Imagine coming home after a long day, hunger setting in, and all you crave is something comforting, quick, and utterly delicious. That's where this Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe comes into play. It's not just a recipe; it's your ticket to a comforting meal that brings together the warmth of home-cooked food with the ease of a quick kitchen escape. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a casual dinner, this dish promises to be a hit, balancing flavors and textures in a way that only fried rice can.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 2 cups cooked and cooled white rice (preferably day-old for better texture)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Steps
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re spread out, and cook until they are golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Scramble the Eggs
In the same skillet or wok, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until just set. They should still be slightly undercooked as they will continue cooking with the heat from the rice later on. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
3. Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté the onion and garlic until they are translucent and fragrant. Stir in the peas and carrots, cooking until they are heated through but still have some crunch.
4. Incorporate the Rice
Here’s where you really get to see the magic of fried rice. Increase the heat to high, add your cooled rice to the vegetables, and give it a good stir. Let the rice sit for a moment to allow a light crust to form on the bottom, which adds a delightful texture. Now, push the rice mixture to one side of the pan.
5. Add Back the Chicken and Eggs
Bring back your cooked chicken and eggs to the pan. Mix them well into the rice, ensuring even distribution.
6. Season the Fried Rice
Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture. Toss everything together until well coated. If needed, adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper. Remember, the soy sauce is quite salty, so taste as you go.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped green onions over your fried rice for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, directly from the skillet if you wish, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy it at its best – right off the stove.
Notes:
🍳 Note: For the perfect fried rice texture, using day-old rice or cooling freshly cooked rice in the fridge helps to prevent the rice from becoming too mushy.
🌱 Note: Feel free to swap out peas and carrots for whatever vegetables you have on hand, like corn, bell peppers, or even spinach. Fried rice is incredibly versatile!
Creating this Easy Chicken Fried Rice is not just about filling your plate; it's about crafting a meal that feeds your soul with its simplicity and comfort. The dish balances the freshness of vegetables, the richness of eggs, the savory flavor of chicken, all brought together by the aromatic embrace of soy sauce and sesame oil. It's a culinary hug, perfect for any occasion, requiring minimal ingredients yet delivering maximum flavor.
With each bite, you'll understand why this dish has stood the test of time, becoming a beloved staple in households around the globe. Whether it's for a quick dinner, a lazy lunch, or even breakfast (why not?), this fried rice recipe proves that good food doesn't need to be complex. It's all about the right ingredients, coming together at the right time, in the simplest of ways.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
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Yes, brown rice can be used for a healthier version of this fried rice. However, ensure the brown rice is well-cooked and cooled before frying to achieve the best texture.
What other proteins can I add?
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Fried rice is incredibly versatile; you can use shrimp, tofu, beef, or even just keep it vegetarian by increasing the vegetable content.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
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Use tamari instead of soy sauce, which is naturally gluten-free, or opt for a gluten-free soy sauce.
