Easy Chicken Fried Rice

$- 2 cups cooked rice - 1 cup cooked chicken - 1 cup mixed vegetables - 2 large eggs - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 green onions - 2 cloves garlic - Salt and pepper Using the right ingredients is key to making a great chicken fried rice. Here’s what you need. First, you need two cups of cooked rice. I recommend using day-old rice. It has the right texture for frying. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky. Next, you’ll want one cup of cooked chicken. This can be leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have. Just chop it into small pieces. For the veggies, a cup of mixed vegetables works best. You can use carrots, peas, and bell peppers. These add color and taste to your dish. You will also need two large eggs. They give creaminess and a nice flavor. Three tablespoons of soy sauce add saltiness and depth. Using low-sodium soy sauce is a smart choice, too. Two tablespoons of sesame oil bring a nutty flavor. It makes the dish more exciting. One tablespoon of olive oil helps cook the garlic and other ingredients. Two green onions add freshness on top. Slice them thin for the best texture. Finally, two cloves of garlic will boost the flavor. Mince them well before adding. - Best rice varieties for fried rice: Long-grain rice, like jasmine or basmati, works best. It stays fluffy and separate when cooked. - Importance of using day-old rice: Day-old rice has less moisture than fresh rice. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the pan. - Suitable alternatives for mixed vegetables: You can use frozen mixed vegetables for convenience. They are quick and easy to add. Other options include bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. To start, you need cooked rice. Make sure it's cold. Day-old rice works best. This helps the rice stay separate and not mushy. If the rice is clumpy, break it up gently. Next, chop your cooked chicken. Dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to eat. Now, prepare your mixed vegetables. You can use a mix of carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Finally, slice the green onions for garnish. Now, let's cook! First, heat a large skillet or wok. Pour in one tablespoon of olive oil and two tablespoons of sesame oil. Heat it over medium-high until it shimmers. Add minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want it to smell great but be careful not to burn it. Next, shift the garlic to one side of the skillet. Pour your two beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs on medium-low heat. They should take about 2-3 minutes to cook. Once done, fold the eggs into the garlic. Add your diced chicken and mixed vegetables next. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-5 minutes. The veggies should be bright and tender. Now it’s time to add the cold rice. Gently add it to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps. Stir everything together to mix the flavors well. Drizzle three tablespoons of soy sauce over the rice. Stir it well to coat all ingredients. Taste the dish and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Finally, toss in the sliced green onions. Stir for another 1-2 minutes to heat it all through. Remove the skillet from heat. For serving, use deep bowls for a nice look. Garnish with more green onions and a light drizzle of sesame oil. This adds a nice touch to your dish. To see all the details, check the Full Recipe. To prevent mushy fried rice, always use cold, day-old rice. Fresh rice holds too much moisture. Break up clumps before cooking. This helps the grains fry evenly. Cooking at the right temperature is key. Use medium-high heat to get a nice texture. If the heat is too low, the rice will steam instead of fry. To boost flavor, add seasonings like garlic powder or black pepper. A pinch of crushed red pepper gives a nice heat. Sesame oil plays a big role in your dish's flavor. It adds a nutty taste that blends well with other ingredients. Use the right amount for the best results. Choose a heavy skillet or a wok for cooking. A non-stick surface helps prevent sticking. Use a spatula or wooden spoon for stirring. These tools make it easy to mix ingredients well. A good knife is also important for chopping veggies and chicken. Having the right tools makes cooking more fun! {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the protein in your fried rice. If you prefer shrimp, use about one cup of cooked shrimp. Just add them when you add the chicken. They cook quickly and taste great. For a vegetarian option, try tofu. Use firm tofu, diced into small cubes. Sauté it until golden before adding the vegetables. This adds a nice texture and flavor. Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices! You can mix in broccoli, snap peas, or even corn. Seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers can brighten up your dish. Just chop them into small pieces for even cooking. This way, you can enjoy fresh flavors all year round. Adding sauces can change the flavor profile of your fried rice. You might try teriyaki for a sweet twist or sriracha for some heat. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or chili paste. These ingredients can turn your dish into a flavorful experience. Remember, a little goes a long way, so start small and taste as you go. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To keep leftover fried rice fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cool the rice before sealing it. This helps avoid moisture buildup, which can make it soggy. When reheating fried rice, use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth. This adds moisture and prevents sticking. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. In the microwave, cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. This keeps the rice moist while it heats. To freeze fried rice properly, place it in airtight freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. For best quality, eat it within three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To make Easy Chicken Fried Rice, follow these steps: 1. Prepare the Ingredients: Use cold, day-old rice. Chop your cooked chicken and mixed vegetables into small pieces. Slice green onions for garnish. 2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. 3. Cook the Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. 4. Scramble the Eggs: Move garlic aside. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble for 2-3 minutes. Fold them into the garlic. 5. Add Chicken and Vegetables: Introduce chicken and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until tender. 6. Incorporate Rice: Add cold rice, breaking up clumps. Stir to mix well. 7. Season the Rice: Drizzle soy sauce over the mixture. Stir and season with salt and pepper to taste. 8. Finish and Serve: Toss in green onions and stir for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat. 9. Plating: Serve in bowls, garnished with green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Yes, using leftover rice is great for this recipe. Here are some benefits: - Texture: Leftover rice becomes firmer, which helps avoid mushiness. - Flavor: It absorbs sauces better, enhancing the taste. - Convenience: It saves cooking time and reduces food waste. Pair your chicken fried rice with these side dishes for a balanced meal: - Spring Rolls: Crispy and light, they add crunch. - Egg Drop Soup: Warm and comforting, it complements the main dish well. - Steamed Dumplings: These add a savory touch and pair nicely. Try these options for a delightful dining experience! Easy chicken fried rice is a simple, tasty dish. We covered all the basics, from key ingredients to step-by-step cooking. You learned how to avoid common mistakes and enhance flavor. Explore variations with different proteins, veggies, and sauces to keep it interesting. Store any leftovers correctly to enjoy them later. This dish is flexible and satisfying, perfect for busy days. I hope you feel ready to create your own delicious fried rice now!$

