Craving a quick meal that’s both tasty and easy? You’re in luck! My Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner. With just a few simple ingredients like cooked jasmine rice, diced chicken, and mixed veggies, you can whip up a dish that delights everyone. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious meal in no time!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
To make easy chicken fried rice, start with cooked jasmine rice. Day-old rice works best because it is less sticky. Diced chicken breast adds protein and makes the meal hearty. Mixed vegetables, like peas and carrots, give color and nutrition.
Essential Seasonings and Oils
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Soy sauce adds a salty flavor that is key in fried rice. Sesame oil gives a nice nutty taste. Vegetable oil is perfect for frying and helps everything cook evenly.
Optional Add-ins
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 green onions, chopped
– 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. Green onions bring freshness and crunch. Eggs are optional, but they make the dish richer and more filling.
For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
1. Heat oil and cook chicken breast
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns brown and is fully cooked. Make sure to stir it often for even cooking.
2. Set aside cooked chicken
After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This helps to keep the chicken juicy and ready to mix in later.
Cooking the Vegetables and Eggs
1. Sauté garlic
In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt. This will add a great depth of flavor.
2. Scramble eggs
Push the garlic to one side of the skillet. Pour in the lightly beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked, then mix them with the sautéed garlic. This adds richness to the dish.
Combining Ingredients
1. Incorporate vegetables and rice
Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender. Then, stir in the cooked jasmine rice. Break up any clumps to make sure everything mixes well.
2. Mix in soy sauce and sesame oil
Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture. This adds flavor and a nice sheen to your fried rice.
3. Add the chicken back to the mixture
Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything together until well combined and heated through. You want each bite to be packed with flavor.
These steps will guide you to make a delicious Easy Chicken Fried Rice. For a full list of instructions, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Using Day-Old Rice
Using cold rice is key to great fried rice. Fresh rice is too sticky and can clump. Day-old rice dries out a little, making it perfect for frying. To store rice properly, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it in small bags. Just thaw before using.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to make your fried rice even better? Add more vegetables! Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work well. You can also try extra spices for a kick. A dash of chili flakes or a sprinkle of ginger adds depth. Experiment with sauces like oyster sauce or hoisin for unique flavors. These little changes can make a big difference.
Techniques for Perfect Texture
To avoid mushy rice, make sure your skillet is hot. Heat the oil before adding the rice. Stir-fry in small batches if your pan is crowded. This keeps the heat high and helps the rice fry evenly. Use a spatula to break apart clumps while cooking.
For best results, don’t rush. Let the rice sit in the pan for a minute before stirring again. This technique gives you that nice crispy texture. Follow these tips for a delicious dish every time! For a full guide, check the Full Recipe.
Variations
Protein Options
You can change the chicken in this dish for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Just sauté it for a few minutes until it’s pink. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. Use firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and fry it until golden.
Leftover turkey works well, too. If you have any from a holiday meal, just chop it up. It adds a nice flavor and makes this dish even easier.
Dietary Modifications
If you need to avoid gluten, look for gluten-free soy sauce. It tastes just as good and works well in this recipe. You can also try tamari, which is a great alternative.
For a vegan option, skip the eggs and chicken. You can add more vegetables or some chickpeas for protein. This keeps the meal filling and tasty.
Regional Flavors
Adding spices can give your fried rice a spicy kick. Try chili flakes or sriracha if you like heat. You can also add fresh ginger for a zesty flavor.
Different sauces can change the taste, too. Consider teriyaki or oyster sauce for a sweet and savory twist. Mix these in with the soy sauce for a unique flavor.
For more details, check out the Full Recipe!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store leftovers, let the chicken fried rice cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If it smells off or looks strange, throw it away.
Freezing Options
You can freeze the fried rice for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat or the microwave. Add a splash of water to keep it moist.
Best Containers for Storage
For the best results, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly. This helps avoid freezer burn. If you do not have airtight containers, use freezer bags and squeeze out the air before sealing. This keeps your chicken fried rice tasty and fresh!
FAQs
How long does it take to make Easy Chicken Fried Rice?
Making Easy Chicken Fried Rice is quick and simple. You need about 10 minutes to prep. Cooking takes roughly 10 minutes. So, the total time is around 20 minutes. This is perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty meal fast.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken fried rice and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This way, you have a quick meal ready to enjoy.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
The best rice for fried rice is jasmine rice. It has a nice flavor and texture. Day-old rice works best because it is drier. This helps keep the rice from getting mushy. You can also use long-grain rice if you prefer. Short-grain rice tends to be stickier, which is not ideal for frying.
This article covered easy chicken fried rice, from ingredients to storage. We explored the main ingredients like jasmine rice and chicken. I shared tips on using day-old rice and suggested variations to suit your taste.
Making fried rice is simple and fun. You can customize it as you like. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With a few steps, you can create a delicious meal. I hope you are excited to try this recipe!
