Start by coating the inside of your 6-quart Instant Pot with melted butter (if using). This prevents sticking and creates a slight protective layer. Never skip this step with kids helping—it makes cleanup exponentially easier. Have your child (ages 6+) pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Moisture interferes with proper seasoning adhesion. Season all three chicken breasts generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Let kids ages 8+ do this seasoning—they'll develop hand control and learn that seasoning isn't just about salt shakers; it's about distribution and balance. The chicken should look visibly seasoned, not white.

Place the rinsed rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cool, running water. Have your younger child (ages 3-5) observe and help with rinsing—this is their introduction to food preparation. Stir the rice gently with your fingers while the water runs. Continue rinsing for about 90 seconds until the water runs completely clear rather than cloudy. This removes excess starch and ensures individual, fluffy grains rather than a mushy clump. Older children can explain to younger siblings why we rinse: the starch on the outside of rice grains causes them to stick together. By removing it first, we're setting up for success. This is food science in action.

This is where the magic happens, and the order matters more than it might seem. Working with children ages 6+, layer the ingredients in this exact sequence inside your buttered Instant Pot: First layer: Add all the sliced mushrooms in an even layer on the bottom. Second layer: Add the chopped onion scattered over the mushrooms. Third layer: Add the rinsed rice in an even layer. Finally: Place the three seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice. This layering order is crucial because it prevents the rice from sitting directly on the bottom of the pot (where it can scorch) and distributes heat evenly. Let older kids (ages 8+) explain each layer's purpose as they add it. They're learning basic cooking principles without realizing it.

Pour the 1¾ cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth directly over the chicken breasts. Do not pour it over the rice—let it flow around the chicken first. Then, using a spoon, gently dollop the entire 10 ounces of condensed cream of mushroom soup directly over the chicken breasts, creating a layer on top. This is critical: do not stir at this point. I know it feels counterintuitive, but stirring before cooking disrupts the layering and can result in uneven cooking. Kids often want to mix everything—this is a great teaching moment about trusting the process and understanding that some cooking steps require patience.

Close the lid of your Instant Pot securely and set the valve to "Sealing" (not "Venting"). This is where kids can participate by watching you adjust the settings. If your Instant Pot has a display screen, let older children read the buttons aloud as you press them. Select Manual or Pressure Cook mode and set the time to 10 minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will take approximately 12-15 minutes to come up to pressure before the 10-minute cook time begins. This is called the "preheating phase," and it's worth explaining to kids: the pot is building up steam and heat before cooking officially starts.

When the 10-minute cooking cycle completes, do not immediately release pressure. Instead, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 full minutes. You'll notice the pressure valve will drop on its own as steam gradually escapes. After 10 minutes, if there's any remaining pressure (you'll see the valve still up), manually release it by carefully turning the valve to "Venting." Keep kids safely away from the steam—it's extremely hot. Have children observe this process from a safe distance. They're witnessing real chemistry: pressure creates heat, heat cooks food, and releasing pressure stops the cooking process. This is science they can see and feel (safely).

Carefully open the Instant Pot (steam will still be rising—keep kids back). Using tongs, remove the three chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Let them cool for just 1-2 minutes until they're safe to handle. Now comes the satisfying part: using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Let kids ages 7+ do this with supervision—it's genuine cooking work that feels powerful. The chicken should shred almost effortlessly because the pressure cooking has made it incredibly tender. Return to the Instant Pot and stir everything together: the rice, mushrooms, onions, and creamy sauce. Everything should be well combined. Add the shredded chicken back in and fold gently to combine. Taste a spoonful (let it cool first!) and adjust seasoning if needed with a pinch more salt or pepper.

For presentation (which matters for picky eaters!), sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that balances the richness. Let kids scatter the parsley—they've earned it. Serve in bowls while warm, ensuring even distribution of chicken, rice, and creamy sauce. The meal should be aromatic and inviting, and because your family made it together, everyone's much more likely to actually enjoy eating it.