Chicken fried rice is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for any meal. With chicken, veggies, and soy sauce, it’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy a comforting meal in minutes. Whether you’re using leftover rice or cooking fresh, this dish is simple and satisfying.
Key Benefits of Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is more than just a tasty meal—it’s a dish that offers a range of benefits, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or a quick lunch. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a satisfying meal.
Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber-rich veggies like carrots and peas, chicken fried rice is a well-rounded dish that provides essential nutrients.
Customizable: One of the best parts of chicken fried rice is how easy it is to adjust. You can swap in your favorite veggies or protein—shrimp, beef, or even tofu work wonderfully.
Uses Leftovers: If you have leftover rice from a previous meal, this is a great way to make use of it, reducing food waste while creating a delicious new dish.
Full of Flavor: With the right blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, each bite of chicken fried rice is bursting with savory, umami goodness.
With its versatility and flavor-packed profile, chicken fried rice is a dish that will never disappoint. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, it’s a meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying.
Ingredients for Chicken Fried Rice
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 4 cups of day-old cooked rice
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions for Chicken Fried Rice
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring them together and make this flavorful chicken fried rice. Follow these simple steps for a delicious dish that’s sure to impress:
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown, about 6-7 minutes. Set it aside off the heat.
Scramble the Eggs: In the same pan, add a bit more sesame oil if needed. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and scramble until fully cooked. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside with the chicken.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add a little more oil to the pan and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then, add the mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn) and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
Combine the Rice: Add the day-old cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps and stir to combine with the vegetables. If your rice feels a bit dry, you can add a splash of soy sauce or water.
Add Chicken and Eggs: Add the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs back into the pan. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken and eggs are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
Season: Pour in the soy sauce and mix well. Taste and add salt and pepper to suit your preferences. If you want more depth of flavor, you can add a dash of sesame oil or soy sauce.
Garnish and Serve: When everything is heated through and well mixed, remove the pan from the heat and garnish with fresh green onions.
And just like that, your chicken-fried rice is ready to enjoy! It’s a simple, quick meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Rice
Here are a few pro tips to help you elevate your chicken fried rice and make it even more delicious:
Use Day-Old Rice: The best fried rice is made with rice that’s a day old. Fresh rice is too moist and sticky, which makes it harder to fry properly. Day-old rice has had time to dry out slightly, which helps it fry up perfectly, giving you that light, fluffy texture. If you don’t have leftovers, just spread your freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes before using it.
High Heat is Key: To get that signature crispy texture, make sure to cook on high heat. This will help the rice fry evenly and get that perfect golden-brown color. Be sure to use a wok or a large skillet to give the ingredients enough room to move around.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook the ingredients in batches. Overcrowding the pan will make the rice soggy instead of crispy. It’s worth the extra step to cook everything in smaller portions.
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap the veggies based on what you have in your fridge. Bell peppers, onions, or even spinach can add great flavor and color to your fried rice. Be sure to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a dash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce or even a sprinkle of Chinese five-spice powder. These little additions will bring your fried rice to the next level.
Finish with Fresh Green Onions: Garnishing with freshly chopped green onions not only adds color but also a nice crunch and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the fried rice.
Variations of Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is a versatile dish that you can easily customize based on your preferences or what you have in your kitchen. Here are a few tasty variations to switch things up:
Vegetarian Fried Rice: Skip the chicken and load up on your favorite veggies instead. Tofu or tempeh makes an excellent protein substitute. You can also add mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers to give the dish a more earthy flavor.
Beef Fried Rice: For a heartier fried rice, use thinly sliced beef (like flank steak or sirloin) in place of the chicken. Marinate the beef in a bit of soy sauce and garlic before cooking to add an extra depth of flavor.
Spicy Fried Rice: Add a kick to your fried rice by incorporating a spicy ingredient like chili flakes, sriracha, or even some diced jalapeños. Spice up the dish according to your taste for a satisfying heat.
Egg Fried Rice: If you love the richness of eggs, double the amount you use in the recipe. Scramble a few extra eggs in the pan for a more egg-forward fried rice that’s creamy and filling.
Salad Serving Suggestion for Chicken Fried Rice
A light and refreshing salad is the perfect complement to the richness of chicken fried rice. Try a simple cucumber and carrot salad with a sesame dressing to balance the dish. The cool crunch of the cucumbers and the sweetness of the carrots provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory rice. You can also add a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for extra flavor. Drizzle with a light sesame or ginger dressing for a bright, tangy finish. This salad not only adds freshness but also enhances the overall meal with a burst of texture and flavor.
FAQs about Chicken Fried Rice
What is the secret to good fried rice?
For perfect fried rice, always use cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky, making it harder to achieve that perfect fried texture. Make sure to spread the rice out on a tray to cool down quickly or store it in the fridge for a few hours. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Stir-fry in batches if needed so the rice has room to crisp up.
Is fried rice healthy?
Fried rice can be a healthy option if you use lean proteins like chicken, loads of veggies, and a light hand with the oil. To make it even healthier, use brown rice for added fiber or try substituting part of the rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
Why do you put sugar in fried rice?
A small amount of sugar is often added to fried rice to balance out the savory flavors and enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables. It helps create a more well-rounded, flavorful dish without being overpowering.
Can I fry chicken in olive oil?
Yes, you can fry chicken in olive oil. While olive oil is not as heat-resistant as some other oils, it’s still a great option for pan-frying chicken. Just be sure to use medium heat to avoid burning the oil. For a milder flavor, you can use light olive oil rather than extra virgin olive oil.