Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice

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Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and easy one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting and delicious. It tastes just as good as the real deal!

Inspired by the Panda Express restaurant chain, this dish is made with tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, cooked egg, and a mix of vegetables in a savory sauce. It’s a great way to use leftover rice and chicken and can be easily customized to suit your taste.

Looking for more copycat recipes that you can easily make at home? Try this Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla, Blackstone Griddle Patty Melt Burger, or Chick Fil A Nuggets!

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients Needed

• White long-grain rice                                  
• Water            
• Oil
• Mixed frozen vegetables
• Eggs
• Garlic
• Ginger paste
• Soy sauce
• Chicken
• Green onions
• Sesame seeds         

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook Rice

Place the rice and water in the Instant Pot, select the “Rice” setting, and close the lid and valve. Once the cooking is finished, release the pressure manually and then take off the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a bowl. Set it aside.

Step 2: Cook Mixed Vegetables

Select “cancel” and then switch to “Sauté” mode. Add oil to the pot, followed by the frozen vegetables. Cook until they are thawed and heated through.

Step 3: Combine Eggs with Vegetables

Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl. Then, move the vegetables to one side of the pot to create a space in the middle. Pour the whisked eggs into this space and sauté until fully cooked.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Add the rice, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and chicken. Mix them together. Then, add the green onions and mix again. Finally, transfer the fried rice to a bowl and garnish with more green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips & Tricks

• Shred the pre-cooked chicken: This will make it easier to mix in with the rice and vegetables. You could use leftover chicken from other meals or a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Add your sauce at the end: Adding your sauce at the end will allow you to adjust the flavor of your dish and avoid over-seasoning.
• The long-grain rice can be cooked a day or two ahead of time to reduce recipe prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Should I Store Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice?

Once completely cool, store chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or stovetop.

What Variations Can I Make to Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice?

• Using pre-cooked or leftover rice can help avoid the issue of mushy or undercooked rice, as it is already cooked and dried out.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to give you more control over the salt content of your dish.
• You can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli to your fried rice for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Instead of chicken, use other meats like pork, beef, or shrimp.
• For a different flavor profile, experiment with different sauces like oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or even peanut sauce.
• Omit the chicken and eggs and use vegan alternatives like tofu or tempeh.

What Is the Secret to Good Fried Rice?

To prevent mushy fried rice, use cold, leftover rice chilled in the refrigerator overnight. This will firm up the grains and make them easier to separate.

If you don’t have leftover rice, you could also allow freshly cooked rice to cool and dry out before refrigerating it for a few hours before using it to make fried rice.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Instant Pot Chicken Pasta With Broccoli
• Instant Pot Homemade Chicken Soup
• Cheesy Taco Skillet With Rice