Discover the ultimate Savory Chicken Fried Rice Delight recipe that will elevate your weeknight dinners! With tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, this dish is not only delicious but also quick to make in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe promises a satisfying meal for the whole family. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress everyone with your cooking skills!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old for ideal texture)

1 cup cooked chicken, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup mixed vegetables (a combination of carrots, peas, and bell peppers works beautifully)

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

3 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)

2 tablespoons sesame oil (adds a nutty flavor)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

2 green onions, finely sliced (for a fresh crunch)

2 cloves garlic, minced (to enhance flavor)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by ensuring your cooked rice is cold to prevent it from becoming mushy. Break up any clumps to ensure even cooking. Next, chop your cooked chicken and mixed vegetables into small pieces and slice the green onions for garnish.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, pour in the olive oil and sesame oil, heating over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer.

Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil, sautéing for about 30 seconds until it releases a fragrant aroma, being careful not to burn it.

Scramble the Eggs: Shift the garlic to one side of the skillet, then pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs on medium-low heat until fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Once done, fold the scrambled eggs into the garlic.

Add Chicken and Vegetables: Introduce the diced chicken and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for approximately 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and brightly colored.

Incorporate Rice: Gently add the cold rice to the skillet, using a spatula or wooden spoon to break up any remaining clumps. Carefully stir everything to combine, ensuring the rice absorbs the flavors.

Season the Rice: Drizzle the soy sauce evenly over the rice mixture, stirring well to coat all ingredients. Taste the fried rice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Finish and Serve: Toss in the sliced green onions, and stir for another 1-2 minutes to heat everything through. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Plating: Serve your savory chicken fried rice in bowls, garnished with additional green onions and a light drizzle of sesame oil for an extra touch of flavor if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, consider serving the fried rice in deep bowls and sprinkle with sesame seeds alongside a lime wedge for a splash of color and freshness.