Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe: Quick & Delicious Meal

Recipe By:
Daniel Lawson
Updated:

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of chicken fried rice. The tantalizing aroma wafts through the air, inviting you to dive in and savor the flavors. Each bite is a celebration of textures, from the tender chicken to the slightly crispy rice, all perfectly seasoned with a delightful medley of soy sauce and veggies.

As I stand in my kitchen, I fondly recall the first time I whipped up this easy chicken fried rice recipe. My family erupted in cheers as they devoured it, claiming it was better than takeout. Little did they know that this culinary triumph was born from my quest to avoid dishes that required more than fifteen minutes of prep time.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This chicken fried rice recipe is so simple even your cat could make it—if only they could reach the stove
  • Packed with flavor and color, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings
  • You can easily customize it with whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand
  • Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice while impressing your family at the same time!

I still remember my neighbor’s face when she tasted this dish for the first time; she declared it a “family heirloom.”

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for ample protein; feel free to substitute with leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie for extra ease.

  • Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works best! It’s drier and won’t get mushy during cooking.

  • Fresh Vegetables: Carrots, peas, and green onions add color and crunch; opt for frozen if you’re short on time.

  • Eggs: These provide creaminess and richness; scramble them before adding them to your rice.

  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish flavorful without overpowering saltiness.

  • Sesame Oil: A drizzle elevates the flavor profile; go easy on it since a little goes a long way!

For the Sauce:

  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds an aromatic punch that’s hard to resist.

  • Ginger: Use fresh ginger for a zesty kick that brings all the flavors together.

  • Pepper: Black pepper enhances spiciness; adjust according to your heat preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your veggies and dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes everything cook evenly and quickly.

Cook the Chicken: Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

Add Vegetables: Toss in your fresh vegetables once the chicken is cooked. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they soften but still retain some crunch.

Scramble Eggs: Push everything to one side of the pan. Crack eggs into the cleared area, scrambling until they’re just set—this takes only about 1-2 minutes.

Add Rice and Sauce: Stir in your day-old cooked rice along with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and pepper. Mix everything well so every grain is coated with flavor.

Serve Hot: Once heated through and all components are combined (about 3-5 minutes), serve immediately garnished with sliced green onions for added flair.

Now you’re ready to enjoy an easy homemade chicken fried rice that will have everyone asking for seconds. Just don’t forget to save some for yourself!

You Must Know

  • This chicken fried rice recipe easy is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience
  • The sizzling sound of the ingredients cooking brings joy
  • Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable to whatever leftovers you have lurking in your fridge, making it both flavorful and efficient

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken first in a hot skillet, then add veggies and rice. This sequence ensures everything is cooked perfectly and prevents sogginess.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out proteins or toss in different vegetables based on your preferences. Experimenting with seasonings can also enhance the flavor profile uniquely.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat for optimal texture and flavor.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use day-old rice for the best texture; fresh rice tends to clump together
  • Always ensure your skillet is hot before adding ingredients for that perfect fry
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps achieve that coveted fried effect

I remember the first time I made this chicken fried rice recipe easy for my friends—everyone raved about it! It became our go-to dish for gatherings since it’s quick and impressively delicious.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen vegetables in this chicken fried rice recipe easy?

Yes, frozen vegetables work great and save prep time without sacrificing flavor.

What type of rice is best for fried rice?

Day-old jasmine or basmati rice yields the best results due to its fluffy texture.

How can I add more protein to my dish?

Consider adding shrimp, tofu, or scrambled eggs for additional protein options.

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Chicken Fried Rice

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A quick and flavorful meal that brings the essence of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. This one-pan dish features tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, all tossed together with a savory soy sauce blend. Whether you’re using leftover ingredients or cooking from scratch, this easy chicken fried rice recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Makes approximately 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
  • 4 cups day-old cooked rice
  • 1 cup fresh vegetables (carrots, peas, green onions)
  • 2 large eggs (scrambled)
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 inch fresh ginger (minced)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping vegetables and dicing chicken.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the diced chicken until golden brown (7-10 minutes).
  3. Add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes.
  4. Push the mixture to one side of the pan and scramble the eggs in the cleared space for about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Stir in day-old cooked rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Mix well and heat through for about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
  • Author: DANIEL LAWSON
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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