Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful, and comforting one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and savory seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual lunches, this versatile and budget-friendly recipe delivers delicious taste with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice, preferably cold or day-old
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green onions)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (canola or vegetable oil)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop your vegetables while the cooked rice waits nearby. Beat the eggs lightly and have your sauces ready to go. Mise en place helps everything flow smoothly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs: In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed, then pour in the beaten eggs. Stir gently until softly scrambled and then transfer them to a plate.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables and Aromatics: Add garlic and ginger to the pan, sauté for about 30 seconds to release their fragrance. Toss in the mixed vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan. Add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry everything together to combine evenly.
- Season and Finish: Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture, stirring well to coat. Cook for another couple of minutes until the rice is warmed through and flavors are well blended.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best texture and to avoid clumping.
- Cook on high heat to achieve a slight smoky flavor and prevent sogginess.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning and flavor development.
- Prepare all ingredients before starting cooking to speed up the process and avoid burning.
- Customize by adding oyster sauce, fish sauce, or chili for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Chicken fried rice, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, stir-fry, one-pan meals, comfort food, weeknight dinner