Looking for a quick and tasty meal? This Easy Chicken Fried Rice is just what you need! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip this dish up in no time. Whether you’re a busy parent or just craving comfort food, this recipe is perfect for you. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a homemade meal that tastes amazing. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
Additional Ingredients
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
To make easy chicken fried rice, you need a few key items. First, jasmine rice works best. It gives a nice texture and flavor. You can use cooked rice from the day before. This helps the rice stay fluffy. Next, add cooked chicken. You can use leftover chicken too. It saves time and adds flavor. Mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn brighten the dish.
For the extra touch, you need green onions. They add a fresh crunch. Eggs bring richness and protein. Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami flavor.
For seasoning, sesame oil gives a lovely nutty taste. Garlic powder adds depth. Don’t forget salt and pepper to make it just right. If you like, fresh cilantro can brighten up the dish as a garnish.
Once you have these ingredients, you are ready to cook. For the full recipe, follow the steps in the next section.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Ingredients
- Break up clumps of day-old rice.
- Gather and measure all ingredients.
Start with your rice. If it’s day-old, it might be clumpy. Use your hands or a fork to break it apart. This step helps the rice fry evenly. Next, gather all your ingredients. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth and fast.
Cooking Process
- Heat sesame oil in skillet or wok.
- Scramble eggs and set aside.
- Sauté mixed vegetables until tender.
Now, heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil gives a nice flavor. Add the beaten eggs to the pan. Scramble them until they are fully cooked, then set them aside. In the same pan, toss in your mixed vegetables. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender. This step adds color and nutrients to your dish.
Combining the Dish
- Add chicken to the pan and heat.
- Incorporate rice, seasonings, and mix.
- Fold in eggs and green onions before serving.
Next, stir in the diced chicken. Cook for about 2 minutes to heat it through. Then, add your fluffy rice to the pan. Toss everything well so the chicken and veggies mix evenly. Sprinkle garlic powder, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix again until everything is heated and combined. Finally, fold in the cooked eggs and sliced green onions. This adds a fresh touch right before serving. Enjoy your Easy Chicken Fried Rice! You can find the full recipe above.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
- Use day-old rice for best texture. Fresh rice can be sticky.
- Adjust seasoning to personal taste. Add more soy sauce if you like salt.
Storage Tips
- Cool and store leftovers in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh.
- Reheat in a skillet for best results. This helps maintain the rice’s texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with additional soy sauce on the side. It adds extra flavor.
- Pair with homemade sauces or side dishes. Try a simple salad or spring rolls.
Variations
Protein Substitutions
You can easily swap chicken for other proteins. Shrimp is a great choice. It cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Tofu works well for a vegetarian option. It soaks up sauces and spices well. You can also use pork if you have it on hand. Leftover beef is another tasty option. Just cut it into small pieces for even cooking.
Vegetable Options
Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Bell peppers add color and crunch. Broccoli brings a delightful texture and nutrients. Snap peas are sweet and crisp, a great addition. If you want to save time, use frozen vegetable blends. They are just as good and save you prep time. You can mix and match based on what you like.
Flavor Enhancements
To make your fried rice even better, add some ginger. It gives a warm, spicy kick. Chili flakes can add heat for those who like spice. You can also try different types of soy sauce. Dark soy sauce adds richness, while light soy sauce is saltier. Experiment until you find the flavor you love. Each tweak can make a big difference in taste!
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
After cooking, you should refrigerate the chicken fried rice within 2 hours. This keeps it safe to eat. Use airtight containers to keep the rice fresh. You can stack these containers to save space in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some for later, freeze portions of the chicken fried rice. This makes for quick meals later. When you are ready to eat, thaw the rice in the refrigerator overnight. This helps keep the texture nice when you reheat it.
Shelf Life
If you store the chicken fried rice in the fridge, enjoy it within 3-4 days. For frozen rice, it can stay good for up to 2 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date so you know when to eat it.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Chicken Fried Rice vegetarian?
Yes, omit chicken and use tofu or only vegetables. This makes a tasty dish. You can add any veggies you love. Peppers, broccoli, or zucchini work well.
What kind of rice is best for fried rice?
Jasmine rice is recommended for texture and flavor. It has a nice aroma, too. Using day-old rice helps it stay firm. Fresh rice can be mushy when cooked.
Can I use leftover vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any leftover veggies you have. This is a great way to reduce waste. Just chop them up and toss them in.
How do I prevent my fried rice from being soggy?
Ensure rice is well-cooled and dry before cooking. You can spread it out on a tray to cool. Avoid adding too much sauce, as that can make it wet.
What are some good sauces to serve with fried rice?
Sriracha, teriyaki sauce, or sweet chili sauce can enhance flavor. These sauces add a nice kick. You can serve them on the side for dipping, too.
This blog post walks you through making a simple and tasty chicken fried rice. You learned about key ingredients like jasmine rice, diced chicken, and mixed veggies. The step-by-step instructions make cooking easy. Helpful tips and storage tricks keep your meal fresh for later. Don’t forget to try variations with different proteins or veggies. Enjoy making this dish your own! Cooking can be fun and rewarding when you try new things.
