Ah, Chicken Fried Rice! It’s one of those recipes that just makes my heart sing. Seriously, there’s something magical about tossing a few simple ingredients together and creating a dish that’s so comforting and delicious. I love how versatile it is—whether I’m using leftover rice from last night’s dinner or whipping it up fresh, it always turns out fantastic! Plus, it’s quick to make, which is perfect for those busy weeknight dinners. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine!

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients to make the most delicious Chicken Fried Rice:

2 cups cooked rice: Leftover rice works best for a perfect texture, but fresh rice is fine too—just let it cool slightly before using.
1 cup diced chicken breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken for easy cooking. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option!
1 cup mixed vegetables: I like a mix of peas, carrots, and corn for color and sweetness, but feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand.
2 eggs: These add a lovely richness and protein—scrambling them right in the pan is the way to go!
3 tablespoons soy sauce: This is where the flavor magic happens! Adjust to taste; I sometimes add a bit more for an extra kick.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Use this for stir-frying. It helps everything cook evenly and adds a nice sheen.
2 green onions, sliced: For that fresh crunch and a pop of color! I love to sprinkle these on top just before serving.
Salt to taste: Just a pinch is usually enough, but you can always adjust it based on your preference.

How to Prepare Chicken Fried Rice

Let’s dive into the steps to whip up this delicious Chicken Fried Rice! It’s really straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Ready? Let’s go!

Step 1: Heat the Oil

First things first, grab a large pan or wok and heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough so that it shimmers but not smoking. This temperature is key for that perfect stir-fry action, giving everything a lovely golden color without burning.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once the oil is hot, toss in your diced chicken breast. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. You want those little bits to caramelize a bit for extra flavor! After that, push the chicken to one side of the pan to make space for the next step.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Now for the fun part! Crack the eggs directly into the pan next to the chicken. Scramble them gently with a spatula, mixing them with the chicken as they cook. This should take just a couple of minutes—you’re aiming for that fluffy texture that adds richness to the dish.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Rice

Next up, it’s time to add the mixed vegetables and the cooked rice. Stir everything together, making sure the rice gets heated through and the veggies are evenly distributed. This is where the colors and textures come into play, so mix well until everything is combined!

Step 5: Mix in Soy Sauce

Now, pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture. This is where the flavor really kicks in! Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring every grain of rice is coated with that savory goodness. Taste it and feel free to adjust the soy sauce to your liking—more if you want it extra flavorful!

Step 6: Finish with Green Onions and Salt

Almost there! Toss in the sliced green onions and a pinch of salt. Stir it all together one last time to combine. The green onions add a fresh crunch that really brightens up the dish, so don’t skip this step!

Step 7: Serve Hot

Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld those flavors. Then, serve your Chicken Fried Rice hot right from the pan! It’s the perfect meal on its own or as a side dish. Enjoy every bite of this deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a deliciously satisfying dish.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the vegetables or protein based on what you have on hand.
Gluten-Free: Just choose a gluten-free soy sauce, and you’re all set!
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup for you!
Kid-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making mealtime easier and more enjoyable.

Tips for Success

Want to take your Chicken Fried Rice to the next level? Here are my top tips to ensure your dish comes out perfectly every time:

Use Day-Old Rice: Trust me on this one! Leftover rice that’s been chilled in the fridge has the ideal texture for frying—it’s less sticky and won’t clump together.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in batches. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of that lovely stir-fry crispiness.
Adjust the Soy Sauce: Everyone has different taste preferences, so start with the recommended amount, and add more if you like it saltier or richer. Just be careful not to overdo it!
Experiment with Proteins: While chicken is delicious, try swapping it out for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a fun twist. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly!
Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra punch of flavor, toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil right before serving. It adds a beautiful freshness!
Use High Heat: Make sure your pan is hot enough to get that nice sear on the ingredients. It’ll help lock in flavors and give you that restaurant-style finish.

With these tips, you’ll become a Chicken Fried Rice pro in no time! Enjoy the process and feel free to get creative with your ingredients!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values for a serving of Chicken Fried Rice. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:

Calories: Approximately 350
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Cholesterol: 100mg

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs, and remember, this dish is as versatile as it is tasty!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables are a great time-saver and can be tossed straight into the pan. Just be sure to cook them a little longer to ensure they’re heated through.

What type of rice is best for Chicken Fried Rice?
Day-old rice is your best friend! It’s drier and less sticky, which helps achieve that perfect fried rice texture. If you don’t have leftovers, let freshly cooked rice cool completely before using it.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, just swap out the chicken for tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. You can also load it up with extra vegetables for a hearty, vegetarian meal!

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a pan or microwave until warmed through.

Can I add other sauces?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with sauces like teriyaki or oyster sauce for different flavors—just remember to adjust the soy sauce accordingly to avoid overpowering the dish!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Let’s face it, sometimes we have leftovers, and that’s a good thing! Storing your Chicken Fried Rice properly ensures you get to enjoy that deliciousness again. Here’s how to do it right:

First, let the Chicken Fried Rice cool down to room temperature. This step is important because you don’t want condensation building up in your storage container. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to label it with the date so you know when to indulge again!

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat Chicken Fried Rice is in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce to help steam it up and prevent it from drying out. Stir it occasionally until it’s heated through—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry; just cover the bowl to keep moisture in and reheat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Whichever method you choose, you’ll want to make sure it’s steaming hot before serving. Enjoy those tasty leftovers just as much as the first time around!

Chicken Fried Rice: 7 Comforting Steps to Deliciousness

Author: CakesLouna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and tasty chicken fried rice recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked rice
1 cup diced chicken breast
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
2 eggs
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 green onions, sliced
Salt to taste

Instructions

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
Push chicken to one side and crack eggs, scrambling them.
Add mixed vegetables and cooked rice to the pan.
Pour soy sauce over the rice and mix well.
Add green onions and salt, stir to combine.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, serve hot.

Notes

Use leftover rice for better texture.
Adjust soy sauce to taste.
Add more vegetables if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Chicken Fried Rice, Fried Rice, Chicken Recipe

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