Chicken Fried Rice is a classic dish loved for its flavorful mix of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables. It’s a perfect way to use leftover rice and can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results every time.
Ingredients
To make Chicken Fried Rice, you’ll need:
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2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (diced)
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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1/2 cup frozen peas
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1/2 cup diced carrots
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1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
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3 cloves garlic (minced)
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2 eggs (beaten)
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for extra flavor)
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
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2 green onions (chopped)
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1 tsp ginger (grated, optional)
Timing
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Preparation time: 10 minutes
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Cooking time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the chicken into small bite-sized pieces and set aside. Chop the vegetables and prepare the garlic and ginger. If using day-old rice, break it up so it’s easy to stir-fry.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the garlic, ginger, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the frozen peas and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble them until fully cooked.
Step 5: Add the Rice
Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir everything together to combine the eggs, vegetables, and rice.
Step 6: Season the Fried Rice
Drizzle the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper over the rice. Stir well to evenly coat all the ingredients.
Step 7: Add the Cooked Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything together. Let the rice fry for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the rice. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Fried Rice.
Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Rice
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Use cold, day-old rice: Fresh rice can be too soft and sticky. Cold rice fries better and gives a nice texture.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the ingredients instead of frying them.
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Customize your ingredients: Add shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken for a different variation.
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Boost the flavor: A dash of sriracha, hoisin sauce, or extra garlic can enhance the dish’s taste.
Variations of Chicken Fried Rice
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Spicy Chicken Fried Rice: Add chili flakes or sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
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Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter flavor.
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Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice: Add diced pineapple for a sweet and savory twist.
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Keto Chicken Fried Rice: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Fried Rice
Storing
Keep leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
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Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
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Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of oil for a fresher taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 350
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Protein: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fat: 10g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 2g
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Sodium: 600mg
Conclusion
Chicken Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in minutes. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-try.