The sizzle of chicken frying in a hot pan, the tantalizing aroma of garlic and ginger wafting through your kitchen, and the vibrant colors of fresh veggies dancing together—this is the magic of easy chicken fried rice. With every bite, you get a delightful crunch from the vegetables and a hearty chew from tender chicken, all coated in a savory soy sauce that’s simply irresistible. It’s comfort food at its finest, bringing warmth and joy to any meal.
Picture this: a busy weeknight when takeout seems like the only option. But wait! You remember this easy chicken fried rice recipe tucked away in your mind. It takes less time than it does to have your favorite delivery guy navigate traffic. Not only does this dish evoke memories of family gatherings around the table, but it also promises an explosion of flavor that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a party with friends, this dish is perfect for any occasion that calls for something delicious and satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy chicken fried rice is quick to whip up and requires minimal prep time.
- The flavor combination of tender chicken and fresh vegetables creates an unforgettable meal experience.
- Its vibrant colors will brighten up any dinner plate, making it both appetizing and visually appealing.
- This dish is versatile enough to accommodate leftovers or whatever ingredients you have on hand!
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Fried Rice
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.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they will add depth to your dish.
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works best as it has dried out slightly, preventing clumping during cooking.
Mixed Vegetables: Use frozen or fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, and bell peppers for added texture and color.
Soy Sauce: Go for low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness without compromising flavor.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle adds that authentic Asian flair and richness to your fried rice.
For the Sauce:
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness while ensuring great flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Begin by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sauté them until golden brown—about five minutes should do it.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once your chicken is cooked through (no one likes raw chicken), push it aside in the pan or transfer it onto a plate. In that same skillet, toss in minced garlic and ginger; allow them to sizzle for about thirty seconds until fragrant—the smell alone will make you want to dive right in!
Step 3: Mix in Vegetables
Next up are those vibrant mixed vegetables! Stir them into the skillet alongside your cooked chicken. Cook for another three minutes until they’re tender but still crisp—nobody likes mushy veggies!
Step 4: Incorporate Rice
Now it’s time for the star of our show: add your day-old cooked rice! Break apart any clumps with a spatula while mixing everything together thoroughly so each grain gets coated with flavor.
Step 5: Season It Up
Drizzle soy sauce over your stir-fry mixture along with sesame oil for an authentic touch. Toss everything together until it’s evenly seasoned—this is where that beautiful umami flavor comes alive!
Step 6: Serve Hot
Transfer your easy chicken fried rice onto plates or into bowls while it’s still steaming hot. Garnish with chopped green onions if you’re feeling fancy—or just because they look good!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
And there you have it! An easy-to-make dish that not only satisfies hunger but also brings back delightful memories—all without requiring hours in the kitchen. Enjoy every bite of this scrumptious easy chicken fried rice!
You Must Know
- This easy chicken fried rice is not just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure!
- You can whip it up in no time, and with a dash of creativity, it turns into a dish that dazzles.
- Perfect for any weeknight dinner or impressing guests on the weekend.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the rice first to ensure it’s fluffy and not sticky. Sear the chicken until golden, then stir-fry your veggies while the chicken cooks. Finally, mix everything together with soy sauce for an irresistible glaze.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out proteins like shrimp or tofu for a twist. Toss in a handful of peas or some chopped scallions to elevate flavors. Spice lovers can add chili flakes or sriracha for kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover easy chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to retain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use day-old rice for better texture—fresh rice can be too sticky.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps achieve that sought-after wok hei flavor.
- Always taste before serving; adjusting seasoning is key to perfection!
It was one of those chaotic weeknights when I whipped this easy chicken fried rice together in under 30 minutes. My kids devoured it, and my husband claimed it was better than takeout!
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Easy Chicken Fried Rice?
For a delicious Easy Chicken Fried Rice, you will need cooked chicken, day-old rice, eggs, peas, carrots, soy sauce, garlic, and green onions. Using day-old rice is crucial as it has the right texture and prevents the dish from becoming mushy. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist. You can also add your favorite vegetables or proteins according to your preference. This flexibility makes Easy Chicken Fried Rice a great choice for using leftovers.
How long does it take to prepare Easy Chicken Fried Rice?
Preparing Easy Chicken Fried Rice typically takes about 30 minutes. The cooking time may vary based on your chopping speed and whether you use leftover chicken or cook it fresh. If you have all your ingredients prepped in advance, this dish comes together quite quickly. The actual stir-frying process usually takes around 10-15 minutes once everything is ready.
Can I make Easy Chicken Fried Rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Easy Chicken Fried Rice ahead of time! However, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within two days for optimal freshness. Reheat thoroughly before serving. For meal prep enthusiasts, this dish can be portioned out into containers for easy lunches during the week, making it convenient without sacrificing taste.
Is Easy Chicken Fried Rice suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Easy Chicken Fried Rice is fantastic for meal prep. You can easily double or triple the recipe to make multiple servings that last throughout the week. Just ensure you store it properly in airtight containers and reheat thoroughly before consuming. This dish holds up well in the fridge and remains flavorful even after a few days.
Conclusion for Easy Chicken Fried Rice :
Easy Chicken Fried Rice is not only quick and simple to make but also versatile and perfect for using leftovers. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for busy days ahead, this dish delivers on taste and convenience. Remember to use day-old rice for the best texture and feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your palate!
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and fragrant rice, all coated in savory soy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe combines familiar flavors with the warmth of home-cooked comfort food. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious meal that rivals your favorite takeout!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 2 cups day-old cooked rice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
- 4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced chicken until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry until tender yet crisp (about 3 minutes).
- Incorporate day-old rice into the skillet, breaking up any clumps while mixing thoroughly.
- Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture. Stir until evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Use day-old rice for best texture—freshly cooked rice can be too sticky. Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for different protein options. Add chili flakes or sriracha for an extra kick.
