Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables in one delicious dish. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for busy families, bringing everyone together around the table. You'll love how quickly it comes together, making it the ideal choice for tonight!
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry white rice
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more, to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small pieces
- 1 cup chopped onion
- ground black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1½ tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the rice 2 to 3 times in a colander until the water runs clear. This process removes excess starch, which helps the rice become fluffy. Next, place the rinsed rice, water, and kosher salt in the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Secure and seal the lid tightly.
- Cook on Manual High Pressure for 4 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come up to pressure before the cooking time begins. After cooking, allow the rice to undergo a 10-minute natural release. This helps keep the grains fluffy. After 10 minutes, carefully open the vent to let any remaining steam escape.
- Once the steam has escaped, fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a bowl. This prevents it from becoming sticky. Now, rinse the inner pot to remove any stuck-on rice and dry it with a paper towel before returning it to the Instant Pot.
- Press the Sauté button on the Instant Pot and add the vegetable oil. Heat the oil until it shimmers, then add the cut chicken and chopped onion. Sprinkle with salt and ground black pepper. Sauté for 6 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. This step adds a beautiful aroma to your dish.
- Next, stir in the frozen peas and carrots and cook for another 2 minutes to warm them through. The colors will brighten, making the dish visually appealing.
- Push everything to one side of the pot and add the beaten eggs to the other side. Using a rubber spatula, gently scramble the eggs until softly set, about 1 to 2 minutes. Once cooked, fold the scrambled eggs into the chicken and vegetable mixture until well combined.
- Press Cancel on the Instant Pot. Now, add the fluffed rice, soy sauce, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame oil to the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the sauce. Taste and season with additional salt or pepper as desired.
- Finally, serve the Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice warm, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra crunch. Enjoy this satisfying meal knowing that you’ve made something delicious!
Notes
Make sure you cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
This Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice recipe is delicious on its own or served as a side dish!