Quick Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Looking for a simple and delicious dinner idea that will satisfy the whole family without breaking the bank? Look no further than this Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe! This dish has become a staple in my household, rescuing me from dinner dilemmas and impressing even the pickiest eaters.

The beauty of this Easy Chicken Fried Rice lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few basic ingredients and some leftover rice, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal in no time. The savory chicken, tender vegetables, fluffy eggs, and perfectly seasoned rice come together in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a host trying to impress unexpected guests, this Easy Chicken Fried Rice is sure to be a hit. With a few tips and tricks, you’ll master the art of making restaurant-quality fried rice at home. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade goodness with this easy and delicious recipe!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy weeknight meal solution
• Versatile – can customize with different proteins and vegetables
• Complete meal with protein, vegetables, and rice all in one dish
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for several days, great for meal prep

Why You’ll Love This Quick Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Budget-Friendly: Skip the expensive takeout and make this homemade version that tastes even better.
• Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters will love this flavorful dish, making it a family favorite.
• Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
• Complete Meal: A balanced mix of protein, veggies, and carbs all in one pan for a fuss-free dinner.
• Impress Guests: Serve this to friends and family, and they’ll think you ordered from a high-end restaurant.
• Leftovers Friendly: Enjoy the convenience of having delicious leftovers that taste just as good the next day.
• Versatile: Experiment with different proteins, veggies, and spices to create your own unique twist on this classic dish.

Ingredients for Quick Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

How to Make Quick Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep the chicken

Cut chicken breasts into ½-inch cubes and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the vegetables

Pour the remaining tablespoon of oil into the pan. Cook diced carrots for 2-3 minutes, then add peas and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 4: Scramble the eggs

Create a space in the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Gently scramble until just set but still slightly soft.

Step 5: Add rice and combine

Combine the cooked rice with the vegetables and eggs in the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 6: Season and finish

Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, then stir until well combined and heated through, for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Take the pan off the heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve promptly while still hot.

Storage Tips

To store the finished dish of Easy Chicken Fried Rice, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator, where the fried rice can be stored for up to several days. When reheating the fried rice, add a splash of soy sauce to refresh the flavors and prevent it from drying out. The dish can be enjoyed warm or even cold the next day for a delicious and convenient lunch option.

The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it with different proteins such as shrimp, pork, or tofu, as well as various vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas. To add a kick of heat, consider incorporating chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy twist. The fried rice serves as a complete meal, combining protein, vegetables, and rice in one flavorful dish. To elevate the meal further, consider serving it alongside egg rolls or wontons for a more elaborate Chinese dinner experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have white rice, you can substitute it with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice is cooked through. For a gluten-free alternative, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also swap the chicken with cooked shrimp, diced pork, or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences or to use up what you have on hand.

Feel free to customize the vegetable mix with what you have available. Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or even corn can be great additions or substitutions for the carrots and peas. If you like a bit of heat, you can add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a drizzle of sriracha for some extra kick. Experiment with different seasonings like ginger, five-spice powder, or a splash of rice vinegar to add depth of flavor to your fried rice.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting the easy chicken fried rice in individual fried rice bowls garnished with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil on top. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavors of the dish. To make it even more visually appealing, serve the fried rice bowls on a bamboo tray with chopsticks for an authentic touch.

Another fun idea is to turn this easy chicken fried rice into a DIY fried rice bar for a casual gathering. Set out bowls of additional toppings such as crispy fried shallots, chopped peanuts, sliced green chilies, and fresh cilantro for guests to customize their own bowls. Provide colorful Chinese takeout boxes or paper containers for guests to fill with their personalized fried rice creations, making it an interactive and festive dining experience.

FAQs for Quick Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Can I use different protein in this recipe instead of chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken with shrimp, pork, or tofu to make a different variation of this fried rice.

How can I prevent the rice from turning into a gluey mess?

To avoid the rice becoming gluey, it is recommended to use day-old cooked white rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky for fried rice.

How do I ensure the eggs turn out fluffy instead of tough little bits?

Make sure not to overcook the beaten eggs. Stir them gently in the pan and remove them while they are still slightly moist to achieve fluffy scrambled pieces in the fried rice.

How long can I store the leftovers in the fridge, and how should I reheat them?

The fried rice can be stored in the fridge for several days. To reheat, add a splash of soy sauce while reheating to freshen up the flavors. It also tastes good cold the next day for lunch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a versatile and satisfying dish that can easily become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for unexpected guests, this recipe has got you covered. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a delicious homemade version of your favorite takeout dish in no time.

Don’t be discouraged by initial mishaps – perfecting the texture of the rice and eggs just takes a bit of practice. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this easy chicken fried rice recipe time and time again. So gather your ingredients, heat up your pan, and treat yourself to a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy making and savoring your very own Easy Chicken Fried Rice!

Quick Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

“Whip up a restaurant-worthy Easy Chicken Fried Rice at home – a budget-friendly, flavor-packed meal loved by both kids and hungry friends!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time25 Minutes

CuisineChinese-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (4 cups)

Ingredients

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

Instructions

1. Prep the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into ½-inch cubes and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Pour the remaining tablespoon of oil into the pan. Cook diced carrots for 2-3 minutes, then add peas and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Scramble the eggs: Create a space in the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Gently scramble until just set but still slightly soft.
5. Add rice and combine: Combine the cooked rice with the vegetables and eggs in the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir everything together until well mixed.
6. Season and finish: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, then stir until well combined and heated through, for about 2-3 minutes.
7. Garnish and serve: Take the pan off the heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve promptly while still hot.