Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Imagine a dish that explodes with flavor, dances in your mouth with contrasting textures, and whisks you away to a bustling Asian street market. That’s precisely what this **Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice** recipe delivers! It’s comfort food elevated, ready in minutes and guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

This isn’t your average takeout imitation. We’re talking savory chicken, perfectly cooked rice, a medley of vibrant veggies, and a symphony of umami flavors that’ll leave you craving more. So, grab your wok (or a large skillet, no judgment!), and let’s embark on this culinary adventure together.

• Ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal solution when time is short.
• The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp vegetables creates a delightful sensory experience.
• Customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein, making it a versatile dish to suit any taste.
• It’s a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash – a definite win in our book!

Ingredients for Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

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

Cooked Chicken Breast Diced into bite-sized pieces. Use leftover roasted chicken or quickly pan-fry some fresh chicken.

Cooked Rice Ideally day-old rice, as it fries up better and doesn’t get mushy. Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine works best.

Frozen Mixed Vegetables A convenient way to add color, texture, and nutrients. Look for a blend with peas, carrots, and corn.

Onion Diced finely. It provides a savory base for the dish.

Garlic Minced. Adds a pungent aroma and flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Soy Sauce The star of the show! It imparts a salty, umami flavor to the fried rice. Use low-sodium to control the saltiness.

Sesame Oil A little goes a long way! It adds a nutty aroma and flavor that’s characteristic of Asian cuisine.

Eggs Lightly beaten. They add richness and protein to the fried rice.

Green Onions Sliced thinly. Used as a garnish for a pop of freshness and color.

Vegetable Oil For stir-frying. It has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for high-heat cooking.

Optional: Red Pepper Flakes

For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

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

How to Make Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Dice the cooked chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Lightly beat the eggs in a small bowl and set aside. Ensure your rice is cooked and preferably chilled for best results.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

Add the diced chicken to the wok and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir-fry until they are heated through and slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Push the chicken and vegetables to one side of the wok. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and let them set for a few seconds. Then, use a spatula to scramble the eggs until they are cooked through.

Step 5: Add the Rice and Sauce

Add the cooked rice to the wok and break it up with a spatula. Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Stir-fry everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the sauce and all the ingredients are well combined. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is heated through and slightly browned.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the wok from the heat. Garnish the **Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice** with sliced green onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Efficiency is key! Sear your diced chicken first to lock in those delicious juices. Then, while the rice steams to fluffy perfection, chop your veggies. Finally, stir-fry everything together, adding the egg at the end for that signature fried rice goodness.

Add Your Touch

Feeling adventurous? Swap out the peas and carrots for broccoli florets or bell peppers. Add a dash of chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture. The possibilities are endless; make it yours!

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers are a gift! Store your Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan on the stove until heated through. A splash of broth can help revive the rice.

• Use day-old cooked rice; it’s drier and fries up much better than freshly cooked rice, avoiding a mushy final product.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to ensure even cooking and proper browning.

• Make a well in the center of the fried rice to cook the egg; this way, it evenly coats the rice as you stir it through.

(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)

My family raved about this fried rice when I made it for our last barbecue! The kids devoured it and even asked for seconds. It’s always a winner.

Why This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Rocks

Let’s be honest, sometimes life throws you a curveball, and you need dinner on the table faster than you can say “takeout.” That’s where this Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe comes in! It’s the ultimate weeknight warrior, a culinary superhero disguised as a humble bowl of rice, chicken, and veggies. Forget complicated techniques and endless ingredient lists. We’re talking about a straightforward, satisfying meal that even the most kitchen-challenged among us can conquer.

Imagine this: you’re staring into the abyss of your refrigerator, wondering what on earth you’re going to conjure up for dinner. The kids are hungry, your stomach is rumbling, and the thought of ordering pizza *again* makes you cringe. Fear not! With a few pantry staples and some leftover cooked chicken (or a quick sauté of fresh chicken – your call!), you can whip up a batch of this glorious fried rice in under 30 minutes. Yes, you read that right. Thirty minutes! That’s less time than it takes to wait for delivery, and it’s infinitely more delicious and satisfying.

But what truly sets this chicken fried rice apart is its versatility. Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Don’t have peas and carrots? No problem! Toss in some broccoli, bell peppers, or even leftover roasted vegetables. Feeling spicy? Add a dash of chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Want to boost the protein? Throw in some scrambled tofu or an extra egg. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination (and whatever happens to be lurking in your fridge).

Ingredients: The Usual Suspects (and a Few Secret Weapons)

Now, let’s talk ingredients. You probably have most of these lurking in your pantry and fridge already. But don’t underestimate the power of simple ingredients when combined with a little know-how.

• **Cooked Chicken:** The star of the show! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect, or you can quickly sauté some diced chicken breast or thigh. About 2 cups should do the trick.

• **Cooked Rice:** Day-old rice is the secret weapon here. It’s drier and less likely to get mushy when stir-fried. Long-grain rice is ideal, but medium-grain will work in a pinch. Approximately 3 cups.

• **Frozen Peas and Carrots:** Because we’re all about convenience, right? Feel free to use fresh, but frozen is just as good and requires zero chopping. One cup should suffice.

• **Onion and Garlic:** The aromatic backbone of any good stir-fry. Dice them finely for even cooking. One medium onion and two cloves of garlic should provide the flavor base we’re after.

