Chicken Fried Rice Made Easy: A Flavorful and Satisfying Recipe for All

Photo byAngie Bright

Chicken Fried Rice is a beloved dish that brings together the savory flavors of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice all in one satisfying meal. This dish has roots in many Asian cuisines but has become a staple across the world for its versatility, quick preparation, and ability to transform leftovers into a delicious feast.

The magic of Chicken Fried Rice lies in its balance of textures and flavors. The tender chicken blends seamlessly with the crispy edges of the rice and the bite of vegetables like carrots and peas. The addition of scrambled eggs adds richness to the dish, while soy sauce and sesame oil give it that distinct umami flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or even a meal prep idea, Chicken Fried Rice is a go-to that never disappoints.

Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs (cut into thin bite-size pieces)
• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 3/4 cup frozen peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cups long grain white rice, cooked and chilled
• 3-5 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
2. • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, browning on both sides for about 2 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
4. • In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still have a slight crunch (about 5-7 minutes).
   • Reduce the heat to low, add the minced garlic, and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer the vegetables to the plate with the chicken and cover to keep warm.
5. Scramble the Eggs:
6. • Whisk the eggs in a bowl. Add 1/2 tablespoon of butter to the skillet over low heat. Pour in the eggs and gently scramble them, breaking them into small pieces. Once cooked, transfer them to the plate with the chicken and vegetables.
7. Fry the Rice:
8. • Melt the remaining butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked, chilled rice, and drizzle with soy sauce. Stir occasionally, allowing the rice to brown slightly and fry for 3-5 minutes. If needed, fry the rice in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure proper browning.
9. Combine and Serve:
10. • Drizzle the sesame oil over the rice and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Stir to combine everything.
    • Return the chicken, vegetables, and scrambled eggs to the skillet, and cook until all ingredients are heated through. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.

The Finishing Touch

This Chicken Fried Rice is a simple yet flavorful meal that captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability; you can add other ingredients like shrimp, pork, or tofu, or throw in extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn. It’s also a great way to make use of leftover rice, which fries better when it’s cold and slightly dry. With a dish as versatile as Chicken Fried Rice, you’ll always have a crowd-pleaser ready in no time!

Here are several reliable sources where you can find detailed Chicken Fried Rice recipes and techniques:

1. AllRecipes: A classic chicken fried rice recipe that's quick and easy, perfect for using leftover rice and chicken. It includes detailed steps on how to cook the dish with common pantry ingredients like soy sauce and sesame oil​Allrecipes​Allrecipes.
2. Serious Eats: This resource offers not only a basic chicken fried rice recipe but also great tips on cooking techniques, such as using high heat to get the right texture for the rice and limiting the amount of soy sauce to keep the rice from becoming mushy​Serious Eats​Serious Eats.
3. The Woks of Life: A popular source that gives an authentic take on chicken fried rice, highlighting the importance of using cold, day-old rice for the best results​Allrecipes.

These sites provide expert advice on getting the right texture and flavor for your chicken fried rice, making them great references for your cooking needs.