Effortless Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice: Your Ultimate Panda Express Copycat
Craving the savory, satisfying flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout but want to enjoy it from the comfort of your home? This Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice recipe is your ticket to a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal. Forget the long waits and delivery fees – with this pressure cooker rendition, you can recreate that beloved Panda Express fried rice experience right in your kitchen. It’s packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked eggs, making it a complete meal that’s sure to become a weeknight staple.
Unlock the Secret to Panda Express Copycat Fried Rice at Home
Many of us agree that Panda Express has perfected the art of fried rice – a harmonious blend of savory goodness, fluffy rice, and a generous mix of eggs and fresh vegetables in every bite. This recipe aims to capture that same irresistible magic, bringing the authentic taste and texture of your takeout favorite straight to your dinner table. By utilizing the Instant Pot, we simplify the cooking process without sacrificing any of that signature flavor. Our pressure cooker fried rice mirrors the original, featuring a hearty amount of scrambled eggs, sweet peas, crisp carrots, and aromatic green onions.
To elevate this dish from a simple side to a fulfilling main course, we incorporate succulent shredded chicken. This addition not only boosts the protein content but also ensures a well-rounded and satisfying meal. However, if you’re aiming for an exact replication of Panda Express’s classic fried rice, or prefer a vegetarian option, feel free to omit the chicken. We’ve included various protein ideas further down in the “Recipe Substitutions and Variations” section to help you customize this easy fried rice recipe to your liking.
For those who love bringing the flavors of their favorite takeout restaurants into their kitchen, explore some of my other popular, quick, and easy recipes. Try my Sweet & Spicy Chicken Bites for a delightful kick, a comforting Ramen Stir Fry for a fast meal, the incredibly simple Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, or my flavorful Honey Sesame Chicken. Many of these easy chicken dinners are designed for one-pot cooking and can be ready on your table in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Fried Rice
Crafting delicious homemade Instant Pot chicken fried rice starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Most of these items are pantry staples, ensuring that a fantastic meal is always within reach. Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish:
- Long-Grain White Rice: Crucial for the perfect, separate grains that are ideal for fried rice. Rinsing is key to prevent stickiness.
- Water: For cooking the rice to fluffy perfection in the Instant Pot. Consider chicken broth for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: Or canola oil, for sautéing the vegetables and eggs, and preventing sticking.
- Frozen Peas and Carrots: A convenient and vibrant mix that adds sweetness and texture.
- Large Eggs: Whisked and scrambled into small, fluffy pieces, a hallmark of excellent fried rice.
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded or cubed. This makes the dish a complete meal. Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully!
- Soy Sauce: The cornerstone of fried rice flavor. Use a good quality, preferably low-sodium, soy sauce.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds an essential aromatic depth.
- Ginger Paste: Offers a bright, pungent flavor. Freshly grated ginger can also be used.
- Green Onions: Chopped for a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant green garnish.
- Sesame Seeds (optional): For a final nutty garnish and added visual appeal.
Recipe Substitutions and Flavorful Variations
One of the best things about homemade fried rice is its versatility. Feel free to customize this Instant Pot fried rice recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Enhanced Flavor with Broth: For a richer, more profound depth of flavor, consider cooking your rice in chicken broth instead of plain water. This simple swap significantly elevates the savory notes of the entire dish.
- Make it Vegetarian: Easily transform this into a delicious vegetarian fried rice by simply omitting the chicken. You can add extra vegetables or even some firm tofu for added protein.
- Alternate Proteins: Have other cooked proteins available? This recipe is incredibly forgiving. Replace the chicken with an equal amount of cooked shrimp, diced pork, or thinly sliced steak. For best results, ensure these proteins are already cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the fried rice.
- Adjusting Eggs to Taste: While we love a generous amount of eggs in our fried rice (just like Panda Express!), if you’re not as big of an “egg-fanatic,” you can easily reduce the quantity. Using 2 or 3 large eggs will still provide that classic texture and flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and texture by adding other quick-cooking vegetables. Think diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, corn kernels, or even broccoli florets. Add them to the Instant Pot along with the peas and carrots, or sauté them briefly if they require more cooking time.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of Sriracha sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in at the end can add a delightful kick to your homemade fried rice.
- Different Rice Types: While long-grain white rice is recommended for its ideal texture, you can experiment with other types. Jasmine rice works well, and for a healthier twist, brown rice can be used, though you’ll need to adjust the Instant Pot cooking time accordingly (typically longer).
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Instant Pot Fried Rice
Making this incredible chicken fried rice in your Instant Pot is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for a quick, flavorful, and perfectly cooked meal:
- Prepare the Rice: Begin by thoroughly rinsing your long-grain white rice under cool running water in a colander until the water runs clear. This crucial step removes excess starch from the surface of the rice, which is key to achieving separate, fluffy grains and preventing them from becoming clumpy during cooking. After rinsing, drain the rice well.
- Cook the Rice in Instant Pot: Add the rinsed rice and the specified amount of water (or chicken broth) to the Instant Pot liner. Give it a quick stir to ensure the rice is evenly distributed. Secure the lid, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place, and set the vent to the sealing position. Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) function and set the cooking time to 3 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes (this helps finish cooking the rice gently). After 10 minutes, carefully manually release any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, open the lid, fluff the perfectly cooked rice with a fork, and then transfer it to a large bowl to set aside. Rinse out the Instant Pot liner to prevent any rice from sticking for the next step.