• **Soy Sauce:** The umami bomb that brings everything together. Use low-sodium to control the saltiness. About ¼ cup.

• **Sesame Oil:** Adds a nutty, fragrant touch that elevates this dish to restaurant quality. A teaspoon or two is all you need.

• **Eggs:** Scrambled and stirred into the fried rice for richness and protein. Two large eggs are perfect.

• **Broth or Juice:** A splash of chicken broth, vegetable broth, apple juice, or white grape juice can add moisture and a subtle sweetness. Use about 2 tablespoons.

• **Optional Extras:** Green onions, sesame seeds, chili garlic sauce, sriracha, chopped peanuts – the sky’s the limit! Add whatever tickles your fancy.

Let’s Get Cooking: The Step-by-Step Guide to Fried Rice Nirvana

Alright, enough chit-chat. Let’s get down to business and make some seriously delicious fried rice. Don’t worry, it’s easier than parallel parking.

**Step 1: Prep the Troops**

Before you even think about turning on the stove, gather all your ingredients and chop everything that needs chopping. Dice the onion and garlic, measure out your rice and chicken, and thaw the frozen peas and carrots. Having everything ready to go beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother.

**Step 2: Scramble Those Eggs**

In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Pour in the eggs and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are set but still slightly moist. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics**

Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

**Step 4: Chicken Time!**

Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using raw chicken, cook it until it’s cooked through before continuing.

**Step 5: Veggie Power**

Add the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

**Step 6: Rice to the Occasion**

Add the cooked rice to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Stir-fry everything together until well combined.

**Step 7: Sauce it Up**

Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and apple juice. Stir-fry until everything is evenly coated and heated through.

**Step 8: Egg-cellent Addition**

Add the scrambled eggs back to the skillet and stir-fry until everything is well combined.

**Step 9: Garnish and Serve**

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations on a Theme: Remix Your Fried Rice

The beauty of Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice lies in its adaptability. It’s like a chameleon, effortlessly transforming to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• **Vegetarian Delight:** Skip the chicken altogether and add more vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, or tofu.

• **Spicy Sensation:** Add a dash of chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.

• **Seafood Extravaganza:** Substitute the chicken with shrimp, scallops, or crabmeat for a luxurious twist.

• **Hawaiian Flair:** Add diced pineapple and a splash of juice for a sweet and tangy flavor.

• **Egg-cellent Upgrade:** Fry an egg sunny-side up and place it on top of the fried rice for an extra-rich and satisfying meal.

• **Low-Carb Option:** Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a healthier, low-carb alternative.

Expert Tips for Fried Rice Domination

Making truly great fried rice is an art, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here are a few insider tips to help you achieve fried rice perfection:

• **Don’t overcook the rice:** Overcooked rice will be mushy and sticky, making it difficult to stir-fry. Cook the rice according to package directions and let it cool completely before using.
• **Use high heat:** Fried rice is best cooked over high heat to create that signature wok hei (smoky flavor).
• **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and result in steamed, not fried, rice. Cook in batches if necessary.
• **Taste and adjust:** Taste the fried rice before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, sesame oil for flavor, or juice for sweetness.

The Final Verdict: A Fried Rice That’s Both Quick and Delicious

This Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is more than just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver. It’s the answer to those frantic weeknight dinner dilemmas, the solution to your leftover woes, and a delicious way to satisfy your cravings for Asian-inspired cuisine. So, ditch the takeout menus and get cooking! Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you. This dish brings so much joy in a few steps. So what are you waiting for ? go cook it!.

Conclusion for Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

This quick & easy chicken fried rice recipe is your new best friend for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s a blank canvas for your creativity, allowing for endless customization with your favorite veggies and seasonings. With a little bit of prep and a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and comforting dish on the table in no time. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to impress yourself with your culinary skills. Time to get cooking!

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FAQs

Is this Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe truly quick?

Absolutely! If you’re anything like me, your cooking time estimates are…aspirational. But seriously, this chicken fried rice recipe comes together faster than you can say “I’m starving!” Prep your ingredients beforehand, and you’ll be enjoying a steaming bowl of deliciousness in under 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for those chaotic weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. We’re talking weeknight dinner champion level of quick here. Less time cooking, more time Netflixing.

Can I customize this Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice with different vegetables?

You bet your bottom dollar you can! Feel free to raid your fridge’s veggie drawer and throw in whatever your heart desires. Carrots, peas, bell peppers, broccoli – the world is your oyster! Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Think of it as a veggie scavenger hunt, but the prize is a customized and incredibly tasty chicken fried rice. Get creative and make it your own signature dish.

What kind of rice is best for making Chicken Fried Rice?

Day-old cooked rice is your best friend in this scenario. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can result in a mushy final product. Nobody wants mushy fried rice! I usually make extra rice the night before, specifically for this recipe. Long-grain rice, like jasmine or basmati, works particularly well. Short-grain rice tends to clump together more, so stick with the long grains for the best texture. Let’s get that rice right.

How do I prevent my Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice from sticking to the pan?

Ah, the dreaded sticky pan! The key is to use a wok or a large skillet with a good non-stick surface. Make sure your pan is nice and hot before adding any ingredients. Using enough oil is also crucial; don’t be shy! Continuously stir the rice and other ingredients to prevent them from clumping and sticking. A little patience and a good stir-fry technique will lead to perfectly separated, fluffy grains of rice.