Chicken fried rice is a beloved dish that brings together the hearty flavors of chicken, vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family dinner. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Why Make This Recipe
Making chicken fried rice at home is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s budget-friendly, as you can use leftover chicken and veggies. Second, it allows you to control the ingredients, making it healthier than takeout. Finally, it’s a deliciously satisfying meal that everyone in the family will enjoy!
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 2 cups broth or water
- 10 ounces chicken breast (about 1 chicken breast, diced into ½ inch pieces)
- 1 cup yellow onion (diced)
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cups frozen veggie mix
- 2 large eggs (lightly whisked)
- 2 tablespoons green onions + more for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking
- 3 tablespoons coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons of sweet and sour sauce or hot sauce
Directions:
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix together the sauce ingredients. Transfer diced chicken to a bowl and pour 2 tablespoons of the sauce mixture over it. Stir well to coat the chicken, then set it aside.
- Cook the Rice: Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into a saucepan and heat it until boiling. Add the rice, ensuring it is fully submerged. Bring back to a boil, then cover the pot. Reduce the heat and let the rice steam for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, check if the liquid has been absorbed. If not, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Cool the Rice: Spread the cooked rice on a tray and place it in the refrigerator to cool completely. This step helps make the rice crispy when fried.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until done. Remove and set it aside.
- Cook the Veggies: In the same skillet, cook onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add the frozen veggies and cook for another 3 minutes. Push the veggies to the side and pour in the whisked eggs. Cook until just set, then set aside.
- Add the Rice: Add the chilled rice and the remaining sauce to the skillet. Increase the heat and toss continuously for about 3 minutes until the rice is browned and the sauce is absorbed.
- Return the Chicken: Add the chicken and 2 tablespoons of green onions. Cook until heated through. Serve with more green onions on top. This recipe makes about 6 smaller servings or 4 normal-sized meal portions.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice
Serve your chicken fried rice hot, garnished with extra green onions. It pairs well with a side of sweet and sour sauce or hot sauce for those who enjoy some extra flavor. Enjoy it as a complete meal or alongside some spring rolls or dumplings.
How to Store Chicken Fried Rice
Store leftover chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Tips to Make Chicken Fried Rice
- Use day-old rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and will make the meal soggy.
- Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots.
- Adjust the seasoning levels to your taste, especially with salt and pepper.
Variation
You can easily turn this chicken fried rice into a vegetarian dish by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, feel free to skip the eggs for a vegan version.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover rice works great and can help give your fried rice a better texture.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! You can add chili flakes or use hot sauce to make it spicy according to your preference.
How do I prevent my fried rice from being soggy?
Make sure to cool the rice completely before frying it. Using day-old rice helps, as it becomes firmer and less sticky.
Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
Rice and Chicken
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 2 cups broth or water Chicken broth preferred
- 10 ounces chicken breast, diced into ½ inch pieces About 1 chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons oil for cooking
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups frozen veggie mix
- 2 large eggs, lightly whisked
- 3 tablespoons coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons sweet and sour sauce or hot sauce
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped Plus more for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Mix together the sauce ingredients and marinate the diced chicken by tossing it with 2 tablespoons of the sauce mixture.
- Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into a saucepan and heat until boiling. Add the rice, cover, reduce heat, and let it steam for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Spread the cooked rice on a tray and place in the refrigerator to cool completely.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season and cook the marinated chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side or until fully cooked, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes, then add the frozen veggies and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Push veggies to the side and pour in the whisked eggs. Cook until just set, then mix together.
- Add the chilled rice and remaining sauce. Increase heat and toss for about 3 minutes until rice is browned and sauce is absorbed.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with 2 tablespoons of green onions, cooking until heated through.
