Irresistible Chicken Fried Rice Recipe in 30 Minutes

Chicken Fried Rice is like a warm hug from your favorite culinary friend, combining tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and perfectly cooked rice all tossed together in a savory medley that makes your taste buds dance. The aroma of sizzling garlic and soy sauce wafts through the air, inviting you to take a bite, while the colorful vegetables add an irresistible charm to this dish.

Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and you’re racing against the clock to whip up something delicious. Suddenly, you remember that leftover rice in your fridge and those sad-looking chicken breasts lurking in the corner. That’s when Chicken Fried Rice comes to the rescue! It’s not just a meal; it’s a nostalgic reminder of Chinese takeout nights with friends, where laughter filled the air as we devoured heaping plates of this delightful dish. Are you ready for a flavor explosion? Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

Ingredients for Chicken Fried Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for a hearty portion; feel free to substitute with leftover rotisserie chicken for even quicker prep.

• Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and prevents clumping; white or brown rice are both great options.

• Fresh Vegetables: A mix of carrots, peas, and bell peppers adds color and crunch; frozen veggies can be used in a pinch.

• Eggs: Two scrambled eggs add richness; they also absorb the flavors beautifully when mixed into the rice.

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while adding that essential umami flavor.

• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates the dish with aromatic goodness; don’t skimp on this!

For the Sauce:

• Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle enhances the nuttiness; it’s the secret ingredient that takes your fried rice over the top.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Fried Rice

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop up your chicken into bite-sized pieces and dice your vegetables. Having everything prepped makes cooking much smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

In the same skillet, add another splash of oil if needed. Crack in your eggs and scramble them until just set. Push them to one side of the pan.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add your chopped vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers) into the pan along with minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with day-old rice. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over everything. Toss it all together until well combined and heated through (about another 5 minutes).

Step 6: Serve Hot

Transfer to plates or bowls immediately for maximum enjoyment! Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

And there you have it—your mouthwatering Chicken Fried Rice ready in under thirty minutes! Perfect for weeknights or any time you crave something full of flavor without breaking a sweat in the kitchen!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking your chicken in a hot pan until golden brown, then set it aside. Sauté onions and garlic next, followed by adding rice and veggies. Finally, combine everything with soy sauce for that mouthwatering finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu if you’re feeling adventurous! Add extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas, or sprinkle in some sesame oil for an extra punch of flavor. Let your creativity soar!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Chicken Fried Rice fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Sometimes I whip up Chicken Fried Rice on a chilly night, only to hear my family declare it “better than takeout.” Those compliments warm my heart more than any cozy blanket ever could!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Chicken Fried Rice?

To prepare Chicken Fried Rice, you will need cooked rice, diced chicken breast, peas, carrots, soy sauce, garlic, and green onions. You can enhance the flavor with sesame oil and add eggs for extra protein. Feel free to customize your fried rice by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. Using day-old rice is ideal as it reduces moisture and prevents clumping. This dish is versatile, allowing you to include any vegetables or proteins you prefer.

How long does it take to make Chicken Fried Rice?

Making Chicken Fried Rice typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. First, you’ll need to cook the chicken and vegetables, which should take around 10-15 minutes. Then, stir-fry everything together with the rice and sauces for another 10-15 minutes. For best results, ensure all ingredients are prepped beforehand. With a hot pan and pre-cooked rice, you can whip up this delicious meal quickly on a busy weeknight.

Can I make Chicken Fried Rice in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Chicken Fried Rice in advance! It stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place it in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. If you’re preparing it ahead of time for meal prep or a party, consider cooking the rice slightly less than usual to maintain its texture when reheated. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips recipe.

Is Chicken Fried Rice healthy?

Chicken Fried Rice can be a healthy meal option depending on how you prepare it. Using lean chicken breast and plenty of vegetables boosts its nutritional value. Opting for low-sodium soy sauce helps reduce sodium intake. Additionally, using brown rice instead of white can increase fiber content. Be mindful of portion sizes and try to limit added oils during cooking for a healthier version of this beloved dish.

Conclusion for Chicken Fried Rice:

In conclusion, Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and delightful meal that offers great versatility and flavor. With simple ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and soy sauce combined with day-old rice, this dish comes together in no time. Whether served as a main course or side dish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. By following these tips and customizing it to your taste preferences, you can enjoy a deliciously satisfying Chicken Fried Rice every time! For more inspiration, check out this main dish recipes recipe.

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Chicken Fried Rice

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• Author: Maria Del
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice in a savory stir-fry. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is quick to prepare and can be easily customized with whatever ingredients you have on hand. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that will transport you back to your favorite takeout nights.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 3 cups cooked day-old rice
• 1 cup mixed fresh vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces and dicing the vegetables.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add another splash of oil if needed. Scramble the eggs until just set; push them to one side of the pan.
4. Stir-fry the mixed vegetables along with minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes until tender but crisp.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with day-old rice. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over everything, tossing to combine until heated through (about another 5 minutes).
6. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 120mg