Chicken Fried Rice

Growing up, Chicken Fried Rice was always a favorite dish in our household. It was a staple on busy weeknights when my parents needed to whip up something quick yet satisfying. I remember the aromatic scent of the sizzling chicken and the vibrant colors of the vegetables filling the kitchen, making it impossible to resist. My siblings and I would gather around the table, eagerly waiting for our plates to be served. It was more than just a meal; it was a moment of togetherness and happiness. Today, I still cherish those memories, and making Chicken Fried Rice brings me back to those joyful evenings.

Chicken Fried Rice Ingredients

When it comes to Chicken Fried Rice, the beauty lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing the dish’s flavor profile. Chicken, rice, and vegetables blend harmoniously, creating a satisfying meal that feels both comforting and refreshing. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless, skinless and trimmed: This cut of chicken is juicy and tender, perfect for stir-frying.
• 1/2 tsp sea salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing flavors.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish.
• 3 Tbs extra light olive oil: A high heat cooking oil that ensures everything fries beautifully without burning.
• 4 large eggs: These will be scrambled in the pan, adding richness to the dish.
• 5 cups cooked white rice, chilled: Day-old rice is ideal as it’s less sticky and fries better.
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce, or GF Tamari: This brings umami flavor and a lovely color to the rice.
• 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor that elevates the dish.
• 12 oz frozen peas and carrots, fully thawed: These add sweetness and color to your fried rice.
• 1/4 cup green onion, chopped: Fresh and crisp, these provide a refreshing finish to your dish.

Recipe Steps for Chicken Fried Rice

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive right into making the perfect Chicken Fried Rice. This is where the magic happens! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying this delicious meal in no time.

1. Prep your ingredients before starting the stove. Trim off any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-size pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes for easy eating. Season the pieces with sea salt and black pepper in a bowl, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
2. In a separate bowl, crack open the eggs and beat them together until well mixed. This will make scrambling them much easier later.
3. Bring a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fully cooked through and golden brown. You want them to be juicy, not dry, so keep an eye on them.
4. Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. This allows the meat to rest while you continue cooking.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and add another 1 Tbsp of olive oil to the same skillet. Immediately pour in the beaten eggs. You should hear a sizzle! Stir and scramble for about a minute until they are just barely cooked through. Remember, they will continue to cook when you add everything back in later. Transfer the scrambled eggs to the plate with the chicken.
6. Use tongs or a spatula to wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. Add another 1 Tbsp of oil to the skillet and swirl it around, making sure to coat the bottom evenly. Now, spread the chilled rice into the skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for about 1 to 2 minutes so it can develop a nice crispy texture.
7. After 1 to 2 minutes, stir the rice and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes. The rice should start to sizzle, which means it’s cooking perfectly!
8. Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice and stir well to combine. This will coat the grains, infusing them with flavor. Add the thawed peas and carrots to the skillet, mixing them well into the rice.
9. Finally, add the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs back into the skillet. Sprinkle in the chopped green onion and mix everything together thoroughly. Continue to cook until the vegetables are heated through and the rice is crispy yet tender. Taste and add more soy sauce or sesame oil as desired.

Once everything is well mixed and hot, it’s time to serve your delicious Chicken Fried Rice!

Make It Your Own

One of the best parts about cooking Chicken Fried Rice is how you can easily customize it to your taste. Here are some tips to make this dish truly yours:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze Chicken Fried Rice for up to three months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags.
• Pairing: This dish pairs perfectly with a side of spring rolls or a light salad for a full meal.
• Add Spice: If you like some heat, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or some diced chili peppers while cooking.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu and use vegetarian soy sauce.
• Make it Colorful: Try adding different colored vegetables for a more vibrant dish. It’s not only visually appealing but also adds different nutrients!

What Goes Well With This Chicken Fried Rice

When serving Chicken Fried Rice, the possibilities are endless! Here are some fantastic options to consider:

• Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls make a delightful appetizer or side dish.
• Vegetable Soup: A light vegetable soup can complement the meal nicely and bring in more nutrition.
• Grilled Chicken: If you’re looking for extra protein, grilled chicken on the side is a fantastic pairing.
• Salad: A simple green salad with sesame dressing adds freshness to your meal.
• Perfect for Lunch Boxes: This dish reheats well, making it an ideal option for meal prep or lunch boxes.
• Great for Gatherings: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a potluck, Chicken Fried Rice is always a hit!

FAQ

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting combination of flavors and textures that can bring joy to any dinner table. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s a dish that anyone can master. I encourage you to try making it yourself – you won’t be disappointed!

Chicken Fried Rice

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying dish filled with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. It's an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Try it tonight for a delicious meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken thighs boneless, skinless and trimmed
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3 Tbsps extra light olive oil or high heat cooking oil
• 4 large eggs
• 5 cups cooked white rice chilled
• 2 Tbsps soy sauce or GF Tamari or added to taste
• 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil or to taste
• 12 oz frozen peas and carrots fully thawed
• 1/4 cup green onion chopped

Instructions

 

• Prep your ingredients before starting the stove. Trim off any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-size pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes for easy eating. Season the pieces with sea salt and black pepper in a bowl, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
• In a separate bowl, crack open the eggs and beat them together until well mixed. This will make scrambling them much easier later.
• Bring a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fully cooked through and golden brown. You want them to be juicy, not dry, so keep an eye on them.
• Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. This allows the meat to rest while you continue cooking.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add another 1 Tbsp of olive oil to the same skillet. Immediately pour in the beaten eggs. You should hear a sizzle! Stir and scramble for about a minute until they are just barely cooked through. Remember, they will continue to cook when you add everything back in later. Transfer the scrambled eggs to the plate with the chicken.
• Use tongs or a spatula to wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. Add another 1 Tbsp of oil to the skillet and swirl it around, making sure to coat the bottom evenly. Now, spread the chilled rice into the skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for about 1 to 2 minutes so it can develop a nice crispy texture.
• After 1 to 2 minutes, stir the rice and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes. The rice should start to sizzle, which means it’s cooking perfectly!
• Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice and stir well to combine. This will coat the grains, infusing them with flavor. Add the thawed peas and carrots to the skillet, mixing them well into the rice.
• Finally, add the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs back into the skillet. Sprinkle in the chopped green onion and mix everything together thoroughly. Continue to cook until the vegetables are heated through and the rice is crispy yet tender. Taste and add more soy sauce or sesame oil as desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: 1 1/2 cups of raw rice will make about 5 cups of cooked white rice. If you are making rice for this recipe, be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove extra starch so your fried rice doesn’t end up sticky.
• Tip 2: For Gluten Free, make sure to use Tamari soy sauce or a soy sauce specifically labeled “gluten-free”.

Keyword Asian cuisine, Chicken Fried Rice, chicken recipes, easy fried rice recipe

Previous PostKeto Tzatziki

Next Post Three Bean Tacos

Meet Lydia James

I’m Lydia! I love the challenge of experimenting with new ingredients and finding creative, delicious ways to use up leftovers. My goal is to make your weeknight cooking feel stress-free, exciting, and full of flavor. I loved the creative process behind this dish, and I really hope it becomes a new favorite in your weekly rotation. I can't wait to hear what you think!