Easy Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto That Wows Every Time

Katherine

Honoring generations of culinary artistry.

After a long day, the last thing I want is to spend hours stirring risotto on the stove, but my craving for that creamy, comforting dish never fades. That’s when this Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto became my go-to lifesaver. The magic happens when tender chicken and earthy mushrooms blend seamlessly with arborio rice, all cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time. The rich aroma fills the kitchen, and within minutes, you have a restaurant-quality meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re a busy home cook or a flavor seeker tired of fast food, this recipe balances ease and indulgence effortlessly. Trust me—it’s about to become your new favorite weeknight wonder.

Why choose Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto?

Speed and Convenience: This recipe slashes your cooking time without sacrificing creamy, tender risotto perfection. Bursting Flavor: Earthy mushrooms and juicy chicken create a rich, savory taste that satisfies every craving. Hands-Off Cooking: No constant stirring—just set it and relax while the Instant Pot does the work. Comfort Food Upgrade: Enjoy a hearty, homemade meal that beats fast food in every way. Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect as a cozy family dinner or a show-stopping dish for guests.

Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto Ingredients

For the Risotto

Arborio rice – Choose this short-grain rice for that creamy, classic risotto texture.
Chicken breasts – Tender, bite-sized pieces add protein and heartiness to the dish.
Cremini mushrooms – Earthy flavor that complements the chicken perfectly; substitute with shiitake if preferred.
Chicken broth – Use low-sodium to control saltiness and enhance depth without overpowering.
Yellow onion – Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness that layers flavor throughout.
Garlic cloves – Minced for a fragrant kick that brightens the overall taste.

For Finishing Touches

Parmesan cheese – Stir in freshly grated cheese at the end for that irresistible creamy richness.
Butter – Adds silkiness and balances flavors while rounding out the texture.
Fresh parsley – A sprinkle for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
Olive oil – For sautéing mushrooms and onions, essential to build the flavor base in this Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

Sauté aromatics: Hit Sauté on the Instant Pot, warm olive oil for 2 minutes, then cook onion and garlic until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Brown mushrooms & chicken: Add mushrooms and diced chicken, cooking for 4–5 minutes until mushrooms release their liquid and chicken pieces turn opaque around the edges.
Toast rice: Stir in arborio rice, toasting it for 1 minute until edges look translucent, which builds that signature creamy loft in this Instant Pot risotto.
Add broth & season: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up brown bits to deglaze the pot for your Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto. Season with salt and pepper.
Pressure cook: Lock the lid and set to High Pressure for 6 minutes. The rice will become perfectly tender, and flavors meld into a rich, creamy texture.
Release pressure: Quick-release steam carefully for 2 minutes, then open the lid once the pressure pin drops. Check for a creamy, slightly al dente risotto texture.
Finish risotto: Stir in butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky. Add a splash of broth if you prefer a looser, creamier consistency.
Garnish & serve: Spoon the risotto into warmed bowls, sprinkle chopped parsley for a bright color pop, and serve immediately for maximum comfort and flavor.

Optional: Add a drizzle of truffle oil for extra luxury.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can chop the onions, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms up to 3 days in advance. Store these ingredients in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and flavorful. Additionally, measure out the arborio rice and broth ahead of time, so you’re ready to go when craving this creamy dish. When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté the prepped ingredients in the Instant Pot as directed, then proceed with the recipe for a comforting meal that feels just as fresh as if you made it all in one go. Enjoy the saved time and effort!

What to Serve with Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto?

Create the perfect meal experience with these delightful pairings that enhance every bite of this creamy risotto.

Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky crunch perfectly balances the silky texture of the risotto, inviting you to savor each mouthful.
Steamed Asparagus: With its tender yet crisp bite, asparagus adds a fresh, vibrant element that brightens the rich flavors of the dish. A drizzle of lemon juice elevates this pairing even further.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and tangy dressing offer a refreshing crunch that complements the creamy risotto beautifully, making for a classic, satisfying combination.
White Wine: A chilled glass of dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the earthy flavors of mushrooms while cleansing the palate between bites.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized edges and nutty flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts add both texture and a hint of sweetness that enrich the overall meal.
Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light chocolate mousse creates a delightful contrast to the savory risotto, leaving you with a sweet ending that feels indulgent yet not overwhelming.
Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous with fresh herbs can introduce an interesting texture and balance toward the richness of your risotto, adding a touch of elegance to the table.
Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing palate cleanser rounds off the meal beautifully, providing a light and zesty note that refreshes the taste buds.
Fresh Fruit Platter: Seasonal fruits like berries or citrus not only add color to your plate but also provide a sweet and tangy contrast, enhancing the comfort of your main course.

