Chicken Fried Rice

Pressed for time but still need a healthy and delicious meal to feed your family? We've got you covered with this quick and easy chicken fried rice recipe. In just 15 minutes, you can make a delightful and fulfilling dish using a few kitchen staples and the leftovers from your fridge.

This recipe is so easy to make even the greenest of home cooks will find this recipe simple to follow. Whether you are looking for a quick bite before soccer practice, a lazy Sunday afternoon meal, or a recipe that will help you clear out your fridge a little, look no further.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works on so many levels. Not only is it a quick and easy recipe for when you need a hot satisfying meal on the go, but it's also a great way to clear the fridge of all your leftovers.

The beauty of this chicken fried rice lies in its adaptability; it transforms yesterday's rice and assorted ingredients into a flavorful and cohesive dish. Use your leftover veggies, proteins, and rice to craft a whole new dish that will leave you feeling satisfied.

Additionally, the dynamic combination of convenience and versatility makes it an ideal go-to option for busy weeknights. Using one pan, the leftovers in your fridge, and a few kitchen staples, you will have a hearty and delicious meal ready to go in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Chicken:

Chicken breasts or thighs work best for this chicken fried rice recipe, with thighs being a more flavorful option. However, if you don't like chicken, or maybe you want to make your fried rice vegan, there are a variety of options to replace the chicken with. Pork, shrimp, mushrooms, pineapple, sausage, crab, and tofu are all delicious choices.

Rice:

Leftover rice from the previous day works best for fried rice. Cold rice tends to be drier and separates easily, preventing a mushy texture in the final dish. However, rice forms mold very quickly and should be eaten within 24 hours. Opt for long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati for a light and fluffy texture. Short-grain rice can result in a stickier consistency.

Vegetables:

Onion and carrot are the two vegetables used in this chicken fried rice recipe, but there are a number of other veggies that can be added to the mix as well. Common additions include mushrooms, peas, corn, and bell peppers.

Egg:

While eggs are a big part of the traditional chicken fried rice recipe, you can choose to use your favorite egg substitute or just omit the eggs altogether if need be. The recipe will still yield flavorful results, with or without the eggs.

Soy Sauce:

While soy sauce plays an important role in the flavoring of this chicken fried rice, tamari, and coconut aminos are common soy sauce substitutes that you can use if you have a soy allergy or a dietary requirement. You may need to add salt to the recipe as both alternatives have significantly less salt.

How to Make Chicken Fried Rice

Step One:

Add oil to a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sautee for 3-5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste, then cook for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step Two: 

Add sesame oil to the hot pan, reserving half for later. Add onion and carrot. Sautee until soft and aromatic.

Step Three: 

Add ginger and garlic, stir to incorporate, and cook until aromatic.

Step Four:

Gently mix in rice and cook until heated through.

Step Five: 

Clear some space on the bottom of your pan, add eggs, and carefully scramble them, taking care to avoid mixing the eggs with the rest of the rice mixture.

Step Six: 

Once the eggs have been thoroughly cooked, carefully mix to incorporate.

Step Seven: 

Add the chicken back into the pan with soy sauce, green onion, and the remaining sesame oil. Stir to combine.

Step Eight: 

Top with fresh cilantro, serve, and enjoy!

Tips

• Ensure to chop, dice, and prepare your ingredients before cooking. Fried rice comes together quickly, so having everything organized and ready to go can make the process much smoother.
• Stir-fry your chicken fried rice in batches to avoid overloading, as this can result in uneven cooking.
• Consider topping your chicken fried rice with toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor.

What to Serve With Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice is a classic Chinese comfort food dish that pairs well with a variety of different sides. A light and refreshing cucumber salad or a tangy slaw can provide a crisp contrast to the savory richness of the fried rice. Additionally, a side of steamed or stir-fried broccoli or bok choy can add plenty of nutritional value and vibrant colors to your plate. For an elevated dining experience, a side of potstickers or spring rolls will add a touch of indulgence to the meal. Even on its own without any side dishes, this chicken fried rice is a delicious and fulfilling meal.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice, or does it have to be leftover?

Using leftover rice is recommended. However, you can use fresh rice if you don't have any leftovers in the fridge. Simply cook your rice, then spread it out on a tray and let it cool before adding it to your stir-fried veggies.

Is it okay to use frozen vegetables in chicken fried rice?

You can absolutely add frozen vegetables to your chicken fried rice. Add them directly to the pan, but be mindful of excess moisture they might release.

How long can leftover chicken fried rice be kept fresh?

Due to the rapid bacteria growth that occurs in rice once it has been cooked, it should be consumed within 24 hours. Otherwise, you could run the risk of mild food poisoning.

More Rice Recipes

If you love the ease and versatility of rice-based meals, check out this collection of more rice recipes to inspire you.

Smoked Sausage And Rice

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Shrimp Fried Rice

Chicken Biryani