor. Garlic too—burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the dish. Trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way.

Use rice that you’ve rinsed under water until it runs clear. It stops the starch from clumping, and you get that fluffy finish instead of gluey grains. This step makes instant pot rice recipes shine. It’s worth the extra minute.

Don’t skip fresh basil at the end. It wakes up the tomato base and makes leftovers taste just as bright. If you want to stretch the dish, stir in a little cream. I sometimes add spinach too, for color and extra goodness. Flexibility is part of why I love chicken instant pot recipes like this one.

6) Making Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Ahead of Time

I’m a big fan of cooking once and eating twice. This recipe works beautifully for that. You can make the full pot in the morning and reheat it for dinner, and it still feels like fresh comfort food. The flavors deepen as they sit, so the second helping often tastes richer.

If you plan to reheat, hold back a splash of chicken broth. Add it when warming so the rice loosens up instead of clumping. That’s a trick I picked up after one too many leftover meals that turned dense.

Instant Pot recipes like this one save time during busy weeks. You can store portions in single containers, then grab them for lunch. Pair it with a side salad, and you’ve got a full meal ready in minutes. That makes weekday eating less stressful.

7) Storing Leftover Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice

Leftovers last in the fridge for up to three days. I store mine in glass containers because they keep the rice texture better. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan before sealing, and it almost melts again when reheated.

When reheating, I splash in a tablespoon of broth or even water to keep the rice fluffy. Stir halfway through heating so the chicken warms evenly. Nobody likes cold chicken chunks hidden in hot rice.

This dish also freezes well. Pack portions flat in freezer bags, and they’ll thaw faster. Instant Pot recipes easy to reheat like this one are lifesavers on days when cooking feels like a chore.

8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!

9) Instant Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice