Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that’ll make your weeknight cooking a breeze, then you’re in for a treat with my easy chicken fried rice! This recipe is all about convenience and flavor, making it the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dish that the whole family will adore. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand! Trust me, once you try this easy chicken fried rice, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen rotation!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of cold, cooked rice (leftover rice works best for texture!)
- 1 cup of diced chicken (feel free to use rotisserie chicken for extra ease!)
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh—whatever you have on hand!)
- 2 large eggs (these add a lovely richness!)
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce (adjust to your taste; I love a little extra!)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (for that perfect stir-fry sizzle!)
- 2 green onions, chopped (they add a fresh crunch!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! This easy chicken fried rice comes together quickly, so make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First things first, grab a large pan or wok and heat up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want that oil shimmering but not smoking—this is the sweet spot for stir-frying! It’ll help everything cook evenly and give your rice that lovely, crispy texture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Once the oil is hot, toss in 1 cup of diced chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink and golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s firm to the touch—just give it a poke! If you’ve got leftover roast chicken, just chop it up and skip this step for even faster prep!
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Now, push the cooked chicken to one side of the pan. Crack 2 large eggs into the other side and scramble them up until they’re just set. This keeps the chicken and eggs from overcrowding each other, letting them cook perfectly. Once they’re scrambled, mix them in with the chicken!
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Rice
Next, stir in 1 cup of mixed vegetables—frozen or fresh works great! Then, add 2 cups of cold, cooked rice. Using leftover rice is key here; it prevents mushiness and gives you those delightful little crispy bits. Break up any clumps as you mix everything together.
Step 5: Incorporate Soy Sauce
Now it’s time to season things up! Drizzle in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and stir everything well. Taste it and adjust the soy sauce to your liking. I often add a splash more because I love that umami kick!
Step 6: Add Green Onions and Seasoning
Sprinkle in the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—this is where you can really amp up the flavor! Give it another stir to combine everything.
Step 7: Final Stir and Serve
Keep cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully. Now, it’s time to serve! Dish up your easy chicken fried rice hot, and enjoy the smiles around the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation that gets dinner on the table in just 25 minutes!
- Customizable ingredients mean you can use whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand.
- Nutritious and balanced, packed with lean protein and fiber from the veggies.
- A family favorite that even picky eaters will enjoy!
- Perfect for using up leftover rice, reducing food waste while creating something delicious.
- One-pan meal for easy cleanup—less time scrubbing, more time enjoying!
- Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side, fitting any occasion.
Tips for Success
To make your easy chicken fried rice a total knockout, here are some pro tips that I swear by!
- Use Day-Old Rice: If you can, use leftover rice that’s been in the fridge overnight. It dries out a bit, which helps avoid that mushy texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist, so plan ahead!
- Experiment with Veggies: Don’t limit yourself to the standard mix! Throw in some bell peppers, peas, or even broccoli. Whatever you have in your fridge can add a fun twist and extra nutrients.
- Adjust the Soy Sauce: Everyone’s taste is different! Start with the recommended amount and then add more if you like it a bit saltier. You can also try low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
- Spice it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat! It’s a simple way to elevate the flavor profile.
- Go for the Garnish: Fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can brighten up the dish just before serving. It’s that little extra touch that makes a big difference!
- Make it a Meal Prep Star: This fried rice keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it perfect for meal prepping! Just store it in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to mastering this easy chicken fried rice and impressing everyone at the dinner table!
Nutritional Information Section
Let’s talk about the nutrition in this easy chicken fried rice! While I’m not a nutritionist, I’ve done my best to estimate the values based on the ingredients we’re using. Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But overall, this dish is a fantastic option when you want to enjoy a filling meal that’s packed with good stuff! Enjoy your cooking, and remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying the flavors!
FAQ Section
Got some questions about making this easy chicken fried rice? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you out:
Can I use brown rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be a great alternative if you’re looking for something a bit healthier. Just keep in mind that it takes longer to cook, so make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before adding it to the stir-fry.
What other proteins can I add?
You can really mix it up here! Feel free to use leftover turkey, shrimp, or even tofu if you want a vegetarian option. Just make sure whatever protein you choose is pre-cooked, so it warms through nicely when you add it to the pan!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let your chicken fried rice cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in portions for up to a month—just reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water to keep it moist!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and add extra veggies, or toss in some tofu for protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for flavor. Customize it to your taste!
What if I don’t have soy sauce?
No soy sauce? No problem! You can substitute it with tamari for a gluten-free option, or even coconut aminos if you’re looking for a lighter alternative. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste!
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions, or if you want to share your own tweaks to this easy chicken fried rice recipe. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious easy chicken fried rice, let’s talk about how to make your meal even more delightful! Here are some fantastic serving suggestions that pair beautifully with this dish:
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: A drizzle of sweet and sour sauce can add a tangy twist that complements the savory flavors of the fried rice wonderfully.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls make a perfect sidekick! The crunch and flavor contrast beautifully with the soft, warm rice.
- Asian Slaw: A light and refreshing Asian slaw with sesame dressing adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the fried rice.
- Steamed Dumplings: Try pairing it with steamed dumplings for a comforting, hearty meal. They soak up the flavors and are just so satisfying!
- Hot and Sour Soup: For a cozy combination, serve your fried rice with a bowl of hot and sour soup. It’s a warm, flavorful complement that rounds out your dinner.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: If you’re craving more protein, some grilled chicken skewers brushed with teriyaki sauce can make the meal even more filling!
- Pickled Vegetables: A side of pickled veggies brings a punch of acidity that brightens up the whole plate and adds a delightful crunch.
Whatever you choose, these sides will elevate your easy chicken fried rice to a whole new level of deliciousness! Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite pairings!
Print
Easy Chicken Fried Rice: 7 Steps to Deliciousness
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and quick chicken fried rice recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup diced chicken
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Push the chicken to one side and scramble the eggs on the other side.
- Add mixed vegetables and rice to the pan.
- Pour soy sauce over the mixture and stir well.
- Add green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use leftover rice for best results.
- You can add more vegetables as desired.
- Adjust soy sauce to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: easy chicken fried rice