Easy and Fast Instant Pot Lemon Parsley Rice

Easy Instant Pot Lemon Rice Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy side dish that pairs well with almost any meal? You’re going to love this Instant Pot lemon parsley rice. It has a bright, fresh lemon flavor that isn’t overpowering and works beautifully alongside chicken, beef, seafood, or roasted vegetables.

This recipe is especially handy when you want something simple but still flavorful — and thanks to the Instant Pot, it comes together with minimal effort. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

As you might expect from a lemon rice recipe, the ingredient list is short and simple. That’s part of what makes this such an easy, reliable side dish.

You’ll need long-grain white rice, butter, chicken broth, water, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley.

If you’d like a lighter option (or just don’t have broth on hand), this homemade fat-free chicken broth works great here.

Liquid to Rice Ratio

The Instant Pot recommends a 1:1 liquid-to-rice ratio for white rice. In this recipe, the combined chicken broth and water equal the liquid needed for the rice.

The lemon juice is added on top of that ratio and doesn’t interfere as long as it stays under ¼ cup. Using more than that can throw off the texture and make the rice too wet.

Serving Tips

For a fresh finish, sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley over the rice before serving. Lemon slices or a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice also brighten it up nicely.

This rice is mild enough to complement bold main dishes but flavorful enough to stand on its own — making it a great option for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice?
Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cook time, so it’s not a direct swap. For best results, follow a brown rice–specific Instant Pot recipe.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative.

How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot lemon parsley rice is one of those dependable side dishes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s light, fresh, and incredibly versatile — perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something easy that still feels special.

It pairs especially well with our Instant Pot whole chicken, as well as lemon pepper chicken, smoked turkey, and BBQ spare ribs.

More Side Dish Ideas

• Simple Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Slow Cooker Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
• Super Soft Pretzel Rolls
• Quick One-Hour Dinner Rolls
• Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks

Instant Pot Lemon Parsley Rice Recipe

Serve this delicious and easy lemon parsley rice with almost any dish for an extra burst of flavor!

5 / 5 ( 1 Review )

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes minutes

Total Time: 19 minutes minutes

Serves: 6

Adjust Servings: 6

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon Butter
• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Water
• ½ lemon juiced (less than ¼ cup)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Optional Garnishes: Additional lemon slices and chopped parsley

Instructions

• Melt the butter in the Instant Pot using the Saute setting.
• When the butter is melted, add the rice and cook for two minutes, stirring constantly.
• Add chicken broth, water, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
• Cover and lock lid, being sure the lid valve is set to seal.
• Cook the rice manually, on high pressure for 4 minutes.
• Use the quick pressure release and remove the lid when steam stops.
• Add the ¼ fresh parsley and use a fork to fluff the rice.
• Serve immediately, topping with additional lemon slices and parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 247kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 360mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g