What are some budget-friendly Instant Pot dinners using pantry staples?

Meals like beans and rice, lentil soup, chili, and chicken and rice use canned goods, dry grains, and simple spices you already have. They cook fast and stretch into multiple servings.

How do I safely cook frozen chicken breasts or thighs in the Instant Pot?

Place frozen chicken on the trivet with at least 1 cup of liquid and cook on high pressure, adding a few extra minutes compared to fresh. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What are low-carb or keto-friendly Instant Pot dinner recipes?

Popular options include crack chicken, beef stew without potatoes, butter chicken, and garlic pork chops with cauliflower. These focus on protein, fats, and low-carb vegetables.

How can I thicken sauces or soups in the Instant Pot without getting a burn notice?

Thicken after pressure cooking using sauté mode with a cornstarch slurry, cream, or cheese. Avoid adding thick ingredients before pressure builds.

What are the best Instant Pot comfort food recipes for weeknights?

Mac and cheese, chicken and dumplings, beef and noodles, and creamy soups cook quickly and feel filling without much prep.

What Instant Pot dinners can I make in under 20 minutes, start to finish?

Shrimp tacos, ground beef bowls, pasta dishes, and rice-based meals can finish fast when pressure time is short and ingredients are simple.

How do I batch-cook ground beef or chicken in the Instant Pot for freezer meals?

Cook meat with basic seasoning, drain excess liquid, cool fully, then portion into freezer bags. This saves time for future meals.

What are some vegetarian or vegan Instant Pot dinners with lots of protein?

Lentil curry, chickpea stew, black bean chili, and tofu stir-style dishes provide protein without meat.

How do I clean and maintain the sealing ring and lid on an Instant Pot?

Remove the sealing ring after cooking, wash with warm soapy water, and air-dry completely. Clean the lid parts regularly to prevent odor buildup.

What are good one-pot Instant Pot recipes with rice, protein, and vegetables together?

Chicken and rice, beef and rice bowls, and sausage veggie rice meals cook evenly when layered properly with liquid at the bottom.

What are some kid-friendly Instant Pot dinners picky eaters usually like?

Mac and cheese, spaghetti, creamy chicken and rice, and meatballs tend to work well because flavors stay mild and familiar.

How can you convert a slow cooker recipe to an Instant Pot recipe?

Reduce the liquid by about one-third and cook on high pressure for a much shorter time. Slow cooker hours usually convert to minutes.

What are the safest ways to quick-release vs natural-release pressure?

Use natural release for soups and meats to reduce splatter, and quick release for vegetables and pasta. Keep hands and face away from the steam valve.

How do you adjust Instant Pot recipes for different pot sizes (3-qt, 6-qt, 8-qt)?

Cooking time stays mostly the same, but ingredient amounts and minimum liquid must match the pot size. Smaller pots need less food and liquid.

What are some healthy Instant Pot dinners under 500 calories per serving?

Chicken soup, turkey chili, vegetable stews, and lean protein bowls stay light while still filling.

What are the best beginner Instant Pot recipes that use 5 ingredients or less?

Simple recipes like salsa chicken, pulled pork, mac and cheese, and easy soups keep steps minimal and results reliable.

How do cooking times change for frozen vs fresh meat in the Instant Pot?

Frozen meat needs extra pressure time but no thawing, while fresh meat cooks faster. Both should reach safe internal temperatures.

Can pasta, meat, and vegetables be cooked together safely in one Instant Pot pot-in-pot meal?

Yes, as long as pasta is submerged and the protein reaches a safe internal temperature. Pot-in-pot can help control texture and prevent overcooking.

How do you prevent a “burn” warning when cooking tomato-based Instant Pot recipes?

Add thin liquid first, then layer tomatoes on top without stirring before pressure cooking. Deglaze well after sautéing to remove stuck bits.

What are good Instant Pot meal prep ideas that reheat well for lunches?

Soups, stews, shredded meats, and rice bowls reheat evenly and keep their texture for several days. Store in portioned containers for quick lunches.

