Easy Chicken Fried Rice

$To make easy chicken fried rice, you need a few key items. Gather the following ingredients: - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (ideally chilled for a day) - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as diced carrots, peas, and sweet corn) - 2 large eggs, lightly beaten - 3 tablespoons soy sauce, preferably low sodium - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying) - 2 green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and black pepper to taste These ingredients blend together to create a hearty dish that is both tasty and filling. You can customize this dish to your liking. Here are some optional ingredients and substitutions: - Use brown rice for a healthier option. - Add bell peppers or broccoli for extra veggies. - Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein. - Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. - Add sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home. Choosing fresh ingredients is important for great flavor. Here are tips to help you select the best produce: - Look for bright colors in vegetables; they should be firm and not wilted. - Check for freshness by smelling the produce; it should have a pleasant scent. - For green onions, choose ones with crisp green tops and firm white ends. - Buy garlic that is dry, firm, and without any signs of sprouting. Fresh produce will enhance the taste of your chicken fried rice and make it stand out. To make easy chicken fried rice, gather all your ingredients first. This makes cooking smooth and quick. You need cooked rice, chicken, and mixed veggies. Having everything ready eases your cooking flow. The total time for this dish is about 20 minutes. It’s a fast and fun weeknight meal. 1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Wait until it shimmers. 2. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and stir for about 30 seconds. You want it golden and fragrant. 3. Clear a space in the skillet and pour in 2 beaten eggs. Scramble them until cooked. Mix them with the garlic. 4. Next, add 1 cup of diced chicken and 1 cup of mixed vegetables. Stir well to combine. Let this cook for a couple of minutes. 5. Increase the heat to high and add 2 cups of chilled jasmine rice. Break up any clumps gently. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes. 6. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil over the rice. Toss well to coat each grain. 7. Fold in 2 chopped green onions. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything until heated through. 8. Serve your fried rice hot. You can enjoy it as a main dish or with extra protein. - Using warm rice: Always use chilled rice. This keeps the grains separate. - Overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if needed. This helps everything cook evenly. - Not stirring enough: Stir often to prevent sticking. It also helps mix flavors well. - Adding too much sauce: Start with less and add more if needed. You want flavor, not sogginess. By following these steps, you'll make a delicious chicken fried rice that everyone will love. For the full recipe, check the beginning of this article! To make perfect chicken fried rice, start with cold rice. Using chilled rice helps keep it from getting mushy. Leftover rice works best. If you make fresh rice, spread it out on a tray to cool. This helps dry it out. Use a hot pan for frying. A large skillet or wok is ideal. This allows the rice to fry evenly and get that nice texture. Preparing your ingredients ahead of time saves time. Chop your vegetables and chicken in advance. Keep them in separate containers. This way, you can quickly add them to the pan. You can also beat your eggs and set them aside. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth and fun. You can also double the recipe for leftovers. Chicken fried rice tastes even better the next day. Soy sauce is key for flavor, but don’t stop there. Add a splash of fish sauce for depth. A bit of oyster sauce can also add sweetness. To boost the taste, try adding sesame seeds or crushed red pepper. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. A squeeze of lime at the end adds a nice zing. Experiment with these to find your favorite blend. For a full flavor experience, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use soy sauce or tamari for flavor. For a vegan option, skip the eggs or use chickpea flour to create a scramble. Add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These swaps keep the dish tasty and satisfying. If you want to change the protein, shrimp works great in fried rice. Cook the shrimp until pink and tender, then mix them with the rice. You can also try beef or pork for a different taste. Tofu is a fantastic option for a plant-based twist. It absorbs flavors well, making every bite delicious. To add some spice, try mixing in chili paste or sriracha. You can also toss in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. These ingredients bring heat and depth to your fried rice. If you enjoy a smoky flavor, add some smoked paprika. Experiment with these options to find the right balance for your taste buds. To keep your chicken fried rice fresh, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure you seal it well. This will help keep out air and moisture. Store the container in the fridge. Leftovers can last up to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When it’s time to eat your leftover chicken fried rice, take it out of the fridge. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of water. This adds moisture and keeps the rice from drying out. Stir it often until it heats up. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps steam the rice and keep it fluffy. To freeze chicken fried rice, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag or container with the date. This way, you know how long it has been frozen. Chicken fried rice can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your tasty meal anytime! For more detailed cooking instructions, check the full recipe. The best rice for fried rice is jasmine rice. It has a nice texture and flavor. You can also use long-grain rice. Day-old rice works best because it is less sticky. Fresh rice can make your dish mushy. Yes, you can make chicken fried rice ahead of time. Cook it and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for about three days. When ready to eat, reheat it in a pan or microwave. To keep your rice from being mushy, use day-old rice. Spread fresh rice on a baking sheet to cool. This helps dry it out. Always cook it over high heat in a hot pan. Stir-frying quickly keeps the grains separate. For a detailed guide, check the Full Recipe. Chicken fried rice is simple and tasty. We covered essential and optional ingredients, ensuring you have fresh produce. I shared easy steps for cooking, tips to avoid mishaps, and ways to enhance flavors. You can also try variations with different proteins or spice levels. Storing leftovers and reheating properly keeps your meal delightful. Now, you have the tools to make delicious chicken fried rice. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with flavors!$

Savor the flavors of homemade savory chicken fried rice with this easy recipe! This dish combines fluffy jasmine rice, tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a delightful mix of sauces for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight, it's ready in just 20 minutes.Enjoy every bite of this chicken fried rice delight!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked jasmine rice (ideally chilled for a day)

1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup mixed vegetables (such as diced carrots, peas, and sweet corn)

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

3 tablespoons soy sauce, preferably low sodium

2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)

2 green onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat until shimmering.

Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, or until it turns golden and aromatic, being careful not to burn it.

Push the sautéed garlic to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked, then mix them with the garlic, creating a flavorful foundation.

Introduce the diced chicken and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients with the egg and garlic mixture, letting them cook together for a couple of minutes.

Raise the heat to high and then add the prepared rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps gently with a wooden spoon. Stir-fry the mixture for about 3-5 minutes, ensuring the rice gets evenly heated and picks up the flavors.

Drizzle the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil over the stir-fried ingredients. Toss everything together thoroughly, making sure each grain of rice is well-coated with the sauces.

Fold in the chopped green onions and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, mixing them into the rice.

Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pan from heat and serve the fried rice hot, either as a standalone dish or alongside your favorite protein.

- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the fried rice in colorful bowls, garnished with extra chopped green onions. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds an inviting crunch!