There’s something magical about Chicken Fried Rice. Picture this: fluffy rice, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies, all dancing together in a hot wok, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm hug on a chilly day. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the vegetables and a savory burst from the soy sauce, making it impossible to stop at just one serving.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen vegetables in Chicken Fried Rice?
- What type of rice is best for fried rice?
- How can I make Chicken Fried Rice spicy?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s steeped in memories. I remember whipping up Chicken Fried Rice for my friends during our college days, where laughter filled the air as we tried to outdo each other with outrageous ingredient combinations. taco rice for a satisfying meal Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion with family, this recipe always brings smiles and satisfied bellies. You might also enjoy this Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Chicken Fried Rice is quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights. Its flavor profile combines savory and slightly sweet notes that appeal to everyone. The colorful presentation makes it visually appealing and fun for kids. It’s versatile enough to use leftover proteins or veggies, so feel free to get creative! [/info_box]
I still chuckle when I think of how my friends were surprised by how delicious my Chicken Fried Rice turned out that night!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Cooked Rice: Use day-old rice if possible; it’s dryer and will fry better without becoming mushy.
Carrots: Freshly diced carrots add sweetness and crunch; choose ones that are firm and vibrant in color.
Green Peas: Frozen peas work perfectly here; they’re convenient and add a pop of color and nutrition.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide freshness; use both the green tops and white parts for flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish an aromatic kick; be generous if you love that garlicky goodness!
Eggs: Scrambled eggs add richness; you’ll need 2-3 large eggs for optimal flavor.
For the Sauce:
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil enhances depth; remember it’s potent—just a little goes a long way!
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Cornstarch (optional): If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water before adding it to your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather your ingredients because we’re diving right into cooking Chicken Fried Rice! Follow these simple steps for delicious results every time.
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your chicken into bite-sized pieces. chicken burrito bowls for easy prep Dice the carrots and slice the green onions while you let your rice chill in its bowl. You might also enjoy this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sauté until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Veggies: Toss in diced carrots and garlic with the chicken. Stir-fry until the carrots soften slightly and release their sweet aroma—around 3 minutes will do!
Sauté Rice: Add cooked rice into the pan along with peas and soy sauce. Stir everything together vigorously until evenly mixed; let it sizzle for about 5 minutes so it gets crispy edges.
Add Eggs: Push your fried rice mixture aside and scramble eggs in the empty space until fully cooked. Then stir them into your rice for extra creaminess!
Add Final Touches: Finish off by adding chopped green onions and sesame oil. Give everything one last stir—let those flavors mingle beautifully for another minute!
Now you’re ready to serve up some fantastic Chicken Fried Rice! Enjoy each bite knowing you’ve created something truly special—perfectly seasoned with love (and maybe some laughter).
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Chicken Fried Rice is not just a meal; it’s a way to use up leftovers creatively. The sizzling sound of rice frying in the pan is music to my ears, and the aroma will have everyone flocking to the kitchen! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, cook your chicken until golden brown while your rice is cooking separately. Once everything’s ready, stir-fry the veggies and add them to the mix. This sequence ensures that every ingredient shines at its best.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for variety. Toss in some pineapple for a sweet twist or add extra soy sauce for that umami punch. buffalo chicken peppers for a twist Personalizing your Chicken Fried Rice can create delightful surprises!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, toss it into a hot skillet or microwave until warmed through. This helps maintain the dish’s signature texture and flavor.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Make sure to use day-old rice; it’s drier and fries better than fresh rice. Don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking; this can lead to steaming instead of frying. Always taste as you go to adjust seasoning perfectly! [/info_box]
Cooking Chicken Fried Rice always reminds me of that one dinner party where I tried impressing my friends. They kept asking for seconds, and I ended up feeling like a culinary rockstar!
FAQ
Can I use frozen vegetables in Chicken Fried Rice?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option and work great in this recipe. bbq beef tacos as a side option.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old jasmine or basmati rice works best for achieving perfect texture.
How can I make Chicken Fried Rice spicy?
Add some chili paste or sriracha during cooking for an extra kick!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Fried Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables in a delicious stir-fry. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also allows you to get creative with leftover ingredients. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch and a savory burst of flavor, making it an instant family favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
- 4 cups cooked day-old rice
- 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and sauté until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in diced carrots and minced garlic; cook for another 3 minutes until carrots soften.
- Add cooked rice, green peas, and soy sauce; stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Push mixture aside and scramble the beaten eggs in the pan until fully cooked. Incorporate eggs into the rice mixture.
- Finish by adding chopped green onions and drizzle with sesame oil; stir well for an additional minute before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
