Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
If you are craving a quick, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, savory garlic, crunchy carrots, and vibrant green peas, all cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. This recipe delivers a fantastic balance of textures and flavors in a fraction of the time it usually takes to make fried rice, making it a weeknight favorite that everyone at the table will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet crucial for creating that authentic fried rice experience with a healthy twist. Each element enhances the dish’s texture, color, and depth of flavor, making your Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe truly unforgettable.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for sautéing and bringing a mild flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Eggs: Scrambled for protein and that classic fried rice richness.
- Garlic: Minced and sautéed to infuse the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory base for cooking the rice, ensuring extra flavor.
- Chicken breast: Diced for tender, juicy bites throughout the dish.
- Carrot: Diced for a subtle sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
- Jasmine rice: Rinsed to remove excess starch for fluffy, separate grains.
- Frozen green peas: For a pop of color and sweet freshness.
- Soy sauce: Brings salty depth and umami notes.
- Sesame oil: Just a touch for a toasty, nutty finish.
- Green onions (optional): Thinly sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor and garnish.
- Hot sauce (optional): To give your meal a spicy kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add the vegetable oil, then crack in the eggs and scramble them gently until cooked through. The eggs should be fluffy and slightly golden, creating little pockets of richness to fold into your fried rice. Once ready, transfer them to a bowl and set aside while you prep the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, in the same pot (no need to wash it out), add a bit more oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic just until it becomes fragrant — usually about a minute. This step builds the aromatic foundation that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
Pour a splash of the chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. This technique not only prevents burning but also incorporates all those tasty remnants back into the dish, enriching the flavor.
Step 4: Layer Ingredients
Add the remaining chicken broth, diced chicken, diced carrot, and well-rinsed jasmine rice to the pot. Press the rice gently down so it’s submerged but avoid stirring. This layering method ensures the rice cooks uniformly without becoming mushy, a key to great fried rice in the Instant Pot.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Seal the lid on your Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure. This step cooks everything perfectly and locks in moisture and flavor.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Open the lid and stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, green peas, and scrambled eggs. Replace the lid slightly askew and let it sit for a few minutes to warm everything through. This final rest melds flavors together beautifully before serving. Top with optional green onions and hot sauce to add that last touch of freshness and heat.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A few sprinkles of thinly sliced green onions add a crisp, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the dish. A drizzle of hot sauce on the side is perfect for those who love a spicy bite, creating a contrast that elevates every mouthful.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side of steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or bok choy to balance the meal. For something heartier, a bowl of miso soup or an Asian-style cucumber salad makes a refreshing and light complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the fried rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves or scalloped small bowls. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for added texture and nutty flavor. These small touches impress guests and transform a humble weeknight meal into something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover fried rice in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a tasty treat the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, it freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to two months. Just be sure to cool the rice completely before freezing to maintain texture and freshness.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to refresh the moisture, or microwave it covered to avoid drying out. Stir occasionally so the grains heat evenly and retain their fluffiness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Brown rice has a firmer texture and takes longer to cook, so if you swap in brown rice, the cooking times in the Instant Pot will need adjusting. Using jasmine rice keeps the process quick and the texture perfect for this recipe.
Is it necessary to rinse the rice?
Yes! Rinsing jasmine rice removes excess surface starch, which helps keep the grains separate and fluffy instead of clumping together during cooking.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or tofu to suit your taste preferences while following the same cooking steps.
How do I avoid mushy rice?
Pressing the rice down gently without stirring before pressure cooking and using the correct rice-to-liquid ratio are key tips. Avoid overcooking and trust the natural pressure release to finish the cooking gently.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply skip the eggs and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. Replace chicken with your favorite plant-based protein or extra vegetables, and you’ll still have a flavorful, hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is truly a lifesaver on busy days when you want something satisfying, flavorful, and ready in a flash. It’s easy to customize, approachable for cooks of all levels, and sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever made fried rice without the Instant Pot!
Print
Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a quick and easy one-pot meal combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables. Made using the Instant Pot for efficiency, it delivers classic fried rice flavors with a fraction of the effort and time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Optional Garnishes
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Scramble the Eggs: Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add the vegetable oil, then crack in the eggs and scramble them until fully cooked but still moist. Remove the eggs from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same Instant Pot, add a little more oil if needed, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour a splash of chicken broth into the pot to deglaze, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift any browned bits. This adds flavor and prevents burning during pressure cooking.
- Layer Ingredients: Add the remaining chicken broth, diced chicken breast, diced carrot, and rinsed jasmine rice on top. Press the rice gently to submerge it in the liquid, but do not stir everything together. This layering helps prevent sticking.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Combine and Serve: Open the Instant Pot and stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, frozen green peas, and the scrambled eggs. Place the lid slightly ajar and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the peas to warm through. Garnish with chopped green onions and hot sauce if desired before serving.
Notes
- Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity based on your salt preference.
- Feel free to substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- If you prefer more vegetables, feel free to add diced bell peppers or peas during the layering step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
