When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? Is it a heaping plate of warm, fluffy rice, glistening with savory soy sauce and colorful veggies? If you’re nodding your head in agreement, then let me introduce you to Easy Chicken Fried Rice! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a celebratory feast.

I fondly remember my first attempt at making fried rice. It was a culinary adventure that involved a lot of smoke, some questionable seasoning choices, and the realization that maybe my takeout habit had gone too far. But after many trials (and a few hilarious fails), I discovered the magic of creating Easy Chicken Fried Rice at home. It’s versatile, delicious, and practically demands to be shared with friends and family. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Preparing this Easy Chicken Fried Rice is as simple as it gets—perfect for those busy weeknights when time is tight.
- The flavor profile is a delightful combination of savory chicken and fresh vegetables that dance on your taste buds.
- With vibrant colors from the veggies, this dish makes any dinner table look gourmet.
- Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; feel free to swap in whatever protein or vegetables you have on hand!
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 2-3 chicken breasts provide the perfect protein boost for this dish.
Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs flavors beautifully; cooked and cooled rice works best for frying.
Fresh Vegetables: A mix of peas, carrots, and green onions adds color and crunch; feel free to get creative!
Eggs: Scrambled eggs add richness and texture; one or two should do the trick.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels while still delivering that umami flavor punch.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil elevates the dish with its nutty aroma.
For the Sauce:
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs in tons of flavor; don’t skimp!
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and spice; use it sparingly if you’re not a fan.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cooking your jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once it’s fluffy, spread it on a baking sheet to cool—this helps prevent mushiness during frying.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Once the chicken is done, toss in your chopped vegetables (peas, carrots) and cook until they soften slightly. Add minced garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant—about one minute.
Step 4: Scramble Eggs
Push the chicken and veggies aside in the skillet. Crack in one or two eggs into the empty space and scramble them until fully cooked. Mix everything together once done.
Step 5: Add Rice & Sauce
Stir in your cooled rice along with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired sauces (like oyster sauce). Toss everything together until well combined—be sure to break up clumps!
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Transfer your Easy Chicken Fried Rice onto plates or a large platter. Garnish with chopped green onions for extra flair. Voila! You’ve got yourself an impressive meal that’s sure to wow anyone.
Now you have all the secrets to creating Amazing Easy Chicken Fried Rice at home! This dish is not only easy but also infinitely customizable based on what you have available in your kitchen pantry! Enjoy it hot straight from the skillet or save it for leftovers—the flavors deepen even more overnight (if there are any leftovers!). Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- This easy chicken fried rice is not just delicious; it makes weeknight dinners a cinch.
- You can swap out ingredients based on your cravings.
- The colorful veggies and fragrant chicken create a stunning dish that appeals to everyone’s taste buds.
- Perfect for using up leftovers too!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the chicken first until golden brown, then set it aside. Sauté your vegetables next, followed by adding the rice and sauces. Mix in the chicken last to keep everything flavorful and perfectly integrated.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin, and don’t hold back on adding extra veggies like snow peas or bell peppers for a crunchy surprise.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until heated through to maintain that delightful texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked fried rice, use day-old rice; it’s drier and fries better.
- Keep your vegetables cut uniformly for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of frying.
When I first made this easy chicken fried rice, my kids declared it “the best dinner ever!” Their excitement made me feel like a culinary rock star, and now it’s a weekly family favorite!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Easy Chicken Fried Rice?
To make Easy Chicken Fried Rice, you will need cooked rice, diced chicken breast, vegetables like peas and carrots, soy sauce, garlic, and eggs. You can also add green onions for garnish. It’s best to use leftover rice since it’s drier and won’t clump together when frying. Feel free to customize with other veggies or proteins based on your preferences.
How long does it take to prepare Easy Chicken Fried Rice?
Preparing Easy Chicken Fried Rice takes about 15 minutes if you have pre-cooked rice and prepped ingredients. Cooking the chicken and veggies will take around 10 minutes, while combining everything in the pan takes an additional 5 minutes. Overall, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a last-minute dinner option.
Can I make Easy Chicken Fried Rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Easy Chicken Fried Rice ahead of time. Cooked fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over medium heat or microwave it until heated throughout. Just remember to add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist while reheating.
Is Easy Chicken Fried Rice suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Easy Chicken Fried Rice is an excellent choice for meal prep. You can portion it into individual containers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It reheats well and maintains its flavor and texture, making it a convenient and satisfying option for busy days.
Conclusion for Easy Chicken Fried Rice :
Easy Chicken Fried Rice is not only quick to prepare but also versatile and delicious. With simple ingredients that you can customize, this dish fits perfectly into any meal plan. Whether you’re using leftover rice or fresh ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time. Enjoy this easy recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious and satisfying comfort food that brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and fluffy jasmine rice, all harmonized with savory soy sauce. This quick and versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to make time and again!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
- 1 cup mixed fresh vegetables (peas, carrots)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions and spread it on a baking sheet to cool.
- Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season and cook diced chicken until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Set aside.
- Add vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté mixed vegetables until softened. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Scramble eggs: Push the mixture aside and scramble the eggs in the empty space until fully cooked. Mix everything together.
- Combine: Add cooled rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper; toss until well combined.
- Serve: Transfer to plates or a platter, garnish with green onions, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variety. Customize with seasonal veggies like bell peppers or snow peas. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.