There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Fried Rice, don’t you think? It’s like a hug in a dish! This recipe is my go-to for those busy weeknights when I just want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of the slow cooker, you can create a meal that’s rich in flavor and oh-so-satisfying. Imagine the delightful aroma wafting through your home as it cooks, making you feel all warm and cozy. Plus, it’s so easy—just toss everything in and let it work its magic! Perfect for families or meal prep, this dish is one you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, you’re gonna love it!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Fried Rice. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked rice (leftover rice works best for that perfect texture!)
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (no need to thaw, they’ll cook perfectly in the slow cooker)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (adjust to your taste, of course!)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (this adds a lovely nutty flavor)
- 2 eggs, beaten (these will give a nice richness to the dish)
- 3 green onions, chopped (for that fresh, vibrant touch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder (for a hint of warmth)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, season it up!)
Once you have everything ready, you’ll be just moments away from a delicious meal! Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this list handy for your next cooking adventure.
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Fried Rice
Making this Slow Cooker Chicken Fried Rice is as easy as pie! Seriously, all you have to do is follow these simple steps, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by placing the diced chicken breast right at the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s important to layer it first so it cooks evenly. Trust me, no one wants undercooked chicken!
- Next, add your cooked rice. I love using leftover rice because it holds its texture beautifully. Toss in those frozen peas and carrots next; they’re perfect as they don’t need any pre-cooking.
- Now, drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil. The aroma is to die for! Sprinkle the garlic powder, ginger powder, and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all those amazing flavors.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for about 4 hours. This is where the magic happens, so resist the urge to peek too often!
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the beaten eggs and chopped green onions. This little step adds a richness and freshness that elevates the whole dish. Cover it back up and let it finish cooking.
- Once the timer goes off, give it a stir before serving warm. Enjoy every bite of this comforting meal!
And there you have it! A simple yet satisfying dish that will make you feel like a culinary genius.
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Fried Rice, it’s nice to know what you’re fueling your body with! Here’s a rough idea of the typical nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on your specific ingredients, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy this tasty dish while feeling good about what you’re eating!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot wonder—everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze!
- Perfect for busy days—just set it and forget it, and dinner is ready when you are.
- Healthy and satisfying, packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the veggies.
- Customizable—feel free to toss in any leftover veggies or spices you love!
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
Tips for Success
To make your Slow Cooker Chicken Fried Rice absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few pro tips to share! First, use day-old rice if you can; it really holds its shape better and prevents that mushy texture. If you don’t have leftovers, just spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool before using it. Also, don’t skip the sesame oil—it’s a game changer for flavor! When seasoning, start with less soy sauce and adjust to your taste as it cooks; you can always add more, but you can’t take it out! Oh, and feel free to sneak in any veggies you have lying around. Bell peppers or broccoli are fantastic additions! Lastly, if you like a bit of crunch, top it off with some chopped peanuts or cashews just before serving for that extra texture. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your Slow Cooker Chicken Fried Rice! For a pop of color and flavor, try adding bell peppers or snap peas—just toss them in with the other veggies. If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to spice things up! You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein twist. Feeling like getting fancy? Add some chopped pineapple for a sweet and savory combo that’s to die for! And for those who adore a little crunch, topping it off with some toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts right before serving can really elevate the dish. The sky’s the limit, so get creative with your ingredients!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Fried Rice is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep! If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze it. Just portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it’ll last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight if frozen. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring halfway through, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist while reheating. Enjoy that comforting flavor again with minimal effort!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Fried Rice? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries:
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice may require a little longer cooking time, so check for doneness before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce, and you’re good to go!
How can I add more flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a splash of rice vinegar or a bit of oyster sauce if you’re not keeping it vegetarian. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil also work wonders!
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before, store it in the fridge, and then just turn it on in the morning.
Is it safe to leave the slow cooker on while I’m away?
Yes, as long as you follow the recommended cooking times and settings, it’s perfectly safe. Just make sure to use a reliable slow cooker!
Slow Cooker Chicken Fried Rice: 5 Secrets to Comfort Cooking
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Fried Rice, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the diced chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add cooked rice, peas and carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in the beaten eggs and green onions.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use leftover rice for better texture.
- Adjust soy sauce to taste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken Fried Rice