Name: Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided; 2 eggs, whisked; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1 lb uncooked chicken breast, diced into 1/2-inch pieces; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 1/2 cups uncooked jasmine rice, rinsed very well until water runs clear; 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed; 3-4 tablespoons soy sauce or wheat-free tamari (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Sliced green onion; Hot sauce or sriracha

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 3 reviews

If you love the comforting, savory goodness of a classic takeout favorite but want to whip it up yourself in no time, this Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is your go-to winner. It’s a delightful one-pot meal where tender chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, vibrant veggies, and perfectly scrambled eggs come together in a rich, flavorful bite that feels satisfying and exciting all at once. Using the Instant Pot not only makes the cooking process ridiculously easy but also locks in every bit of flavor and moisture, making this fried rice a real crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up top view of an Instant Pot filled with a single layer of cooked rice mixed with small pieces of orange carrots. The rice is white and soft with a glossy, moist texture, while the carrot pieces are scattered evenly within the rice, adding bright pops of color. The Instant Pot has a shiny metallic inner surface and a black outer edge, sitting on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Nothing beats a simple recipe where every ingredient is essential and adds to the harmony of taste, color, or texture. This Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe relies on everyday pantry staples and fresh veggies that come together beautifully in just a few steps.

2 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided: Helps to cook the eggs and sauté garlic while preventing sticking.
2 eggs, whisked: Adds richness and a lovely soft texture throughout the rice.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory depth that wakes up the dish.
1 1/4 cup chicken broth: The cooking liquid infuses rice and chicken with flavor while keeping everything moist.
1 lb uncooked chicken breast, 1/2-inch dice: Tender protein cubes that cook quickly under pressure and soak up spices.
1 cup diced carrots: Adds sweetness and vibrant color for a fresh crunch.
1 1/2 cups uncooked jasmine rice, rinsed well: The star starch that turns fluffy and fragrant when cooked perfectly.
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed: Bursts of sweetness and a pop of green brighten the dish.
3-4 tablespoons soy sauce or wheat-free tamari: Provides savory umami, adjusted to your preferred saltiness.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Delivers a toasty, nutty aroma that finishes the rice with character.
Sliced green onion (optional): Adds a fresh, crisp garnish that enlivens every bite.
Hot sauce, like sriracha (optional): A perfect spicy kick for those who love a little heat.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Scramble the Eggs

Start by turning on the Sauté function on your Instant Pot and warming 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Pour in your whisked eggs and gently push them around with a spatula to scramble until they are fully cooked. Once scrambled, scoot them onto a plate and keep them aside. Don’t worry if a bit of egg sticks to the bottom of the pot—that actually adds fantastic flavor in the next step.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Deglaze

Add the remaining teaspoon of vegetable oil to the pot and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté until it becomes fragrant, which should take about a minute while stirring frequently. Now, turn off the Sauté function and pour in a small amount of chicken broth. Use a spatula to scrape up any tasty bits stuck at the bottom—this step is crucial to avoid any burn warnings and ensures maximum flavor!

Step 3: Add Chicken, Carrots, and Rice

Pour in the rest of your chicken broth, then layer in the diced chicken and carrots. Finally, add the rinsed jasmine rice on top, gently pressing it down so it’s just submerged in the liquid. Resist the urge to stir here; letting the ingredients sit like this helps everything cook evenly under pressure.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Rice and Chicken

Seal the lid of your Instant Pot securely and set it to cook on Manual high pressure for 3 minutes, making sure the keep warm function is turned off. When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully use quick release for any remaining pressure. This combination locks in moisture and tenderness perfectly.

Step 5: Finish with Seasonings, Peas, and Eggs

Open the lid, then stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil thoroughly so each grain of rice is coated with that savory goodness. Toss in your thawed peas and the reserved scrambled eggs, mixing gently but completely. Leave the lid slightly ajar and let the dish rest for a minute or two; this warms the peas and eggs without overcooking them. Your Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

A close-up view of a wooden bowl filled with fried rice showing multiple layers and textures: the base layer is light brown fried rice grains mixed throughout with small, bright orange carrot cubes and vivid green peas scattered evenly across. Interspersed are soft, yellow scrambled egg pieces, adding a fluffy texture, as well as light-colored cooked chicken chunks that add a slight contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the colors of the fried rice inside, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While this dish is fabulous on its own, a sprinkle of sliced green onion adds a fresh, crisp contrast that makes every forkful more exciting. If you like things spicy, a drizzle of sriracha or another favorite hot sauce creates a lovely balance that tweaks the flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe shines as a full meal, but it can also pair wonderfully with simple sides like steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or crunchy cucumber salad for extra veggies and texture contrast. For a heartier spread, add egg rolls or dumplings to round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your fried rice inside lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld twist or transform it into a colorful rice bowl topped with avocado slices, chopped nuts, or a fried egg for breakfast-for-dinner vibes. These playful presentations elevate the experience and keep mealtime fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed your Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, store any leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, making it a fantastic meal prep option.

Freezing

If you want to keep your dish longer, freeze portions in suitable containers or freezer bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring your fried rice back to life, gently reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave covered in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even warmth. This keeps the chicken juicy and the rice fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. For this recipe, jasmine rice is best because it cooks quickly and stays fluffy, key for delicious fried rice.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, omit the chicken, and replace eggs with scrambled tofu or an egg substitute for a plant-based version that still delivers great flavor and texture.

What can I do if my Instant Pot gives a burn warning?

That often means food is stuck to the bottom or liquid is insufficient. When you sauté garlic, always deglaze with broth before pressure cooking, and make sure the rice isn’t on top but just submerged to prevent sticking.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breast?

Yes, adding pre-cooked chicken is a great shortcut. Add the cooked chicken along with the peas and eggs after pressure cooking to avoid overcooking and drying it out.

How important is rinsing the rice?

Rinsing jasmine rice removes excess starch, which helps keep your fried rice from getting mushy or sticky. It’s worth the extra step for that perfect texture in this Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen because it’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you need a weeknight winner or an impressive swipe at homemade takeout, I promise this recipe will win hearts and keep everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how such a straightforward dish can taste this good!