Irresistible Chicken Fried Rice: A Flavorful Delight

It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma, making your mouth water before you even take a bite. Chicken fried rice is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The sizzling sound of chicken meeting a hot wok, the vibrant colors of vegetables dancing together, and the comforting scent of soy sauce wafting through the air create an enticing atmosphere that beckons everyone to the table.

I remember the first time I made chicken fried rice for my friends during college. It was a spontaneous decision fueled by hunger and limited resources. Little did I know, this simple dish would turn into a crowd-pleaser and become our go-to meal for late-night study sessions and impromptu gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies always manages to unite us around the dinner table with laughter and stories.

Sharing this dish with friends always brings smiles and happy bellies. When they take that first bite, you can see their eyes light up as they savor each mouthful.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on how hungry everyone is.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves for maximum flavor; they’ll infuse the dish beautifully.

• Carrots: Fresh carrots add crunch and sweetness; chop them finely for even cooking.

• Green Peas: Frozen peas are perfect here since they cook quickly and add vibrant color.

• Green Onions: These provide a mild onion flavor; chop them finely for garnishing at the end.

• Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works best; it’s drier and helps prevent mushiness.

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while still delivering great flavor.

• Sesame Oil: This adds a nutty aroma; just a drizzle goes a long way!

• Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs add protein and richness; scramble them right in the pan.

• Vegetable Oil: Use this for frying everything up; it has a high smoke point ideal for stir-frying.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping all your veggies and cubing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add Aromatics and Veggies: Toss in minced garlic followed by carrots and peas. Cook until carrots soften slightly, which should take about 3-4 minutes while stirring frequently.

Incorporate Rice and Seasonings: Add cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together until well combined and heated through—around 5 minutes works wonders.

Scramble in Eggs: Push rice mixture to one side of the pan. Add beaten eggs on the other side, scrambling them gently until fully cooked before mixing everything together.

Add Green Onions & Serve Up!: Stir in chopped green onions right at the end for freshness. Serve hot straight from the pan—no judgment if you eat straight from there!

Now that you’ve created this culinary masterpiece called chicken fried rice, sit back, relax, and enjoy every flavorful bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken first, then set it aside while you sauté the vegetables. This sequence ensures everything cooks evenly and flavors meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite proteins or add extra veggies like bell peppers or peas. Season with soy sauce or sesame oil to elevate the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat for best results.

Sharing my first attempt at chicken fried rice still makes me chuckle. My friends raved about it, but I accidentally used way too much soy sauce—let’s say it was a salty surprise!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for chicken fried rice?

Yes, just thaw it before starting to ensure even cooking.

What type of rice is best for chicken fried rice?

Day-old jasmine or basmati rice works perfectly for a fluffy texture.

How can I make chicken fried rice spicy?

Add chopped chili peppers or a dash of sriracha for that extra kick!

Print

Chicken Fried Rice

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Chicken fried rice is a beloved dish that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful meal. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit your pantry. The irresistible aroma of sautéed garlic and soy sauce fills the kitchen, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or cozy nights in. Experience the joy of bringing everyone together around the table with this delightful one-pan dish!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
• 1 cup carrots (finely chopped)
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 4 green onions (chopped)
• 4 cups cooked day-old rice
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Chop the veggies and cube the chicken for easy cooking.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic, carrots, and peas; cook for about 3-4 minutes until carrots soften.
4. Add cooked rice, breaking up clumps. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil; stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
5. Push rice to one side of the pan; add beaten eggs on the other side and scramble until fully cooked.
6. Stir in chopped green onions before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: Use day-old rice for better texture. Customize with your favorite proteins or additional vegetables like bell peppers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.