How to Store and Freeze Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

Fridge: Store leftover risotto in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Freezer: Freeze risotto in airtight portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low, adding a bit of water or broth for a creamy texture.

Room Temperature: Avoid leaving risotto out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety and maintain freshness.

Reheating: When reheating, stir frequently and incorporate small amounts of broth to achieve that luxurious creaminess characteristic of your Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto.

Variations & Substitutions for Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

Feel free to get creative with this delicious dish—your changes can elevate the flavor and fun!

Vegetarian: Replace chicken with extra mushrooms and add spinach or peas for a lovely color and texture. This variation keeps the heartiness while showcasing vibrant veggies.
Gluten-Free: Ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free and swap arborio rice with quinoa for a gluten-free grain option that still offers great taste. Quinoa provides a nutty flavor that complements the dish well.
Creamy Spin: Use cream cheese or mascarpone in place of butter for an ultra-creamy twist that brings extra richness to every bite. This addition takes comfort food to a whole new level!
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Stir in at the end for added fragrance that perks up the risotto with bright flavors and delightful aroma.
Cheesy Variation: Want to kick it up a notch? Substitute Parmesan with a mix of gouda or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile that melts beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing process for a warm, spicy hint that livens up the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.
Seafood Delight: Swap chicken for shrimp or scallops for an ocean-inspired risotto that cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Nutty Texture: Toast some pine nuts or walnuts and sprinkle them on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy risotto perfectly. This adds an extra layer of sophistication to your meal.

Embrace these options to make this Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto your own!

Expert Tips for Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose fresh mushrooms and high-quality chicken breasts to elevate the flavor and texture of your risotto.
Don’t Skip Toasting: Toasting the arborio rice before pressure cooking locks in that classic creamy texture essential for Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto.
Deglaze Thoroughly: Scrape up browned bits after sautéing to prevent the “burn” warning and deepen the dish’s savory richness.
Quick-Release Pressure Carefully: A controlled quick release helps avoid overcooking and maintains that perfect al dente bite.
Add Cheese Off Heat: Stir Parmesan and butter in after pressure cooking to keep the risotto silky without separating the cheese.
Adjust Consistency Last: If the risotto seems thick, add a splash of warm broth to loosen it gently without compromising creaminess.

Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my mushrooms are fresh enough for the risotto?
Look for mushrooms that are firm with smooth, dry caps and no dark spots. Fresh cremini mushrooms will have a pleasant earthy aroma and are not slimy or shriveled. Using fresh mushrooms ensures the risotto has that deep, savory flavor and perfect texture.

Can I store leftover Instant Pot Chicken & Mushroom Risotto in the fridge? How long does it last?
Absolutely! Store your leftover risotto in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to bring back its creamy texture and prevent it from drying out.

Is it possible to freeze this risotto, and what’s the best way to do it?
Very much so! Portion the cooled risotto into airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat slowly on low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a little warm broth or water to regain that luscious creaminess.

What if my risotto turns out too thick or dry after cooking?
No worries—this happens sometimes! Simply stir in warm chicken broth or even a splash of cream gradually until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Remember, Instant Pot risotto firms up as it cools, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or reheated gently with added moisture.

Are there any dietary concerns or ingredient substitutions I should be aware of?
If you have dairy allergies or are vegan, you can swap Parmesan and butter for plant-based alternatives like nutritional yeast and vegan margarine. For mushroom allergies, shiitake or button mushrooms can be swapped or omitted entirely, but that will alter the flavor profile slightly. Also, this recipe isn’t pet-safe due to onions, garlic, and seasoning, so keep it away from furry friends!