Welcome to your new favorite dinner recipe - Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice! This dish is an explosion of my favorite Chinese takeout flavors, combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic jasmine rice.
The best part? It's an incredibly easy Instant Pot recipe to whip up.
The pressure-cooking prowess of the Instant Pot turns this classic Chinese dish into a quick and simple meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This popular Chinese takeout recipe becomes even more appealing when cooked in an Instant Pot in just 5 minutes and can be on the table in less than an hour when you factor in pressure and steam release times.
The pressure-cooking technology allows for faster cooking times and deeper flavor infusion. Plus, it's a one-pot wonder, saving you time on cleaning up!
Hoisin Chicken and Chicken and Broccoli are some other great takeout recipe you can make at home in the Instant Pot.
Chicken Fried Rice Ingredients and Their Roles
Below is a quick look at the ingredients and directions. You can find the entire ingredient amounts and step by step directions in the recipe card below. P. S. You can also save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box! ⬇️
- Scrambled eggs: Adds protein and a fluffy texture.
- Vegetable oil: Used to sauté the veggies and add a bit of richness.
- minced garlic and ginger: Provides a flavor punch that's key in fried rice.
- Diced carrots and thawed frozen peas: Adds color, texture, and nutrition.
- Boneless skinless chicken: The protein star of the dish. Can also use pork.
- Uncooked Jasmine rice: The base of the dish, Jasmine rice has a lovely aroma and cooks perfectly in the Instant Pot. Or you can also use long grain white rice instead.
- Chicken broth: Adds flavor and helps cook the rice.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Brings savory, umami flavor and adds a rich color to the rice.
- Sesame oil: Gives a subtle nutty flavor.
- Sliced green onion, divided: Adds a fresh, crunchy element.
- Chow mein noodles, optional: For added crunch and authenticity.
👇See the step by step directions below!
Recipe Prep
Make this boneless chicken recipe even faster by prepping these ingredients the night before!
- Cut the chicken into thin slices or bite sized cubes.
- Scramble the eggs in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave for 1 minute. Mix and cook for 30 to 40 seconds or until the eggs are fluffy and set. See notes.
- Thaw the frozen peas and drain.
- Slice the green onions.
Place the scrambled eggs, thawed peas, and sliced green onions aside until needed.
Step-by-Step Directions for Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
Cooking the Chicken and Rice:
- Step 1: Turn the sauté setting on and heat the oil. Add the carrots, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1 minute. Do not allow the garlic to brown. Turn the sauté setting off.
- Step 2: Add the chicken and rice. Pour the chicken broth in and gently toss the ingredients to combine just until the rice is moistened.
- Step 3: Twist the lid on and lock it in place. Turn the pressure valve to the sealing position. Press the manual button and set the pressure cooking time for 5 minutes. It will take 10 to 15 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach full pressure and start the pressure cooking time.
- Step 4: After the pressure cooking has ended, allow 5 minutes for a natural pressure release. Then flip the pressure valve to unsealing and allow all the steam to release before carefully opening the lid.
- Step 5: Add the scrambled eggs, thawed peas, half of the sliced green onion, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the cooked chicken and rice. Use a large fork to fluff the rice and to combine the ingredients.
- Step 6: Twist the lid back on and allow the trapped heat of the Instant pot to heat the peas and eggs for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Serve the rice as a side dish or meal. Garnish with sliced green onion and chow mein noodles for an authentic touch.
Serving Chicken Fried Rice
This versatile dish can be served:
- As a main dish
- As a side to complement other dishes
- In a bowl topped with extra green onions and chow mein noodles
Perfect Pairings
Chicken Fried Rice pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp Asian Slaw
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Chicken Mango Spring rolls or Shrimp Spring Rolls
- Chicken Wonton Soup
Top each serving with more sliced green onions, crunchy Chow mein noodles and a splash of soy sauce to finish off the dish.
Storing & Freezing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave until hot or heat in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out.
Helpful Instant Pot Accessories
Using the right tools is just as important as using the right ingredients. Make sure your recipes turn out perfect every time.
📌Pro Instant Pot Cooking Tips
- Always rinse your rice well to remove excess starch.
- Don't overcrowd the pot; this can prevent even cooking.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor.
- Be sure to allow the pressure to release naturally for the time recommended.
- Add your peas and eggs at the end to avoid overcooking.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
- Remember, the Instant Pot takes time to come to pressure, so factor this into your cooking time.
- Always add the sesame oil at the end to keep its flavor.
Your New Go-To Dinner Recipe
With the ease and speed of the Instant Pot, this Chicken Fried Rice will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. It's flavorful, satisfying, and with our tips and tricks, foolproof even for beginners!
Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a delicious meal in no time.
So don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients or make substitutions to create your perfect version of this dish.
And remember, the Instant Pot is there to make your life easier, so use it to its full potential by trying out other recipes and exploring all its features.
More Tasty Recipes to Try
If you loved this recipe, explore other delicious Instant Pot creations that will make your meal planning a breeze.
⭐Leave a Star Rating
Have you tried the recipe? Leave a star rating in the recipe card below to let me know how the recipe turn out.
Email questions or recipe requests to flouronmyface@gmail.com. Follow me on Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs (scrambled)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (heaping)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (heaping)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup thawed frozen peas
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken (cut into bite size pieces)
- 2 cups uncooked Jasmine rice (rinsed well until the water runs clear)
- 1 ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ cup sliced green onion (divided)
- 1 cup Chow mein noodles (optional)
Instructions
Prep
- Cut the chicken into thin slices or bite sized cubes.
- Scramble the eggs in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave for 1 minute. Mix and cook for 30 to 40 seconds or until the eggs are fluffy and set. See notes.
- Thaw the frozen peas and drain.
- Slice the green onions.
Make Chicken and Rice
- Turn the sauté setting on and heat the oil. Add the carrots, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1 minute. Do not allow the garlic to brown. Turn the sauté setting off.
- Add the chicken and rice. Pour the chicken broth in and gently toss the ingredients to combine just until the rice is moistened.
- Twist the lid on and lock it in place. Turn the pressure valve to the sealing position. Press the manual button and set the pressure cooking time for 5 minutes. It will take 10 to 15 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach full pressure and start the pressure cooking time.
- After the pressure cooking has ended, allow 5 minutes for a natural pressure release. Then flip the pressure valve to unsealing and allow all the steam to release before carefully opening the lid.
- Add the scrambled eggs, thawed peas, half of the sliced green onion, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the cooked chicken and rice. Use a large fork to fluff the rice and to combine the ingredients.
- Twist the lid back on and allow the trapped heat of the Instant pot to heat the peas and eggs for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Serve the rice as a side dish or meal. Garnish with sliced green onion and chow mein noodles for an authentic touch.
Recipe Expert Tips
- Always rinse your rice well to remove excess starch.
- Don't overcrowd the pot; this can prevent even cooking.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor.
- Be sure to allow the pressure to release naturally for the time recommended.
- Add your peas and eggs at the end to avoid overcooking.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
- Remember, the Instant Pot takes time to come to pressure, so factor this into your cooking time.
- Always add the sesame oil at the end to keep its flavor.
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