Chicken Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights that is loaded with tender chicken, crisp veggies, fluffy rice, and a savory blend of soy sauce and seasonings, it’s a one-pan wonder that delivers big flavor in every bite. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again!
What is Chicken Fried Rice?
Chicken Fried Rice is a versatile dish made with cooked rice, diced chicken, scrambled eggs, and a colorful assortment of vegetables, all stir-fried together and seasoned with savory sauces. Its origins trace back to China, but today, it’s a beloved dish worldwide, appearing in various cuisines with unique regional twists.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Fried Rice
- Use Cold Rice: This cannot be stressed enough! Cold, day-old rice ensures your fried rice won’t get mushy.
- High Heat is Key: Using high heat allows the ingredients to caramelize and develop that signature “wok hei” flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Since stir-frying is a quick process, have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
- Non-Stick Pan: If you don’t own a traditional wok, a large non-stick skillet works just as well.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you have a small pan, cook in batches to prevent steaming the ingredients instead of frying.
Variations to Try
Chicken Fried Rice is endlessly customizable. Here are a few tasty twists to explore:
- Spicy Chicken Fried Rice: Add sliced chilies or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for a fiery kick.
- Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice: Toss in pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-savory combo. This variation is popular in Thai cuisine.
- Cauliflower Fried Rice: Swap out rice for riced cauliflower for a low-carb, keto-friendly option.
- Garlic Butter Fried Rice: Infuse the dish with rich, garlicky butter for an indulgent twist.
- Kimchi Fried Rice: Stir in chopped kimchi for a tangy, spicy version.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice
- Pairing Ideas: Chicken Fried Rice pairs beautifully with Asian appetizers like egg rolls, spring rolls, or a hot bowl of miso soup.
- Garnishes: Top with chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or even crispy fried shallots for added texture.
- Main or Side Dish: It can be a filling main course or serve as a side dish to complement dishes like orange chicken or teriyaki salmon.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Fried Rice
Storing
- Refrigerate: Place leftover fried rice in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, portion the rice into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent drying out.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Yes, but it’s not recommended. Fresh rice contains more moisture, making it prone to becoming mushy. If you must use fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet to cool and dry slightly before using.
What type of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer more flavor and juiciness, but chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster. Both work well for this recipe.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms. You can also toss in some edamame for added protein.
How do I make the dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Double-check all sauces and ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Is there a way to make this healthier?
Certainly! Use brown rice instead of white rice, and load up on vegetables. You can also use a minimal amount of oil and opt for lean chicken breast.
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights that is loaded with tender chicken, crisp veggies, fluffy rice, and a savory blend of soy sauce and seasonings, it’s a one-pan wonder that delivers big flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of cooked long-grain brown rice (day-old rice works best, but white rice is great, too)
- 1 Tbsp canola oil, divided
- 3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups frozen peas and carrots blend
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Sriracha for serving (optional, but highly recommended)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil and 1 1/2 tsp canola oil in a large non-stick wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with a bit of salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining sesame and canola oil. Toss in the peas and carrots blend along with chopped green onions and sauté for 1 minute. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Push the veggies to the edges of the skillet, crack the eggs into the center, and scramble until they’re cooked.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet along with the rice. Pour in the soy sauce, stir everything to combine, and season with more salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate your Chicken Fried Rice and drizzle with Sriracha if you love a spicy kick. Enjoy immediately!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 587Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 840mgCarbohydrates: 56gFiber: 6gSugar: 4gProtein: 48g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fried Rice is a timeless classic that you can effortlessly whip up for a weeknight meal or even impress guests at a dinner party. With a few simple techniques and ingredient swaps, this dish can be tailored to your taste buds and dietary needs.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking for a reliable recipe, this Chicken Fried Rice guide has you covered. Happy cooking, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
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