Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful dish that brings together seasoned rice, tender chicken, eggs, and vibrant vegetables in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a tasty side dish, this recipe allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality chicken fried rice at home. Its versatility makes it ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests. You’ll love how easily this quick & easy chicken fried rice comes together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic gives this dish an unforgettable taste.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily swap out proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand.
• Family Favorite: A recipe that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Better Than Takeout: Enjoy the flavors of your favorite restaurant dish made fresh at home.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, gather your tools and equipment to streamline the process. Having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan or wok
• Medium-sized bowl
• Small bowl
• Cooking spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan or wok: These allow for even cooking and provide enough space to stir-fry all ingredients without overcrowding.
• Medium-sized bowl: Perfect for marinating chicken, helping to infuse flavors before cooking.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing sauce ingredients quickly.
• Cooking spatula: Essential for tossing ingredients evenly while stir-frying.

Ingredients

• 4 ½ cups cooked jasmine rice (cold day-old (or see Notes below to prepare uncooked rice for this recipe))
• ½ lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (thinly sliced)
• 1.5 cups frozen peas and carrots (or frozen vegetable mix (corn, peas, carrots, green beans))
• 3 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 small shallot (or 1/4 onion, finely diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 teaspoon vegetable oil (or any neutral tasting oil)
• 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Shaoxing Cooking Wine (or dry sherry / dry white wine / chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (or any neutral tasting oil)
• 2 tablespoon regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
• ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder ((a.k.a. chicken stock powder))
• ⅛ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)

How to Make Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium-sized bowl, marinate sliced chicken thighs with marinade ingredients as listed above. Set aside to marinate for about 5–10 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients as listed above and set aside. This will help save time when you’re ready to add flavor to your fried rice.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Fry the marinated chicken until fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Add another teaspoon of vegetable oil into the pan. Sauté minced garlic and diced shallots for about 10 seconds until fragrant. Then add frozen peas and carrots; fry everything together for another 10 seconds. Push everything to one side of the pan.

Step 5: Scramble Eggs

In the empty side of the pan, add in beaten eggs. Let them sit for around 20 seconds before scrambling them into bite-sized pieces. Once scrambled, toss everything together.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add in cooked rice along with the previously cooked chicken into the pan. Toss all ingredients together until well incorporated.

Step 7: Add Sauce

Pour your prepared sauce around the rice or along the edges of the pan. Allow it to toast for about five seconds before tossing everything together again until all rice grains are evenly coated with color.

Enjoy your delicious Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Quick & easy chicken fried rice is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to complement your meal. It’s delicious on its own but can also be paired with different sides and toppings to enhance the flavors.

With Fresh Herbs

• Green Onions: Chop fresh green onions and sprinkle them over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
• Cilantro: Add chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal note that pairs well with the savory elements of the dish.

Topped with Proteins

• Fried Egg: Place a sunny-side-up egg on top for added richness and texture.
• Shrimp or Tofu: Incorporate sautéed shrimp or crispy tofu for extra protein and variety.

With Sauces

• Chili Sauce: Drizzle some chili sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Additional Soy Sauce: Offer soy sauce on the side for those who prefer more saltiness in their dish.

As a Wrap

• Lettuce Wraps: Serve the fried rice wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fun, hands-on meal that adds crunch.

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How to Perfect Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

To achieve the best results with your quick & easy chicken fried rice, follow these handy tips that ensure flavor and texture balance perfectly.

• Use Day-Old Rice: Cold, day-old rice works best as it’s less sticky and fries up nicely without clumping.
• Preheat Your Pan: Make sure your pan is hot before adding ingredients to achieve that desirable charred flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the ingredients. This keeps everything crisp.
• Marinate Your Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances its flavor and tenderness, making every bite delicious.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Quick & easy chicken fried rice is great on its own but can be even better when served alongside complementary dishes. Here are some ideal options to consider:

1. Egg Drop Soup: A light soup that pairs well with fried rice, offering a comforting start to your meal.
2. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables or meat provide a delightful crunch alongside your main dish.
3. Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings a nice contrast to the warm rice.
4. Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings add an extra layer of flavor and texture; they’re great for dipping!
5. Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of stir-fried veggies complements the fried rice while boosting nutrition.
6. Miso Soup: This umami-rich soup offers warmth and depth, making it an excellent pairing choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, avoiding common mistakes can make a significant difference in flavor and texture.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it tough. Ensure you cook it just until no longer pink and remove it from the pan promptly.
• Using Fresh Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and clump together. Use cold, day-old rice for the best results; it will fry better.
• Neglecting to Prep Ingredients: Not having ingredients ready can lead to overcooking or burning. Pre-chop vegetables and mix sauces beforehand to streamline cooking.
• Skipping the Marinade: Marinating chicken adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step; even a short marination makes a big impact.
• Not Tossing Properly: Failing to mix everything thoroughly can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Make sure to toss all ingredients well for balanced taste.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too much at once can cause steaming instead of frying. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain high heat.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread rice on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Add a bit of oil or water to a skillet over medium heat. Stir-fry rice until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice.

Can I use different vegetables in Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice?

Yes! You can substitute any frozen or fresh vegetables you like, such as bell peppers or broccoli.

Is it possible to use leftover rice for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cold rice is perfect for making Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice as it fries better.

How do I make this chicken fried rice gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Can I add more protein to my fried rice?

Definitely! You can add shrimp, beef, or tofu if you want a heartier meal while keeping the recipe simple.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables. This dish is perfect for any night of the week when you crave comfort food that’s quick to prepare!