- Sauté Aromatics, Veggies, and Eggs: Return the clean pot liner to the Instant Pot. Select the “Cancel” button, then press “Sauté” on the Instant Pot. Add the vegetable oil to the pot and allow it to heat up for about a minute. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Next, add the frozen peas and carrots to the pot and cook them for approximately 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are thawed and warmed through. Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pot, creating an empty space. Pour the whisked eggs into this empty area. Allow them to cook for about 30 seconds, then gently scramble the eggs, stirring constantly and breaking them into small pieces. When the eggs are just about cooked through but still slightly moist, stir them together with the vegetables until everything is well combined and cooked.
- Combine and Heat: Return the cooked and fluffed rice to the Instant Pot with the sautéed vegetables and eggs. Add the cooked, shredded chicken, soy sauce, and ginger paste. Stir all the ingredients together gently but thoroughly, ensuring everything is well combined and coated with the sauce. Continue to cook on the “Sauté” setting for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the ingredients are heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Press “Cancel” to turn off the Sauté setting. Stir in the chopped green onions, reserving some for garnish if desired. Serve your homemade Instant Pot chicken fried rice warm, topped with additional fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation. Enjoy this quick and easy weeknight meal!
Why the Instant Pot is Perfect for Fried Rice
Using an Instant Pot to make fried rice might seem unconventional, but it offers several distinct advantages that make it an ideal tool for this popular dish:
- Perfectly Cooked Rice Every Time: The Instant Pot excels at cooking rice. Its pressure cooking function ensures consistent, fluffy, and perfectly separated grains, which is crucial for good fried rice and often challenging to achieve on the stovetop.
- One-Pot Convenience: From cooking the rice to sautéing vegetables, scrambling eggs, and combining all ingredients, the Instant Pot allows you to do it all in a single pot. This significantly reduces cleanup, making it a true weeknight hero.
- Speed and Efficiency: While the rice has a cook time and natural release, the active cooking time for the vegetables and assembly is incredibly fast. This makes homemade fried rice a quick alternative to ordering takeout.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once the rice is set to pressure cook, you’re free to prepare other ingredients or attend to other tasks, making the cooking process more relaxed.
- Consistent Heat: The sauté function on the Instant Pot provides consistent heat, perfect for quickly cooking vegetables and scrambling eggs without uneven results.
Tips for Flawlessly Delicious Fried Rice
To ensure your Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Rinse Your Rice Thoroughly: As mentioned in the instructions, don’t skip this step! It’s vital for removing surface starch and achieving distinct, non-clumpy rice grains.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: While the Instant Pot is versatile, avoid overfilling it when sautéing. This allows ingredients to cook evenly and caramelize slightly rather than steam.
- Use Quality Soy Sauce: A good quality soy sauce makes a noticeable difference in the overall flavor profile. Low-sodium varieties are often preferred to control saltiness.
- Fresh Aromatics are Key: Freshly minced garlic and ginger paste provide the most vibrant and authentic flavors. Avoid powdered alternatives if possible.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste your fried rice and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more soy sauce, a pinch of salt, or a dash of black pepper.
- Pre-Cooked Chicken is Essential: Ensure your chicken is already cooked and shredded or cubed before you start. This allows for quick incorporation into the fried rice.
Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice is a satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of complementary dishes to create a full Asian-inspired feast. Consider serving it alongside:
- Crispy egg rolls or spring rolls with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
- A simple cucumber salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for added greens.
- Wonton soup for a comforting appetizer.
Storage and Reheating Your Fried Rice
Leftover fried rice can be just as delicious as when it’s freshly made, provided it’s stored and reheated correctly:
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation.
- Reheating for Best Texture: While microwaving is convenient, it can often dry out fried rice, leaving it less appealing. For the best texture, I highly recommend reheating your fried rice in a frying pan or even back in your Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function. Heat a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil over medium-high heat, then add the fried rice and stir-fry for several minutes until it’s heated through and slightly crispy.
- Microwave Tip: If you must use a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the bowl of fried rice before heating. This helps to trap moisture, preventing the rice from becoming too dry. Reheat in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
More Instant Pot Recipes to Discover
The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that makes countless recipes quick and easy. If you enjoyed this Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice, you might also love exploring these other delicious Instant Pot creations:
- Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi
- Instant Pot Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
- Crack Chicken in the Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice rinsed
- 2 ½ cups water
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
- 1 10-ounce package frozen peas and carrots
- 4 large eggs whisked
- 1 cup cooked chicken shredded or cubed
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon ginger paste
- ¼ cup green onions chopped
- 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds optional
Instructions
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Add rice and water to your Instant Pot and stir. Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select Pressure Cook and set to 3 minutes. When done, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Then quick-release any remaining pressure. Fluff rice with a fork, then transfer to a large bowl and set aside. Rinse the pot liner out to remove any stuck-on rice.
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Select Cancel followed by Sauté. Add oil and garlic. Saute garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute), stirring often. Add frozen peas and carrots and cook until thawed and warmed (about 1 minute). Push the cooked vegetables to the side of the pot, creating an empty space. Pour whisked eggs into the empty side of the pot and scramble them, stirring constantly and breaking them up into small pieces. When eggs are almost cooked stir together with the vegetables until cooked through.
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Return the rice to the pot and add chicken, soy sauce, and ginger. Stir and cook until everything is heated through (about 1-2 minutes).
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Turn off by selecting Cancel. Stir in green onions. Serve warm, topped with additional green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
To make vegetarian fried rice, or a more exact Panda Express copycat, leave out the chicken.
You can also swap the chicken for another protein such as pork, steak, or shrimp.
If you aren’t as much of an egg-fanatic as we are you can cut down on the number of eggs.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a frying pan with some oil.
Nutrition
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