What are some quick Instant Pot pork loin dinner ideas?

Try honey garlic pork loin by searing on sauté, then pressure cooking with honey, soy, garlic, and broth until tender. Rest a few minutes before slicing so it stays juicy.

How do I cook pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot quickly?

Cook pork tenderloin (whole or medallions) in a broth-based sauce like honey-garlic or balsamic for a short pressure cook, then quick release. Slice after resting for the best texture.

How long does Instant Pot pot roast or pulled pork usually take?

Chuck roast or pork shoulder typically needs about 60–90 minutes under pressure depending on size. It makes great leftovers for sandwiches or tacos.

How do I make an easy Instant Pot chicken and rice dinner?

Sauté onion and garlic, add chicken, rice, broth, and vegetables, then pressure cook for about 8–10 minutes. Let it natural release briefly so the rice finishes soft and fluffy.

How do I make Instant Pot butter chicken at home?

Pressure cook boneless chicken with tomato sauce, butter, and spices, then finish with cream (or coconut milk) on sauté. Serve over rice or with naan.

How do I make Instant Pot white chicken chili?

Pressure cook chicken with beans, broth, green chiles, and spices, then shred the chicken and stir in a little cream or cream cheese. Top with cheese, cilantro, or tortilla strips.

How do I make Instant Pot chili with ground beef?

Brown ground beef on sauté with onion and garlic, then add beans, tomatoes, broth, and chili seasonings. Pressure cook about 10–15 minutes and adjust thickness at the end.

What is Instant Pot taco pasta and how do you make it?

Brown ground beef, then add pasta, broth, taco seasoning, and salsa (plus a little tomato sauce if you like). Pressure cook a few minutes and stir in cheese after cooking.

What is Instant Pot chili mac and how do you make it?

Chili mac is a one-pot mix of browned beef, macaroni, beans, tomatoes, broth, and chili seasoning cooked under pressure. Stir in cheese at the end for a creamy finish.

How do I make basic Instant Pot shredded chicken?

Season chicken breasts, add about 1 cup broth, and pressure cook until tender, then shred. Use it for tacos, salads, sandwiches, or casseroles.

How do I make Instant Pot honey garlic chicken?

Pour a simple mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and broth over chicken and pressure cook until done. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry on sauté.

How do I make Instant Pot sesame chicken?

Cook chicken pieces under pressure in a soy-sesame-honey style sauce, then thicken on sauté for a sticky glaze. Serve over rice with green onions or sesame seeds.

How do I make Instant Pot chicken pasta in one pot?

Sauté diced chicken, add short pasta, broth, seasoning, and tomatoes, then pressure cook briefly. Stir in cream and Parmesan after cooking.

How do I make one-pot Instant Pot meat pasta?

Add browned ground beef, dry pasta, water or broth, and marinara, then pressure cook a few minutes. Let it sit briefly, then stir to finish the sauce.

How do I cook white rice or brown rice in the Instant Pot?

Rinse rice, then cook white rice for a short pressure time and brown rice longer, followed by natural release for fluffy grains. Use the correct liquid ratio for your rice type and pot size.

Forgotten Chicken Recipe (Old-School No-Fuss Dinner)

Name: Forgotten Chicken Recipe (Old-School No-Fuss Dinner)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Ingredients: 4 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups instant white rice (uncooked); 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz); 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz); 1 packet dry onion soup mix; 1½ cups water

A Casual Twist on a Classic Family Dinner

There’s something comforting about dinners that don’t ask much from you.

No stirring every five minutes.

No checking the oven again and again.

Just simple ingredients, one dish, and the kind of meal that quietly takes care of itself.

Forgotten Chicken is one of those old-school recipes that found its way into so many family kitchens for a reason. You layer everything into the pan, cover it up, and let time do the work. While life keeps moving, dinner slowly comes together underneath—tender chicken, creamy rice, and that familiar, cozy aroma that fills the house.

