Instant Pot Ginger Scallion Chicken and Rice Bowl

Inspired by the success of my Ginger-Scallion Noodles, I adapted that bright, flavorful profile into a lighter, healthier meal with chicken and rice. This Ginger-Scallion Chicken & Rice features a simple Cantonese-style ginger-scallion oil—just a few fresh ingredients—and cooked chicken folded into brown (or white) rice for a satisfying, guilt-free dish. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and a regular on my slimming journey. Below is a clear, natural guide to making it at home.

Make the Rice

Rinsed brown rice being added to Instant Pot — Begin by adding rinsed brown or white rice to the Instant Pot.

Broth being added to Instant Pot — Use broth for extra flavor or plain water.

Stirring rice with liquid — Stir so the rice is submerged, then cook under high pressure.

Make the Ginger-Scallion Oil

A bunch of scallions and knob of ginger — While the rice cooks, prepare the ginger-scallion oil with scallions and fresh ginger.

Peeled and roughly chopped ginger and scallions — Peel and roughly chop the ginger and scallions.

Ginger and scallions in food processor — Pulse them in a food processor until finely minced.

Ginger and scallions finely minced in food processor — A fine mince releases the most aroma and flavor.

Salad dressing shaker with vegetable or avocado oil in it — Combine oil (vegetable or avocado) in a bowl or shaker.

Minced ginger and scallion and soy sauce added to oil in salad dressing shaker — Add the minced ginger and scallions, plus soy sauce.

Kosher salt added to salad shaker — Season with kosher salt to taste.

Shaking oil in shaker — Shake or stir to combine the oil and aromatics thoroughly.

Finished ginger-scallion oil — The result is a fragrant, savory ginger-scallion oil ready to dress the rice.

Marry the Rice with the Oil

Cooked rice in pot — When the rice finishes, it should be tender and fluffy.

Adding oil to rice in pot — Pour the ginger-scallion oil over the hot rice to infuse it with flavor.

Add the Chicken

Adding pre-cooked chicken to pot — Fold in pre-cooked chicken so it warms through without drying out.

Example of pre-cooked chicken — Rotisserie or pre-grilled chicken strips work especially well.

Mixing everything together — Stir gently until the rice, oil and chicken are evenly combined.

Taste Test

Man showing finished rice in a bowl — Serve in bowls and enjoy a bright, healthy meal.

Mn tasting rice — Give it a taste and adjust salt or soy sauce if desired.

Man looking happy and surprised — Enjoy how light, simple, and flavorful this meal is.

Instant Pot Ginger Scallion Chicken & Brown Rice

Yield: 6

Instant Pot Ginger-Scallion Chicken & Brown Rice

Light, fresh, and deeply flavorful, this dish pairs fragrant ginger-scallion oil with tender rice and chicken for an easy weeknight meal that’s also great for meal prep.

Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
15 minutes

Additional Time
10 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

Ingredients

The Rice

2 cups brown, white, or jasmine rice, rinsed
2 cups broth of your choice or water

The Ginger-Scallion Oil

1 bunch scallions, roughly chopped
4-inch knob of ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
2/3 cup vegetable or avocado oil
2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

The Chicken

1 pound pre-cooked chicken (grilled strips or rotisserie meat work well)

Instructions

Add the rinsed rice and broth (or water) to the Instant Pot. Stir so the rice is submerged. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high: 15 minutes for brown rice or 3 minutes for white/jasmine. Allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Make the ginger-scallion oil: add the chopped ginger and scallions to a food processor and blend until finely minced. Combine the oil, minced aromatics, soy sauce, and salt in a bowl or shaker, then mix or shake until combined.
Pour the ginger-scallion oil over the hot rice, add the pre-cooked chicken, and gently stir until everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve.

Jeffrey’s Tips

You can substitute chilled cooked shrimp or crab for the chicken for a different variation.