Pot Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, flavorful dish that comes together effortlessly, and that’s exactly what Pot Chicken Fried Rice delivers. This recipe beautifully blends tender chicken, fragrant jasmine rice, crisp carrots, and bright green peas, all cooked in a single pot for a satisfying meal packed with taste and texture. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, Pot Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients—they each play an essential role in creating the harmony of flavors and textures that make Pot Chicken Fried Rice so special. From the fragrant garlic to the savory chicken broth, each component elevates the dish in its own unique way.

• Vegetable oil (2 teaspoons, divided): Helps cook the eggs and garlic smoothly without sticking.
• Eggs (2, whisked): Adds a soft, rich protein element and lovely texture contrast.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses a fragrant, savory base that wakes up the dish.
• Chicken broth (1 1/4 cups): Provides flavorful liquid to cook the rice perfectly and keep it moist.
• Chicken breast (1 lb, diced 1/2-inch): Tender protein that soaks up all those tasty notes.
• Carrots (1 cup, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
• Jasmine rice (1 1/2 cups, rinsed well): Aromatic and fluffy, it’s the perfect base for fried rice.
• Frozen peas (1/2 cup, thawed): Pops of freshness and color, balancing the heartier ingredients.
• Soy sauce or wheat-free tamari (3-4 tablespoons): The salty, umami kick that ties the dish together.
• Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle nutty aroma that finishes the dish beautifully.
• Sliced green onion (optional): For a fresh, crisp garnish that adds brightness.
• Hot sauce or sriracha (optional): Gives a spicy note for anyone who loves a little heat.

How to Make Pot Chicken Fried Rice

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 the whisked eggs and gently push them around with a spatula until they’re fully cooked and fluffy. Don’t worry if a bit of egg sticks to the bottom—that adds extra flavor later! Transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze

Next, heat the remaining teaspoon of vegetable oil in the pot. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until you smell that wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. Turn off the Sauté function, pour in a small splash of chicken broth, and use a spatula to scrape up every last bit stuck on the bottom. This step prevents any burning and locks in wonderful caramelized flavors.

Step 3: Add Broth, Chicken, Carrots, and Rice

Pour in the rest of the chicken broth. Then add your diced chicken breast, followed by the carrots and rinsed jasmine rice. Gently push the rice so it’s just submerged in the broth, but resist stirring everything together at this point. This layering method helps the rice cook perfectly and prevents it from turning mushy.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Rice

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on Manual high pressure for 3 minutes. When the timer goes off, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before doing a quick release on the rest. This gentle pressure and release timing is key to cooking the rice just right and ensuring the chicken is tender.

Step 5: Finish with Sauce, Peas, and Egg

Once you remove the lid, stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil to coat the rice evenly with their delicious flavors. Then fold in the thawed peas and your previously cooked scrambled eggs. Place the lid slightly ajar on the pot for a couple of minutes to let everything warm through. This step brings all the ingredients together into a harmony of tastes and textures.

How to Serve Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like thinly sliced green onions add a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor that complements the rich chicken and savory rice. For those who enjoy a little heat, drizzling hot sauce or sriracha over the top adds an exciting spicy twist that wakes up every bite.

Side Dishes

Pot Chicken Fried Rice shines brilliantly as a standalone dish, but pairing it with light sides like crunchy cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or even easy kimchi can elevate your meal experience by adding contrasting textures and brightening flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, shareable presentation, serve the fried rice in hollowed-out bell peppers or scoop it into lettuce cups for added crunch. You could also mold the rice in a bowl then flip it onto a plate to create a neat, restaurant-style dome that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Pot Chicken Fried Rice into airtight containers and store them in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

Pot Chicken Fried Rice freezes perfectly. Just make sure to cool it completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this tasty dish whenever you want with minimal prep.

Reheating

When reheating, sprinkle a little water over the rice to prevent it from drying out, then warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally to redistribute moisture and heat evenly, bringing back that fresh-from-the-pot goodness.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook and may require adjusting the liquid amount and pressure cooking time for the best results.

Is it possible to make Pot Chicken Fried Rice without an Instant Pot?

You can make it on the stovetop by cooking the chicken and garlic first, then adding the rice and broth and simmering until tender. The timing will change, so keep an eye on the rice to avoid overcooking.

Can I swap chicken for another protein?

Yes! Shrimp, tofu, or diced pork work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time to suit the protein you choose so everything cooks evenly.

What’s the best way to rinse jasmine rice?

Rinse jasmine rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy, non-sticky rice perfect for fried rice dishes.

How do I avoid the burn warning on the Instant Pot?

Scraping the browned bits off the bottom after sautéing garlic and adding a bit of broth to deglaze helps prevent burning. Be sure the rice isn’t stirring into those bits and layer the ingredients as directed.

Final Thoughts

Pot Chicken Fried Rice is a shining example of how a few thoughtful ingredients and simple steps come together to create pure comfort food magic. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over again—whether for family dinners, meal prepping, or when you just want something delicious and hassle-free. Give it a try and I bet it’ll become one of your new favorites!

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