Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

If you crave takeout but want something fresher, healthier, and shockingly fast, Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice is about to become your weeknight hero. It’s everything you love about classic fried rice—fluffy grains, tender chicken, jammy eggs, loads of veggies—cooked in ONE pot for a meal that’s equal parts cozy and craveable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice is how simple every ingredient is—and yet, each one brings its own magic. From juicy chicken to aromatic garlic and colorful veggies, you’ll recognize every element and appreciate the way they come together for maximum flavor.

• Vegetable oil: Just a little is used to scramble the eggs and sauté the garlic for that signature fried rice aroma.
• Eggs: Whisked and scrambled first for perfect, fluffy bites woven throughout the rice.
• Garlic: Freshly minced to infuse every grain and veg with mouthwatering savoriness.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and ensures your rice is never bland or dry.
• Chicken breast: Diced small so it cooks quickly and stays juicy—perfect in every forkful.
• Carrots: For sweetness, color, and just a little crunch amidst all that tender rice.
• Jasmine rice: Be sure to rinse it well! This fragrant, fluffy variety is key for non-gluey fried rice.
• Frozen peas: Just a handful for classic color and that pop of sweetness—no need to thaw far in advance.
• Soy sauce (or tamari): Infuses everything with salty, umami depth; adjust to taste or use tamari for a gluten-free version.
• Sesame oil: Don’t skip it—it brings that toasty, takeout finish we all crave!
• Sliced green onions & sriracha (optional): For garnish, brightness, and a customizable kick.

Variations

One of the best things about making Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice at home is how easy it is to switch things up! Don’t be afraid to riff on the basics and tailor every bowl to your mood, what’s in the fridge, or special dietary needs.

• Shrimp Fried Rice: Swap diced chicken for peeled, chopped raw shrimp—just stir them in with the peas to cook through with residual heat.
• Veggie-Loaded: Add bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or even baby corn before cooking for extra crunch and color.
• Low Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth for a lighter, heart-healthy twist without sacrificing flavor.
• Brown Rice (with mods): Brown rice requires a much longer cooking time, but with tweaks, it can work if you’re willing to experiment with pressure and liquid ratios.
• Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes right before serving if you love heat.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Sauté and Scramble the Eggs

Start by turning on the Sauté function and warming a touch of oil in the Instant Pot. Pour in those whisked eggs and gently push them around with a spatula. You want fluffy, soft curds that are just set—no overcooking! Once done, scoop them onto a plate. Don’t worry if a little egg is left behind in the insert; it’ll add flavor later.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic & Deglaze

Next, splash in the rest of your vegetable oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, stirring constantly, until it’s fragrant but not brown. Then, turn off Sauté, pour in a little chicken broth, and scrape up all the eggy, garlicky bits from the bottom—this crucial step prevents any pesky burn warning later.

Step 3: Add Chicken, Veggies, and Rice (Layer Carefully!)

Pour in the remaining broth, then layer in the diced chicken, carrots, and rinsed jasmine rice (in that order). Press the rice lightly so it’s just submerged in broth; resist the urge to stir. Layering helps everything cook up just right, with tender chicken and individual, fluffy grains of rice.

Step 4: Pressure Cook, Then Naturally Release

Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on Manual/High for 3 minutes (keep warm setting OFF). At the end, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes—this is key for fully set, fluffy rice—then quick-release any remaining pressure before opening the pot.

Step 5: Season, Finish, and Serve

Uncover and drizzle in your soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing so everything gets golden and glossy. Add the thawed peas and reserved eggs, giving another gentle stir. Pop the lid back on (just askew) for another minute or two, letting the eggs and peas warm through. Serve hot, garnished with green onions or a squeeze of sriracha if you love spice!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

Scatter sliced green onions over each serving for a fresh, peppery crunch. If you like heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a splash of hot sauce adds a stellar zing without overpowering the cozy flavors of your Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice.

Side Dishes

This meal is a star on its own, but for a fun spread, serve your chicken fried rice alongside steamed dumplings, a light cucumber salad, or miso soup. Quick sesame broccoli or simple roasted edamame are perfect green companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice in shallow bowls for a cozy, casual vibe—or press warm rice into a ramekin and invert onto plates for a restaurant-style dome. For meal prep, portion into glass containers layered with extra veggies for a rainbow effect that makes weekday lunches feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice keeps beautifully—just let it cool, then store in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s a lunchbox hero or a no-stress dinner solution for the rest of the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Cool completely first, then spoon into freezer-safe bags or containers. Flatten for speedy thawing and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight to preserve texture.

Reheating

To reheat, splash a tablespoon of water over your rice and warm in the microwave, covered, for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway. On the stovetop, use a skillet over medium-low, stirring gently until hot—this refreshes that just-cooked flavor and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of the ultimate homemade takeout night, give this Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice a try! It’s an easy, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles—and once you taste how effortless and delicious it is, you’ll come back to it again and again. Happy cooking!

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