This is the kind of recipe passed around on handwritten cards, shared by neighbors, and remembered years later because it always worked. No fancy steps. No special tricks. Just steady heat, pantry staples, and patience.

What makes this dish special isn’t speed — it’s ease. You don’t rush it. You don’t hover. You simply let it bake, and when you finally lift the foil, you’re greeted with a warm, comforting dinner that feels like it’s been waiting for you.

If you’re craving a no-fuss meal that delivers comfort every single time, this Forgotten Chicken deserves a place in your rotation.

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love It

You use pantry staples.
It’s pretty foolproof.
You can tweak it on a whim.
Cleanup? Almost nothing.

I’ve made it late at night. I’ve made it for friends who thought they’d never eat rice and chicken together again. They did—and asked for seconds.

Ingredients You Need

1 lb boneless chicken breasts
2 cups Minute rice
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can (same size) water (or chicken broth)
1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

I sometimes swap water for low-sodium broth. It’s a tiny step, but it adds depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin coat of olive oil.
Mix rice and soups in a big bowl.
- Pour in 2 cups Minute rice.
- Add both cans of soup.
- Fill one soup can with water (or broth) and stir.
- Use a spatula until it looks uniform.
Transfer to dish.
- Spread the mixture evenly.
- You want a flat, even layer—no dry rice pockets.
Place chicken on top.
- Leave breasts whole or slice them into strips.
- I like bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking.
Sprinkle soup mix.
- Shake that packet evenly.
- It gives a gentle onion punch throughout.
Cover with foil.
- Heavy-duty foil works best.
- Tuck edges tight to lock in steam.
Bake 45 minutes.
- Resist temptation to peek too soon.
- Let the steam do its job.
Uncover and finish.
- Check chicken’s internal temp: 165°F (74°C).
- Rice should be tender.
- If it’s still firm, pop it back in—no guilt.
Rest before serving.
- Five minutes is enough.
- Flavors settle.

Simple Hacks and Variations

Swap soup cans for homemade roux plus broth. Maybe someday, but I rarely do.
Stir in a handful of shredded cheese after baking. It melts over everything.
Drop in frozen veggies—peas, corn, spinach. Before the rice cooks, give it a quick stir.
Marinate chicken in garlic-herb oil for 15 minutes. I assure you, it enhances the taste.

A Note on Nutrition

For a lighter version, choose low-sodium soups.
Brown rice works, though bake time may stretch by 10 minutes.
Skip the water and use full-strength broth. You’ll need a little extra broth—be mindful of dryness.

Why This Works for Mediavine

Mediavine rewards reader engagement. You’ll see ads between these sections. That’s fine. They blend in, keeping readers on the page. Short paragraphs. Clear headings. That’s the secret.

Readers scroll. They click. They stay.

Tiny Moments of Real Life

I once forgot to cover it. The top browned too fast. I panicked and added foil, and it turned out oddly crispy. Not bad. My husband said, “It’s like a crunchy casserole.” I agreed, eventually.

Moments like that make cooking memorable. Imperfect. Human.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use long-grain rice?

Perhaps. It soaks up moisture differently. You may need to add ¼ cup more water or broth.

What if I only have one type of soup?

Use two cans of chicken or mushroom. It’s still tasty.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake a few extra minutes.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Bake as usual; might need 10 extra minutes.

Serving Suggestions

There is a crisp green salad on the side.
Garlic bread for dipping.
You could have steamed broccoli or roasted carrots.

I once served it at a potluck. People eyed it suspiciously. Then they went back for thirds. Go figure.

Forgotten Chicken Recipe: A Delicious Blast from the Past

I think this dish nails that comfort-food vibe. It’s not flashy. It isn’t gourmet. But on a weekday? It wins. Every time.

Give it a try. Maybe add your twist. Perhaps swap a soup can for cream of celery. Or fold in salsa for a Tex-Mex vibe.

Cooking is flexible. This recipe? It’s your canvas.

Enjoy.