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Chicken Fried Rice

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. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and easily customizable to fit your preferences. With a perfect umami balance from soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, it’s a family favorite that delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Rice

  • 2 cups cooked day-old or chilled rice

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • 3 green onions, chopped

Eggs

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Aromatics and Seasonings

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (vegetable or canola)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop chicken into small bite-sized pieces. Peel and dice carrots, chop green onions, and measure peas. Crack eggs into a bowl and whisk. Ensure rice is cooked and chilled for best texture.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Scramble the Eggs: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and stir quickly to scramble until just set. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
  4. Sauté the Veggies and Aromatics: Add a little oil to the pan and toss in minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced carrots and peas and sauté until tender but still vibrant.
  5. Combine Rice and Chicken: Add chilled rice to the vegetables, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Return cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan and stir everything together until heated through and well mixed.
  6. Season It Right: Pour in soy sauce and drizzle sesame oil over the dish. Toss to coat evenly and stir well. Finally, stir in chopped green onions for freshness and color.

Notes

  • Use day-old rice to prevent sogginess and keep grains firm.
  • Cook on high heat for quick searing and to avoid steaming the ingredients.
  • Prep all ingredients before starting to cook for a smooth process.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary for the best sear.
  • Add soy sauce gradually to prevent over-salting; adjust to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fried rice, quick dinner, easy recipe, one-pan meal, Asian cuisine, stir-fry, weeknight dinner, comfort food