Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a one-pot wonder that delivers big on flavor and comfort, Pot Chicken Fried Rice is your new best friend. This dish blends tender diced chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, and vibrant veggies into a harmonious meal that cooks entirely in your Instant Pot. It’s a perfect weeknight recipe that’s not only fuss-free but packed with savory goodness that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple staples that combine to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in your Pot Chicken Fried Rice. Each component brings something special to the table, turning an everyday meal into a satisfying feast.

• Vegetable oil: Used in two teaspoons, split for cooking eggs and sautéing garlic, adding a neutral base flavor and helping with texture.
• Eggs: Whisked and scrambled to bring a soft, rich texture and extra protein to the dish.
• Garlic: Three cloves, minced to infuse the rice with a fragrant, robust aroma.
• Chicken broth: One and a quarter cups to cook the rice perfectly and add depth to the flavor.
• Chicken breast: One pound diced into half-inch pieces to provide tender bites of juicy protein.
• Carrots: One cup diced, bringing a natural sweetness and crunch to the dish.
• Jasmine rice: One and a half cups uncooked; rinsing the rice ensures fluffiness and prevents clumping.
• Frozen peas: Half a cup thawed for pops of bright green color and tender sweetness.
• Soy sauce or tamari: Three to four tablespoons, adjusted to taste, to add umami and saltiness.
• Sesame oil: One teaspoon for a hint of nutty richness that elevates the entire dish.
• Green onion (optional): Sliced for a fresh, peppery garnish.
• Hot sauce (optional): Sriracha pairs especially well if you want a little kick.

How to Make Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Scramble the Eggs

Start by turning on the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Warm one teaspoon of vegetable oil, then pour in the whisked eggs. Gently push the eggs around with a spatula, scrambling until fully cooked and just set. Transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside. Don’t worry if some egg sticks to the pot — you’ll scrape it up soon.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Deglaze

Add another teaspoon of vegetable oil, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until it smells heavenly and golden. Next, turn off the Sauté function and pour in a small amount of chicken broth. Use your spatula to scrape up every bit of tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom—this step is crucial to avoid the dreaded burn warning during pressure cooking.

Step 3: Add Chicken, Carrots, and Rice

Pour in the rest of your chicken broth and add the diced chicken breast, carrots, and rinsed jasmine rice in that order. Press the rice gently so it is just submerged in the broth, but do not stir everything together. This layering helps the rice cook evenly without turning mushy.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Seal the lid tightly and set your Instant Pot to cook on Manual high pressure for 3 minutes. Make sure the keep warm function is off. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes to allow the rice and chicken to cook perfectly, then do a quick release of any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Open the lid and stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil until every grain of rice glistens with flavor. Mix in the thawed peas and your reserved scrambled egg, combining gently. Place the lid slightly ajar for a minute or two to warm the peas and egg through before serving.

How to Serve Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onion adds a fresh, slightly pungent crunch that contrasts beautifully with the warm rice. If you like a bit of heat, a drizzle of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce brings that perfect zing to the plate.

Side Dishes

Pot Chicken Fried Rice stands well on its own, but if you’d like to round out your meal, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or bok choy pair wonderfully. A simple cucumber salad also adds a refreshing crispness alongside the hearty rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve your Pot Chicken Fried Rice in a hollowed-out bell pepper or pineapple shell. Alternatively, plate it alongside an Asian-inspired slaw for contrasting textures and colors that make the meal feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pot Chicken Fried Rice keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after resting, making leftovers just as delicious.

Freezing

If you want to preserve it longer, freeze the fried rice in meal-sized portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months. Just be sure to cool the rice completely before freezing to maintain texture.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice to add moisture, then microwave with a cover or warm it in a skillet over medium heat until steaming hot. This keeps the rice fluffy and the chicken tender, just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires longer cooking time and more liquid. You might want to adjust your Instant Pot settings accordingly or cook the brown rice separately before mixing it in.

Is it necessary to rinse the jasmine rice?

Rinsing jasmine rice until the water runs clear removes excess starch, preventing clumping and helping the rice remain light and fluffy in your Pot Chicken Fried Rice.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, or snap peas for more color and texture. Just be mindful of cooking times, especially for vegetables added before pressure cooking.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

You can make Pot Chicken Fried Rice on the stovetop using a large skillet or wok. Cook the rice separately and follow similar steps for sautéing and mixing, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

How spicy is this recipe?

The base recipe is mild, but you can easily spice it up with hot sauce, chili flakes, or fresh chilies to suit your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about a warm bowl of Pot Chicken Fried Rice that feels both effortless and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or craving a simple homemade meal, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try—you might just find yourself coming back to this flavorful, cozy dish time and time again.

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