Chicken Fried Rice: This is a go-to dish for busy weeknights that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce that hits all the right notes.
What Is Chicken Fried Rice?
Chicken fried rice is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese cuisine. It’s made by stir-frying cooked rice with bite-sized pieces of chicken, vegetables, eggs, and a flavorful sauce, typically soy sauce-based. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s hearty, delicious, and endlessly adaptable.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Fried Rice
Add Sauce Gradually: Start with less soy sauce than you think you need, as it’s easier to add more later than to fix an overly salty dish.
Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and clump together. Day-old rice, refrigerated overnight, has a firmer texture ideal for stir-frying.
Prep Everything in Advance: This dish cooks quickly, so have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready before you start.
High Heat Is Key: A hot wok or skillet ensures that everything cooks quickly and evenly, giving you that signature smoky flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry your ingredients in batches if necessary to avoid steaming them.
Variations on Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is endlessly customizable. Here are some variations to suit your preferences:
Thai-Style Twist: Add a splash of fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh basil for a fragrant Thai-inspired dish.
Protein Options: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Vegetable Additions: Try peas, corn, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute cooked cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is a standalone meal that pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Family-Style: Present it in a large serving dish and let everyone help themselves.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a bowl of hot and sour soup, spring rolls, or steamed dumplings for a complete meal.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a dash of toasted sesame oil on top for extra flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Fried Rice
Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Chicken fried rice freezes beautifully. Divide into individual portions, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the rice and stir-fry in a hot skillet. This method helps restore its original texture and flavor.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?
While day-old rice is recommended, you can use freshly cooked rice by spreading it out on a baking sheet and letting it cool completely. This helps dry out the rice for better stir-frying.
2. What type of rice works best for chicken fried rice?
Long-grain white rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice are ideal choices because they stay fluffy and don’t clump together.
3. How do I keep my fried rice from getting mushy?
Use cold, day-old rice, and make sure your skillet or wok is hot enough to fry the ingredients quickly.
4. Is chicken fried rice gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can substitute it with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables, skip the eggs, and use plant-based soy sauce to enjoy a vegan version.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice: This is a go-to dish for busy weeknights that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce that hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb bonelss skinless chicken breasts , diced into 3/4-inch pieces
- 1 Tbsp canola oil , divided
- 1 1/3 cups frozen peas and carrots blend
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil , divided
- 3 cups cooked long-grain brown rice (preferably left over rice. White is fine too)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 green onions chopped
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Sriracha , for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 ½ tsp sesame oil and 1 ½ tsp canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes). Set aside.
- Cook Veggies and Eggs: In the same skillet, heat the remaining sesame and canola oil. Sauté the peas, carrots, and green onions for 1 minute.
- Add garlic and cook another minute. Push veggies to the side, crack eggs into the center, scramble until cooked.
- Combine Everything: Add chicken back to the skillet along with the rice. Pour in soy sauce, mix well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Dish it up warm, and add Sriracha for extra heat if you like!
Nutrition Information
Yield
3Serving Size
2Amount Per Serving Calories 587Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 220mgSodium 840mgCarbohydrates 56gFiber 6gSugar 4gProtein 48g
dinnerbytes.com, 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 dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Still Hungry!! Try these Chicken recipes:
- Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Healthy Rotisserie Chicken
- Simple Roast Chicken
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken fried rice is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and a fantastic way to use up leftovers. Best of all, it’s fully customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this dish never disappoints.
