Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Easy 20 Min Family Fast

Weeknights can feel like a marathon, and the last thing you want to do is hover over a hot stove for an hour. This Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Easy 20 Min Family Fast recipe is your ultimate secret weapon for those hectic evenings. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables all coming together in one single pot. No more boiling rice separately or dealing with multiple pans. This dish captures that classic takeout flavor with half the effort and much healthier ingredients. Your family will love the savory aroma, and you will love the fact that cleanup is a breeze. Let’s get this delicious meal on your table in record time!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition values

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 58g

Why Make This Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Easy 20 Min Family Fast

This recipe is a game-changer for busy households because it eliminates the need for day-old rice. Traditional fried rice requires cold, pre-cooked rice to prevent mushiness, but the Instant Pot pressure-cooking method handles fresh rice beautifully. You save time, reduce the number of dishes to wash, and provide a balanced meal containing protein, carbs, and greens. It is also incredibly budget-friendly, using pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Plus, it is much faster than waiting for a delivery driver!

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into small 1/2-inch cubes
• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (rinsed thoroughly)
• 1.5 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken

Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the vegetable oil. Once the pot is hot, toss in the diced chicken. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes until it is no longer pink on the outside. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant. Press “Cancel” to stop the sautéing process.

Step 2: Layer the Rice and Liquids

Add the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil to the pot, stirring to deglaze the bottom (scrape up any brown bits to avoid the “burn” notice). Pour in the chicken broth. Add the rinsed white rice on top, but do not stir it. Push the rice down slightly with a spoon to ensure it is submerged in the liquid. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on High Pressure and set the timer for 3 minutes. When the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining steam.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vegetables

Open the lid and immediately stir in the frozen peas and carrots; the residual heat will cook them perfectly. Create a small well in the center of the rice. Pour in the beaten eggs and gently fold them into the hot rice. The heat from the rice will scramble the eggs in about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 5: Plating

Give the rice a final toss to distribute the chicken and vegetables evenly. Taste and add an extra splash of soy sauce if desired. Scoop generous portions into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Easy 20 Min Family Fast

To ensure the best results, always rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. Another tip is to cut the chicken into small, uniform pieces so they cook through quickly during the short pressure cycle. If you like a crispier texture, you can turn the Sauté function back on for a minute after the eggs are cooked and let the bottom of the rice crisp up slightly. Finally, always use a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming perfectly.

Delicious Variations

• Shrimp Version: Swap the chicken for peeled and deveined shrimp. Add the shrimp at the very end during the “Sauté” phase after the rice is done, as they cook in minutes.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra veggies like corn, bell peppers, or diced mushrooms.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a tablespoon of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce once the cooking is complete for a nice heat level.
• Brown Rice: If using brown rice, increase the broth to 1.75 cups and the cook time to 22 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It is best to use thawed chicken for this specific 3-minute cook time. Frozen chicken would require a longer cooking duration, which would result in overcooked, mushy rice.

What is the best type of rice to use?
Long-grain white rice or Jasmine rice works best. Avoid using “instant” rice or “minute” rice, as they will turn into paste under pressure.

Why did I get a “Burn” notice?
This usually happens if bits of chicken are stuck to the bottom of the pot. Make sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly with the broth and soy sauce before adding the rice.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but keep the cooking time the same. Ensure you do not exceed the “Max Fill” line of your Instant Pot.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Easy 20 Min Family Fast is the perfect solution for anyone craving comfort food without the long wait. It is efficient, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. By using the Instant Pot, you have mastered the art of making a one-pot meal that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant. Give this recipe a try tonight and enjoy the extra time you save for yourself and your family!

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