Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic Recipe
If you’re craving the magic of a takeout favorite but want the ease and comfort of a weeknight dinner, Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Imagine fluffy grains of rice, golden morsels of chicken, vibrant peas and carrots, all tossed in a savory, satisfying sauce — and all ready in about 30 minutes. One bite and you’ll agree: this is the dish you’ll make on repeat, for busy evenings, casual get-togethers, or those times when only a comforting bowl of fried rice will do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic comes together quickly, packed with flavor, color, and heartiness. Each element plays a key part in making every bite a delightful adventure, from golden eggs that add richness to aromatic garlic that perfumes the whole kitchen.
- Vegetable oil: The foundation for sautéing everything to sizzling perfection, giving your rice and chicken that irresistible, glossy finish.
- Chicken breast: Diced chicken cooks up tender and juicy in the Instant Pot, absorbing all the savory flavors.
- Eggs: Lightly scrambled, they add creaminess and protein, just like your favorite restaurant fried rice.
- Onion: Adds sweet-savory depth and wonderful aroma — don’t skip it!
- Garlic: Two cloves provide the perfect kick and warmth, infusing the rice with comfort and familiarity.
- Frozen peas and carrots: Colorful, sweet, and simple; they’re the classic veggie combo for fried rice.
- Long-grain white rice: Rinsed to remove excess starch, so each grain cooks up fluffy and separate.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the entire dish with savory flavor, much better than using water.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Delivers the essential umami punch without over-salting your creation.
- Oyster sauce (optional): For a richer, more complex sauce, just a tablespoon goes a long way.
- Sesame oil: A finishing drizzle for nutty aroma and true takeout fried rice vibes.
- White pepper: Lends gentle heat and depth that sets this rice apart from the ordinary.
- Green onions: Sliced for a fresh, snappy garnish and a pop of color on your plate.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and swirl in the first tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add the diced chicken breast. Sauté for about four to five minutes, stirring occasionally until just lightly browned. This quick sear traps flavor and ensures your chicken finishes juicy. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate so you can use those tasty juices for the next steps.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of oil into the pot, then pour in your lightly beaten eggs. Watch as they fluff and set, gently scrambled in the residual heat. Once they’re just cooked through, push the eggs to the side of the pot. This layering technique means every ingredient gets its chance to shine — just like your favorite takeout spot.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, letting them sizzle briefly. Cook for one to two minutes until fragrant and translucent; your kitchen will smell amazing! Stir in the thawed peas and carrots for an extra burst of color and sweetness. You’re already halfway to Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic.
Step 4: Add Rice and Broth
Gently stir in your well-rinsed long-grain white rice, fully coating each grain with the flavorful oil and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth, giving everything a quick mix. Now, it’s time to cancel the Sauté mode, secure the Instant Pot lid, and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for four minutes, then allow a ten-minute natural pressure release. Finish by quick-releasing any remaining pressure — the anticipation is worth it!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Carefully open the lid, then return your chicken (and all its juices) to the pot. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce if you’re using it, sesame oil, and white pepper. Stir gently to combine, letting the chicken heat through and the flavors meld. Finally, scatter green onions over the top for freshness. You’ve just made Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic — no takeout menu required!
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh green onions on top brings a final pop of color and crunch. For extra excitement, try a light dusting of toasted sesame seeds or a few dashes of your favorite chili oil. Even a squeeze of lime can make the flavors sing if you love a zesty twist!
Side Dishes
This dish is truly a showstopper on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, serve Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic alongside a crisp cucumber salad, steamed dumplings, or a bowl of miso soup. For veggie lovers, a plate of stir-fried bok choy or roasted broccoli makes a perfect pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your fried rice in big bowls for cozy comfort food appeal, or spoon it into lettuce cups for a fun appetizer or party snack. For an extra-special touch, pack the rice into a small bowl, invert it onto a plate for that classic takeout dome shape, and garnish for an eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to four days, making it a perfect lunch option or quick dinner solution for a busy week.
Freezing
This fried rice actually freezes beautifully! Portion cooled rice into freezer-safe containers or bags. Lay them flat to save space and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to relive the Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave leftovers (covered) until hot, stirring occasionally for even warming. Alternatively, toss the rice in a hot skillet for a few minutes to restore its fresh-cooked taste and a touch of crispiness — another delicious secret to reviving Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic!
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp cooks very quickly and brings a different flavor profile, while cubed tofu gives a satisfying vegetarian twist. Just sauté shrimp briefly until pink, or add tofu after pressure cooking to keep it tender.
What type Main Course
Long-grain white rice is ideal for Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic because it cooks up fluffy and non-sticky. Jasmine rice also works well; just avoid short-grain rice, which can get mushy in the pressure cooker.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, and check that your chicken broth and oyster sauce are certified gluten-free. Double-check all other ingredients to be sure.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce is optional, but it adds a deep, savory complexity. If you don’t have it or wish to omit it, your Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic will still be delicious with just soy sauce and sesame oil.
How do I get a restaurant-style “crisp” on my fried rice?
After pressure cooking, transfer the finished fried rice to a hot, lightly oiled skillet for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives it that coveted crispy texture found in restaurant fried rice!
Final Thoughts
There’s a special joy in creating a dish like Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic at home — especially when it’s this easy, satisfying, and downright delicious. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and let this flavorful, fuss-free recipe work its magic at your dinner table!
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Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a quick and flavorful meal with this Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Magic recipe. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables come together in a savory dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Eggs and Vegetables: Add the remaining oil, then add beaten eggs, scrambling until just set. Push eggs to the side, add onion and garlic, and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Stir in peas and carrots.
- Cook the Rice: Add rinsed rice and chicken broth. Cancel Sauté mode. Close the lid, set valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Combine and Serve: Open the lid and return chicken to the pot along with soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and white pepper. Stir gently to combine and heat through. Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a variation.
- For a slightly crisp texture, transfer finished fried rice to a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
