This Quick and Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a lifesaver for busy days! It features tender chicken, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, all tossed together in a tasty sauce.
It’s so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you don’t whip it up every week! I love tossing in extra veggies for crunch and flavor—plus, it’s like a clean-out-the-fridge meal! 🍚🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works best for fried rice because it’s drier and less sticky. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice and spread it on a baking sheet to cool for 15-20 minutes.
Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for ease, or substitute with shrimp, tofu, or beef if you want a different protein. Just be sure it’s pre-cooked for quicker preparation.
Vegetable Choices: While carrots and peas are classic, feel free to swap in bell peppers, corn, or broccoli. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge.
Eggs: For a plant-based option, you can omit the eggs or use scrambled tofu as a substitute for similar texture. It still adds protein without the eggs!
Sauces: Soy sauce is key for flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, look for tamari or coconut aminos. The oyster sauce adds depth but can be skipped if you’re vegetarian or don’t have it.
How Do I Prevent My Fried Rice from Being Sticky?
Sticky rice can be frustrating when making fried rice. Here are some tips to keep your rice fluffy:
- **Use Day-Old Rice:** It’s key to dry rice with less moisture. Freshly cooked rice tends to clump together.
- **Cool Fresh Rice:** If you’re using hot rice, spread it out on a sheet pan so it cools quickly. This helps it dry out a bit.
- **High Heat Cooking:** Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the rice. This helps to fry it rather than steam it.
- **Stir Gently:** Don’t overmix once you add the rice; this can break the grains and make them stick together.
Quick and Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 3 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy chicken fried rice recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10-15 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at around 20-25 minutes total. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the white parts of the chopped green onions along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the aroma fills your kitchen.
2. Cook the Veggies:
Next, toss in the diced carrots and frozen peas. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until they’re tender but still have a little crunch. We want that vibrant color to shine!
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the veggies over to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble them until they are fully cooked, then mix everything in the skillet together.
4. Add the Chicken:
Add your diced, cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine, cooking for another 2 minutes until the chicken is heated through. This shouldn’t take long!
5. Mix in the Rice:
Now, add the cooked rice! Gently break up any clumps as you stir everything together to combine all the ingredients. Keep it moving, so nothing sticks to the pan.
6. Season the Rice:
Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over the rice mixture. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes; this helps the sauce evenly coat the rice and brings all the flavors together.
7. Final Touches:
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed. Feel free to taste along the way!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onions. This adds a fresh touch!
9. Enjoy:
Serve it hot, and dig in! Enjoy your delicious, homemade chicken fried rice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Rice for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Day-old rice is preferred because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps achieve that perfect fried rice texture. If you have fresh rice, let it cool completely or spread it out on a baking sheet for about 20 minutes before using.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize your fried rice with any vegetables you like! Bell peppers, broccoli, corn, or even snap peas would work wonderfully. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose, so they remain crisp and colorful.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time! Chop your vegetables and cook the chicken in advance, storing them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just follow the cooking steps. However, for the best texture, it’s ideal to cook the rice fresh or use leftover rice right before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or soy sauce and stir-fry it in a skillet or microwave until heated through. This helps revive the flavors and prevents it from drying out.
