Imagine biting into a bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice, where every mouthful bursts with flavor, and the aroma dances its way through your kitchen like a culinary fairy. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a heartfelt embrace from your stovetop, a comforting reminder of cozy family dinners and joyful gatherings. The fusion of tender chicken, vibrant peas, and fluffy rice will have you grinning from ear to ear, and it’s all cooked in just 23 minutes! What’s not to love about that?
This Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect solution for those bustling weeknights when cooking feels more like a chore than a joy. Whether it’s an impromptu family gathering or simply a weeknight indulgence, this dish brings everyone together, creating memories alongside meals. Picture yourself stirring this colorful bowl of goodness as laughter fills your home. Are you ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
- This incredible Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice:
1 teaspoon vegetable oil – Essential for sautéing the eggs and chicken, adding smoothness to the dish.
2 eggs, whisked – Adds protein and richness, giving your fried rice a comforting texture.
4 garlic cloves, minced – The aromatic star of the dish, infusing it with a robust flavor.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced – Tender and juicy chicken pieces that form the heart of your meal.
1 ¼ cup chicken broth – Provides moisture and depth, ensuring the rice comes out perfectly cooked and flavorful.
2 cups peas and carrots, frozen – These bright veggies add color, nutrition, and a slight sweetness.
1 ½ cups long grain rice, rinsed and drained – The base of the dish, creating the perfect fluffy texture when cooked.
3 tablespoons soy sauce – The magic ingredient that ties all the flavors together with a savory zing.
Green onions (optional) – A fresh finishing touch that adds brightness and crunch.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice:
Step 1: Sauté the Eggs
Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode and pour in the vegetable oil. Add the whisked eggs, stirring gently. Cook until the eggs are fully scrambled and set, then remove them from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
Turn off the sauté function and pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a spatula to remove any bits of egg. This helps avoid the dreaded “burn” notification later.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add the minced garlic, diced chicken, frozen peas and carrots, and rinsed rice to the pot. Pour everything carefully into the broth, ensuring the rice is mostly submerged but without stirring.
Step 4: Seal and Cook
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to the sealed position. Cook on manual, high pressure for 3 minutes. Once done, allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release to trap all those flavors inside.
Step 5: Release Pressure and Fluff
After the natural release, carefully move the valve to release any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, open the lid and stir the contents gently.
Step 6: Finish with Soy Sauce and Eggs
Add the soy sauce and the reserved scrambled eggs into the mixture. Stir well to combine, then garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve it hot and enjoy this vibrant dish!
Now that you’ve navigated the magic of your Instant Pot, sit back and enjoy a bowl of this delicious Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice. Final tip: pair it with your favorite side or enjoy it as is. Happy cooking!
You Must Know About Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
- This showstopping Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the garlic in vegetable oil before adding the chicken for maximum flavor. Then, combine ingredients in the correct order, ensuring the rice is submerged to absorb every bit of delicious broth.
Add Your Touch to Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian twist, and add different veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. Spice lovers can crank up the heat with chili flakes or sriracha for a fiery kick.
Storing & Reheating Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave in intervals, adding a splash of water to keep it moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
- This professional-quality Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Sharing a meal of this Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice with friends brought smiles all around, especially when someone exclaimed that it tasted even better than takeout! That made my day.
FAQs About Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
What is Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice?
Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful dish made in an Instant Pot, combining chicken, rice, and vegetables. This one-pot meal captures the essence of classic fried rice but is prepared with minimal effort and time. With ingredients like diced chicken breast, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce, it’s a delicious, satisfying option for busy nights. Not only is it convenient, but it also delivers all the comforting flavors you’re craving without the need for takeout.
How long does it take to prepare Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice?
This delightful Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice takes just 23 minutes from start to finish. The prep time is about 10 minutes, which includes chopping ingredients and whisking the eggs. Once you add everything to the Instant Pot, it only takes 13 minutes of cooking time. With a little planning, you can have this scrumptious meal ready in no time at all—perfect for a weeknight dinner or when entertaining friends.
Can I make Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice with substitutions?
Absolutely! One of the best things about Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice is its versatility. You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even eggs for a vegetarian option. Veggie lovers can add in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Adjusting the ingredients allows you to get creative and tailor the dish to suit your tastes, making it a fun go-to recipe for any occasion.
What should I serve with Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice?
Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice stands beautifully on its own, but you can enhance your meal by serving it with spring rolls, a light salad, or some crispy egg rolls for extra crunch. A side of soy sauce or sweet chili sauce can add a delightful dip. If you want to elevate the dish, consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or sesame seeds for added flair and flavor.
Conclusion for Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
In conclusion, Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice is a fantastic recipe that combines convenience and flavor. With just a few easy steps, you can create a one-pot meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Its adaptability allows for a variety of substitutions to please diverse palates, making it a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends, and relish in the satisfaction of a homemade meal that rivals takeout!
Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Turn Instant Pot to sauté and heat the vegetable oil.
- Add in the eggs and push them around to scramble and fully cook.
- Remove eggs from Instant Pot and set aside.
- Turn off sauté function and pour in the chicken broth.
- Use a spatula to fully remove any cooked-on egg from the pot.
- Add in the garlic, diced chicken, peas/carrots, and rice.
- Ensure the rice is as submerged in the broth as possible, but do not stir.
- Place lid on top securely and move valve to sealed position.
- Cook on manual, high pressure for 3 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
- Move valve to release any additional pressure.
- Once pin drops, remove lid and stir.
- Add in the soy sauce and eggs.
- Stir and garnish with green onion if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
