Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a fantastic dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. It features seasoned rice stir-fried with tender chicken, eggs, and vibrant vegetables. This recipe not only serves as a delicious main course but also works well as a side dish for gatherings or family meals. Enjoy the convenience and flavor of homemade chicken fried rice without any fuss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation – This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Versatile Meal Option – Enjoy it as a main dish or a side; it’s perfect for any occasion.
- Better Than Takeout – Experience the fresh flavors of homemade fried rice that surpasses what you’d get from a restaurant.
- Customizable Ingredients – Use leftover vegetables or protein to make it your own!
- Family-Friendly – Kids love this dish, making it an easy way to please picky eaters.
Tools and Preparation
To make Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in your kitchen.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pan or wok
- Medium-sized bowl
- Small bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pan or wok – Provides ample space for frying ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
- Medium-sized bowl – Ideal for marinating the chicken and mixing sauces effectively.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – Great for tossing ingredients together while cooking and preventing sticking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 4 ½ cups cooked jasmine rice (cold day-old)
- ½ lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing Cooking Wine (or dry sherry / dry white wine / chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Vegetables and Eggs
- 1.5 cups frozen peas and carrots (or frozen vegetable mix)
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 small shallot (or 1/4 onion, finely diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
For Cooking
- 4 teaspoons vegetable oil (or any neutral tasting oil)
- 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
How to Make Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium-sized bowl, combine sliced chicken thighs with the marinade ingredients. Set aside to marinate for about 5–10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients listed above. Set this aside for later use.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and fry until fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
Add another teaspoon of vegetable oil into the same pan. Sauté minced garlic and shallots for about 10 seconds. Then add peas and carrots, frying them for another 10 seconds. Push everything to one side of the pan.
Step 5: Scramble Eggs
Pour in the remaining oil into the empty space in the pan. Add beaten eggs, allowing them to sit for around 20 seconds before scrambling. Once scrambled into bite-sized pieces, toss everything together.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Add in your cold jasmine rice and cooked chicken back into the pan. Toss all ingredients together until they are well mixed.
Step 7: Add Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce around the rice or along the edges of the pan. Let it toast for about 5 seconds before tossing everything together again until all rice grains are evenly coated and slightly brown. Serve hot!
Enjoy this Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, perfect for satisfying your cravings quickly!
How to Serve Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
Serve with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions on top for a fresh and vibrant taste.
- Cilantro Leaves: Add fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and a hint of brightness.
Pair with Sauces
- Soy Sauce: Offer soy sauce on the side for those who enjoy a saltier kick.
- Chili Sauce: Provide chili sauce for spice lovers who crave heat.
Enjoy with Proteins
- Grilled Shrimp: Serve alongside grilled shrimp for an added protein boost and delightful texture.
- Tofu Cubes: For a vegetarian option, include crispy tofu cubes that complement the dish well.
Create a Platter
- Mixed Veggies: Serve with a side of mixed vegetable stir-fry to provide extra nutrition and color.
- Egg Rolls: Pair with crispy egg rolls for a delightful crunch and additional flavor contrast.
How to Perfect Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
To make your Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Day-Old Rice: Cold, day-old rice prevents clumping and results in better texture.
- High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry on high heat to achieve that authentic fried rice flavor and to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all ingredients prepped before starting to ensure quick cooking times.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to keep everything evenly cooked and flavorful.
Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some great options to complete your meal.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls add a delightful crunch that complements the fried rice.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy and colorful addition to your plate.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup enhances the meal with its savory umami flavors.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad balances the richness of fried rice with its crispness.
- Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles offer an alternative carb option, making for a satisfying side.
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled vegetables bring acidity that brightens up every bite of fried rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Using fresh rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky. Always use cold, day-old rice for the best texture.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it tough. Just cook until it’s fully done, then remove it from the pan.
- Skipping the marination: Not marinating the chicken will miss flavors. Take a few minutes to let it sit in the marinade for better taste.
- Not prepping ingredients: Failing to prepare all ingredients beforehand can lead to uneven cooking. Have everything ready to go before you start cooking.
- Adding sauce too early: Pouring sauce in at the wrong time can result in soggy rice. Wait until everything is well incorporated before adding the sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the fried rice to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Divide into portions for easier thawing later.
Reheating Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread rice on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice better than takeout?
This recipe uses fresh ingredients and allows you to customize flavors according to your preferences, making it healthier and tastier than takeout.
Can I use different vegetables in my Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out peas and carrots for your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
How can I make this Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with tofu or additional vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon powder.
What type of rice is best for Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice?
Jasmine rice works best due to its fragrance and texture. Day-old rice is ideal as it’s drier and less sticky.
Can I make Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is not only fast but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your choice of proteins or vegetables. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something delightful yet simple. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of your favorite Asian cuisine right into your home kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to meal for families and individuals alike. Featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and an array of colorful vegetables, this fried rice is not only satisfying but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side dish at gatherings, this homemade version surpasses takeout in freshness and flavor. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients!
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups cold cooked jasmine rice
- ½ lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1.5 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 3 large eggs
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Shallots
Instructions
- Marinate sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch for 5–10 minutes.
- Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl; set aside.
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, cook marinated chicken until done; remove from the pan.
- Sauté garlic and shallots in the same pan; add peas and carrots.
- Scramble beaten eggs in the pan; then combine with veggies.
- Add cold rice and cooked chicken; stir well.
- Pour sauce around rice; toss until evenly coated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
