Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a variety of vibrant vegetables. This classic Asian-inspired dish is both satisfying and versatile, making it a popular choice for quick weeknight dinners or as a side dish for larger meals. It’s the ultimate comfort food with its savory taste, rich textures, and the ability to be customized with a variety of ingredients depending on what you have on hand.

The beauty of Chicken Fried Rice lies in its simplicity. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and turn it into a flavorful, hearty meal. With the addition of protein-rich chicken, colorful vegetables, and a punchy sauce, Chicken Fried Rice becomes a balanced dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Plus, it’s an easy dish to prepare that requires minimal cooking time, making it perfect for busy nights when you crave something homemade and delicious.

This guide will take you through each step of making Chicken Fried Rice, from cooking the chicken to stir-frying the rice, and provide helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time. We’ll also suggest some variations to suit different dietary preferences and give you ideas for pairing this dish with other sides.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Fried Rice

• Flavorsome and Savory: Chicken Fried Rice is packed with umami flavors from ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and the savory goodness of chicken. The dish is well-seasoned and full of depth, making each bite enjoyable.
• Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for busy nights, requiring only about 20-25 minutes of cooking time. It’s an efficient way to use leftover rice and transform it into a flavorful meal in no time.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or use up whatever vegetables and proteins you have on hand. It’s great for making a personalized dish for picky eaters or accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Balanced Meal: Chicken Fried Rice includes protein from the chicken, vegetables for fiber and vitamins, and carbohydrates from the rice. It’s a complete meal in one bowl.
• Great for Leftovers: If you have leftover rice, this dish is an excellent way to repurpose it. The flavors meld together even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion size.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 4-5g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Fried Rice:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced
• 4 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or fresh if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for added depth)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 small bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• Red pepper flakes or sriracha (for added heat)
• Crushed cashews or peanuts (for added crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts (or thighs) into small, bite-sized cubes. This allows the chicken to cook quickly and evenly. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown on the outside. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. You can cover it to keep it warm while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet or wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor). Add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir frequently to avoid burning.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing it to become fragrant. If you’re using ginger or bell pepper, add them at this stage and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Add the frozen peas and carrots (or fresh vegetables if preferred), and stir well. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are heated through. You can also add corn at this stage if you want to include it.

3. Scramble the Eggs

Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Add a little more oil if necessary and pour in the beaten eggs. Allow the eggs to cook for 1-2 minutes, scrambling them gently as they cook. Once they’re fully cooked, mix them into the vegetables and set aside.

4. Fry the Rice

Add the cold, day-old rice to the pan. Cold rice is ideal because it won’t stick together or become mushy when fried. If you’re using fresh rice, be sure to let it cool to room temperature first.

Use a spatula to break up any clumps of rice and stir it well into the vegetable and egg mixture. Stir-fry the rice for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to heat through and develop some slight crispiness on the edges.

5. Season the Fried Rice

Once the rice is heated through, drizzle the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil over the rice. Stir well to ensure all the rice is coated in the sauce and the flavors are evenly distributed.

Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning. If you like it saltier, add more soy sauce; for a little more sweetness, a pinch of sugar will balance the flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like your fried rice spicy.

6. Combine the Chicken

Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the rice. Stir everything together, making sure the chicken is well mixed with the rice and vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is hot and combined.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the fried rice is ready, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and any additional toppings you like, such as crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch.

Serve the Chicken Fried Rice immediately as a main dish or alongside other Asian-inspired sides like dumplings or spring rolls. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Rice

• Use Cold Rice: Fresh rice can become mushy when fried. Using cold, day-old rice is the secret to achieving the perfect texture in fried rice. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook the rice and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly before using it in the recipe.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, it’s best to cook the fried rice in two batches rather than overcrowding the pan. This ensures that the rice fries properly and gets that crispy texture.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add any vegetables you love. Some great additions include bell peppers, corn, or even mushrooms. You can also use frozen vegetable mixes to save time.
• Add Protein Variations: While chicken is the classic protein for this dish, you can swap it out for other proteins like shrimp, pork, or tofu for different flavor profiles.
• Control the Saltiness: Soy sauce can vary in saltiness, so be sure to taste your fried rice as you go and adjust the seasoning. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content if needed.
• Use a Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal for fried rice, as it allows for easy stirring and tossing. However, a large skillet works just as well if you don’t have a wok.

Variations of Chicken Fried Rice

• Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice: For a seafood twist, you can combine chicken with shrimp. Simply cook the shrimp the same way you cook the chicken and add them to the fried rice at the end.
• Vegetarian Fried Rice: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, peas, corn, and bell peppers. You can also add tofu for protein.
• Spicy Chicken Fried Rice: Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili paste to the dish for some heat. You can also stir in fresh chopped chili peppers for an extra kick.
• Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice: Add chunks of pineapple to the fried rice for a sweet and savory twist. The fruit pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of soy sauce and sesame oil.
• Chicken Fried Rice with Cashews: For added texture, stir in some roasted cashews or peanuts. The crunchy nuts complement the softness of the rice and vegetables, giving the dish a delicious contrast.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to store leftovers, let the fried rice cool down to room temperature before refrigerating. Reheat it in a pan over medium heat, adding a bit of oil or water to prevent it from drying out.

You can also freeze Chicken Fried Rice for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Fried Rice

While Chicken Fried Rice is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal:

• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Crispy egg rolls or fresh spring rolls with dipping sauce make a great appetizer to serve alongside Chicken Fried Rice.
• Chinese Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with pork or vegetables pair perfectly with fried rice for a satisfying meal.
• Asian Soup: A light soup like miso soup or hot and sour soup makes an excellent starter to enjoy with the fried rice.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Pair your fried rice with a simple stir-fry of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for added nutrition and color.
• Asian-Style Salad: A fresh cucumber and sesame salad would make a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried rice.

Print

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Rice is a beloved dish that combines savory flavors, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables, making it a comforting, satisfying meal. It’s quick, easy to make, and highly customizable, so it’s perfect for using up leftover rice or experimenting with different ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or simply for a tasty dish, Chicken Fried Rice is sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy the deliciousness of this classic dish and make it your own with the many variations and add-ins available!