If you’re looking for a meal that’s both quick to make and bursting with flavor, look no further than Chicken Fried Rice. It’s the ideal dish for busy weeknights or when you need to throw something together for unexpected guests. Whether you’re a fan of fried rice or not, this recipe will surprise you with how easy and satisfying it is.
With just a few common ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe offers a healthy, tasty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The best part? It’s a one-pan dish, meaning fewer dishes to wash afterward!
Even if you’ve never made fried rice before, this recipe is designed to be simple enough for beginners while also providing plenty of room for customization. You can adjust it to suit your taste, add your favorite veggies, or substitute chicken for another protein you have on hand. Whatever you choose, this Chicken Fried Rice will hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick & Easy: It comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen.
Minimal Ingredients: You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen—rice, chicken, eggs, veggies, and some basic seasonings.
One-Pan Wonder: All the ingredients are cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Healthy & Flavorful: This dish packs in protein, veggies, and just the right amount of seasoning, giving you a balanced meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Customizable: Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite vegetables, using a different protein, or adjusting the seasoning to suit your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Cooked rice: Day-old rice works best for fried rice as it’s drier and easier to stir-fry without becoming mushy.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work well for this dish, but you can swap in any protein you prefer (like shrimp, pork, or tofu).
Eggs: Scrambled eggs are a must in fried rice—they add richness and texture to the dish.
Vegetables: Use any diced veggies you have on hand. Common choices include carrots, peas, corn, and green beans.
Garlic & Onion: These form the aromatic base of the dish, adding depth of flavor.
Soy Sauce: A key ingredient that adds a savory, umami kick.
Oyster Sauce: Optional but recommended, it adds a bit of sweetness and richness to balance the soy sauce.
Green Onions: For a fresh and slightly spicy garnish.
Oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for stir-frying.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice:
Prepare the Ingredients:Start by prepping all your ingredients before you begin cooking. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop your veggies, and whisk the eggs in a small bowl.
Cook the Chicken:Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with a little salt and pepper, and stir-fry until fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Scramble the Eggs:Add a bit more oil to the pan if needed, then pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them quickly, breaking them up into small pieces. Once cooked, remove from the pan and set aside with the chicken.
Cook the Vegetables:Add the diced vegetables, garlic, and onion to the pan, stir-frying until they’re tender but still slightly crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the Rice:Break up the day-old rice with your hands to ensure it’s not clumped together. Add it to the pan and stir-fry with the vegetables. Drizzle the soy sauce and oyster sauce over the rice and stir well to coat everything evenly.
Combine Everything:Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan. Toss everything together, ensuring the rice is well mixed with the chicken, eggs, and veggies.
Garnish and Serve:Sprinkle some chopped green onions over the fried rice for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve immediately while hot!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?While day-old rice is ideal for fried rice because it’s drier, you can use fresh rice in a pinch. Spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry out slightly before using.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or simply increase the amount of vegetables for a vegetarian version.
What other vegetables can I add?Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, or snap peas. The more colorful, the better!
What’s the best type of rice to use?Long-grain rice works best, but jasmine or basmati rice are also great options. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice as it can get too mushy when stir-fried.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?Yes! Brown rice is a healthier alternative and adds a slightly nutty flavor to the dish.
How do I store leftovers?Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze chicken fried rice?Yes, fried rice freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in a pan.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
Is oyster sauce necessary?Oyster sauce adds a deeper flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it or use a bit more soy sauce and a pinch of sugar.
How can I add more flavor to the dish?To boost flavor, try adding a dash of sesame oil, chili flakes for heat, or a splash of fish sauce for extra umami.
Final Thoughts:
This Chicken Fried Rice recipe is truly the ultimate solution for when you need a quick, easy, and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for using up leftover rice and vegetables, making it a great fridge-cleanout recipe. Plus, it’s so customizable that you can adjust it to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or just need a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. With its crispy bits of rice, tender chicken, and a delightful blend of veggies, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Try it today and see why it might just become your new go-to favorite!
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