Delicious Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Are you ready to discover the ultimate comfort food that will make you ditch your takeout menu forever? Look no further than this Best Chicken Fried Rice Recipe that will revolutionize your homemade Chinese cuisine game. Picture this: succulent chicken pieces, vibrant veggies, fluffy scrambled eggs, and perfectly seasoned rice dancing together in a symphony of flavors and textures.

Say goodbye to mediocre takeout fried rice and hello to a homemade masterpiece that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. This recipe unlocks the secrets to achieving that sought-after restaurant-quality fried rice right in your kitchen. The key lies in using day-old rice for that ideal texture and incorporating essential techniques like cooking each element separately to perfection.

Join the ranks of satisfied home cooks, like my neighbor Karen, who have elevated their meal game with this sensational chicken fried rice. Whether you’re a newbie in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe is a foolproof crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So roll up your sleeves, grab your wok, and get ready to create a culinary delight that will have your family and friends begging for more.

Quick Benefits

• Saves Money: Making this chicken fried rice at home is a more economical option compared to ordering from a restaurant, providing a delicious meal at a fraction of the cost.
• Quick and Easy: With a few simple ingredients and the right technique, this recipe comes together fast, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option that’s faster than waiting for delivery.
• Customizable: This recipe is versatile and easily adaptable to personal preferences—swap proteins, add extra vegetables, or incorporate different seasonings to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.
• Professional Tips for Success: Tips such as using day-old rice, cooking components separately, and ensuring high heat are provided to help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time you make this chicken fried rice.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Recipe

• Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the essence of restaurant-style chicken fried rice with its savory soy sauce, perfectly seasoned chicken, and fluffy eggs.
• Effortless Preparation: Enjoy a delicious homemade meal in less time than it takes for delivery to arrive, making it a convenient weeknight dinner option.
• Versatile Options: Easily customize this dish by swapping out proteins, adding extra veggies, or incorporating unique flavors like curry powder for a personalized touch.
• Foolproof Tips: Learn essential techniques like using day-old rice, cooking on high heat, and seasoning generously to achieve the perfect texture and taste every time.
• Family Favorite: Impress even the toughest critics, like picky eaters or Chinese food enthusiasts, with a dish that will have them requesting it by name and ditching frozen alternatives.
• Cost-Effective: Save money by making this flavorful chicken fried rice at home, knowing that your wallet and taste buds will thank you.

Ingredients for Delicious Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

For the Chicken

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Fried Rice

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 4 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably day old
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons oil (sesame, canola, vegetable, or olive)
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 3 large eggs

How to Make Delicious Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add cubed chicken, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until chicken is fully cooked. Remove from skillet, cover, and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the skillet, combine frozen peas and carrots with butter and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender and garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Create an open space in the center of the pan by pushing the vegetables to the sides. Crack the eggs into the center and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until scrambled.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the chicken back to the skillet with the cooked eggs. Mix in day-old rice, chopped green onions, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.

Step 5: Heat and Finish

Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the hot fried rice immediately with your choice of sides or extra soy sauce on the side.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the delicious chicken fried rice, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain its flavor and texture. Transfer the cooled fried rice into an airtight container to keep it fresh. Refrigerate the leftovers promptly, making sure they are stored within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, chicken fried rice can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave or a skillet with a splash of water to refresh the rice and ingredients.

To freeze the chicken fried rice for longer storage, pack it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bags. Make sure to remove any excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken fried rice will maintain its quality for about 1-2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of soy sauce or a drizzle of oil to refresh the flavors as needed. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can continue to enjoy this flavorful homemade dish even after the initial cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions in this chicken fried rice recipe, there are a few options you can consider. For the chicken, you can swap the boneless skinless chicken breast with boneless skinless chicken thighs for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken altogether and increase the amount of vegetables or add tofu for protein.

In terms of vegetables, feel free to use fresh peas and carrots instead of frozen ones if you have them on hand. You can also incorporate other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms based on your preferences. Additionally, you can customize the seasoning by adding different spices such as curry powder, ginger, or chili flakes to enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Experimenting with different herbs and spices can make this chicken fried rice recipe your own signature dish.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your chicken fried rice experience, try serving it in a hollowed-out pineapple bowl for a fun tropical twist. Simply cut a pineapple in half lengthwise, scoop out the flesh, and fill it with the piping hot fried rice. The sweetness of the pineapple adds a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the dish, creating a visually stunning presentation that will impress your guests.

For a more interactive dining experience, set up a DIY fried rice bar where everyone can customize their own bowl of fried rice. Provide an array of toppings such as crispy bacon bits, diced bell peppers, sliced scallions, chopped peanuts, and a variety of hot sauces. Let each person mix and match their favorite additions to create a personalized fried rice masterpiece. This interactive and creative serving idea is perfect for parties or family gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy a delicious and customized meal together.

FAQs for Delicious Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice for this recipe?

No, using day-old rice is crucial for the success of this chicken fried rice recipe. Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and will result in a mushy texture. Day-old rice that has been refrigerated dries out slightly, allowing it to fry up perfectly in this dish.

What can I substitute for chicken in this fried rice recipe?

You can easily substitute the chicken with shrimp, diced ham, or even skip the meat entirely and add extra vegetables like broccoli and snap peas. Different proteins will alter the flavor profile, so feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients.

How can I prevent my fried rice from turning out oily?

To prevent your fried rice from turning out oily, make sure your pan is hot enough before adding ingredients. Cooking at high heat helps ingredients fry quickly instead of absorbing excessive oil. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause ingredients to steam instead of fry.

Why is it important to cook each component separately for authentic fried rice?

Cooking each component separately in fried rice is essential to achieve the ideal texture and flavor. By cooking ingredients like chicken, eggs, and vegetables individually, you can control their doneness and prevent the dish from becoming soggy or overcooked. This technique ensures that each component retains its unique texture and flavor in the final dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Best Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is a game-changer in the realm of homemade takeout-style dishes. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe has the power to convert even the most skeptical of takeout enthusiasts into dedicated home cooks. The satisfaction of creating a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant version is truly unbeatable.

So, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of preparing a delicious meal that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. Embrace the magic of using day-old rice, savor the aroma of sizzling garlic and soy sauce, and enjoy the delightful medley of chicken, vegetables, and eggs in every bite. Elevate your home cooking game with this Best Chicken Fried Rice Recipe and savor the rewarding feeling of mastering a dish that brings comfort and joy to your dining table, time and time again.

Delicious Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

“Tender chicken, fluffy eggs, and savory soy sauce combine perfectly in this speedy and satisfying chicken fried rice that outshines any takeout!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time12 Minutes

Total Time17 Minutes

CuisineAsian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Fried Rice

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 4 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably day old
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons oil (sesame, canola, vegetable, or olive)
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 3 large eggs

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add cubed chicken, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until chicken is fully cooked. Remove from skillet, cover, and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the skillet, combine frozen peas and carrots with butter and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender and garlic is fragrant.
3. Scramble the Eggs: Create an open space in the center of the pan by pushing the vegetables to the sides. Crack the eggs into the center and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until scrambled.
4. Combine Everything: Add the chicken back to the skillet with the cooked eggs. Mix in day-old rice, chopped green onions, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
5. Heat and Finish: Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
6. Serve: Serve the hot fried rice immediately with your choice of sides or extra soy sauce on the side.