Easy Instant Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice Recipe
If you’re searching for a quick, delicious, and hassle-free meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, this Easy Instant Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender, savory chicken sausage with perfectly cooked rice and a medley of flavorful ingredients to create a comfort-food favorite that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead, this Instant Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice recipe brings convenience, taste, and wholesome satisfaction in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Convenient: Ready from start to finish in about 30 minutes, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked together, saving both time and effort in the kitchen.
- Flavor-Packed: Juicy chicken sausage infuses the rice with rich, savory notes that keep every bite exciting.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite veggies and spices to suit your mood and pantry.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners all week long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create a balanced dish with great taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a role in achieving creamy rice and tender sausage packed with flavor.
- Chicken Sausage: Choose your favorite pre-cooked or fresh chicken sausage for juicy protein and a savory base.
- Long-Grain Rice: Perfect for fluffy texture that absorbs flavors without becoming mushy.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the rice with a rich, savory taste compared to water.
- Onion and Garlic: Classic aromatics that build depth and warmth in every bite.
- Bell Peppers: Adds vibrant color and a subtle sweetness to brighten the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the sausage and ties the flavors together.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing sausage and veggies, adding a smooth richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Variations for Instant Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice
This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but don’t hesitate to make it your own. Here are some easy ways to customize your Instant Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice to fit your tastes, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a fiery twist.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded Parmesan or mozzarella right before serving for creamy indulgence.
- Low-Carb Swap: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly option.
- Gluten-Free Version: Naturally gluten-free when using pure rice and fresh sausage—just check labels on seasonings.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onions, mince the garlic, and chop the bell peppers to ensure quick and even cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Sausage and Veggies
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat olive oil, then add the chicken sausage pieces, cooking until lightly browned. Toss in onions, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking until softened and fragrant—this step brings out layers of flavor.
Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings
Stir in the long-grain rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, coating everything well. This allows the rice to toast lightly, adding a nutty depth to the final dish.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Cook
Carefully pour chicken broth over the mixture, ensuring the rice is submerged evenly. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 8 minutes to cook perfectly tender rice and infused sausage.
Step 5: Release and Fluff
Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release to let out the steam. Open the lid, fluff everything gently with a fork, and give it a taste-test for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken Sausage: This saves time and guarantees fully cooked protein throughout the dish.
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Don’t Skip Sautéing: Browning the sausage and veggies adds rich flavor that makes a difference in the final taste.
- Measure Liquids Precisely: Too much liquid can make the rice mushy; stick to the broth ratio for perfect texture.
- Let It Rest: After pressure cooking, let the rice sit for 5 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid fully.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan create a beautiful presentation and add fresh flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced and satisfying meal without adding complexity.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rice and sausage in colorful bowls topped with avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy twist that elevates the dish visually and taste-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Instant Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—it tastes just as good reheated!
Freezing
This recipe freezes well—portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap chicken sausage for pork, turkey, or even plant-based sausage options to suit your preferences.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, when using gluten-free chicken broth and sausage without fillers, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for most dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe in a regular pot?
Yes, but cooking times will be longer. Sauté as usual, then simmer rice gently with broth covered until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Rinsing the rice before cooking and sautéing it lightly with the sausage helps prevent sticking, plus keep an eye on broth measurements.
What other vegetables can I add?
Peas, corn, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms all work wonderfully and can be added during the sauté or after cooking to keep texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Instant Pot Chicken Sausage and Rice recipe is a true kitchen hero—full of flavor, easy to prepare, and adaptable to whatever tastes you crave. Give it a try on your next busy night and enjoy how simple it is to create a comforting, satisfying meal that makes everyone happy!
