Chicken Fried Rice
If you are craving something delicious, effortless, and packed with flavor, our easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe is exactly what you need tonight. This classic dish combines tender chicken, fragrant rice, vegetables, and a blend of savory sauces to create a quick meal that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re a kitchen beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a comforting dish rich in texture and taste. Let’s dive into making an irresistible Chicken Fried Rice that will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to using just one skillet or wok.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily adapt to what you have on hand or dietary preferences.
- Balanced Nutrition: Combines protein, veggies, and carbohydrates for a fulfilling meal.
- Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, making dinner time easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken Fried Rice charms with simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from tender chicken adding protein, to fresh veggies for vibrant color and crunch, and the sauces giving the perfect blend of salty and umami flavors. Here’s what you’ll gather for this tasty dish:
- Cooked Rice: Preferably day-old rice for the ideal texture without clumping.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick cooking and tenderness.
- Vegetable Mix: A colorful blend of peas, carrots, and green onions adds freshness and crunch.
- Soy Sauce: The salty backbone that brings deep flavor to the fried rice.
- Eggs: Lightly scrambled for added richness and extra protein.
- Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics introduce warmth and spice to elevate the dish.
- Sesame Oil: A small drizzle for its distinctive nutty aroma that makes the recipe special.
- Optional Extras: Corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added for variety.
Variations for Chicken Fried Rice
The best part about Chicken Fried Rice is how flexible it is. Feel free to switch things up based on what you love or what’s available in your pantry, making it perfect for anyone’s taste or dietary needs.
- Vegetable-Loaded: Boost your veggie intake by adding broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chopped chilies to turn up the heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice for cauliflower rice to create a lighter, grain-free version.
- Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a different protein twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Chop your chicken into small, even pieces and finely dice the vegetables to ensure quick and even cooking. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them lightly to prepare for scrambling.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
In the same pan, add the beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Follow with the mixed vegetables and green onions; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Rice and Proteins
Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Return the chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir everything together to combine well.
Step 6: Season and Finish
Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture. Stir continuously to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized in spots. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Fried Rice
- Use Day-Old Rice: It’s drier and less sticky, perfect for that classic fried rice texture.
- High Heat Cooking: Using high heat helps achieve a nice sear and authentic wok flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the ingredients.
- Prep Everything First: Fried rice cooks fast, so having all ingredients ready saves time and stress.
- Adjust Soy Sauce to Taste: Add gradually to prevent oversalting the dish.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime juice make fantastic garnishes that uplift the dish’s flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Complement your Chicken Fried Rice with light, crisp sides like cucumber salad or steamed dumplings to create a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your fried rice in a hollowed pineapple for a tropical twist or pair it with a fried egg on top for an extra indulgent touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the rice flavorful and fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your Chicken Fried Rice in portioned containers for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to restore moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and soft, which can make the fried rice mushy; if you must use fresh rice, spread it out to cool and dry before cooking.
What type of rice is best for Chicken Fried Rice?
Long-grain rice like jasmine is ideal because it stays fluffy and separates easily during frying.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the chicken and replace it with tofu or additional vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
Is sesame oil necessary for the recipe?
While sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and depth, you can leave it out or substitute with a mild vegetable oil if needed.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Make sure your pan is hot before adding the rice, and use a little oil to coat the surface; stir frequently but gently.
Final Thoughts
Give this easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe a try tonight and enjoy a home-cooked meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Its simplicity combined with endless customization options makes it a kitchen hero you’ll want to rely on time and time again. Happy cooking!
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Chicken Fried Rice
This easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe combines tender chicken, fragrant day-old rice, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces to create a quick, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and customizable options, it’s a comforting dish loved by the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free (with tamari or coconut aminos substitution)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked day-old long-grain rice (preferably jasmine)
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green onions)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup corn, diced
- ½ cup bell peppers, diced
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
- Chili flakes or sriracha (for a spicy kick)
- Broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini (for vegetable-loaded variation)
- Tamari or coconut aminos (for gluten-free alternative to soy sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop chicken into small, even pieces. Finely dice vegetables to ensure quick, uniform cooking. Crack eggs into a bowl and whisk lightly to prepare for scrambling.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs: In the same pan, add the beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set. Remove eggs from the pan and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add additional vegetable oil if needed. Toss in minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add mixed vegetables and green onions (plus any optional vegetables if using); stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Combine Rice and Proteins: Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Season and Finish: Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil evenly over the mixture. Stir continuously to coat all ingredients thoroughly. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized in spots. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for the ideal fried rice texture and to avoid clumping.
- Cook on high heat to achieve a nice sear and authentic wok flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to prevent steaming.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking as the dish cooks quickly.
- Add soy sauce gradually to avoid oversalting.
- Freshly cooked rice can be used if spread out to cool and dry before cooking.
- For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- To make vegetarian, omit chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: chicken fried rice, easy fried rice, quick chicken dinner, one-pan meal, Asian stir fry, weeknight dinner, gluten free fried rice
