Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or any occasion where you crave a satisfying meal without the fuss. This recipe combines seasoned rice with tender chicken, fluffy eggs, and vibrant vegetables, all stir-fried to perfection in less than 30 minutes. It’s not just quick; it’s also a delightful blend of flavors that makes it better-than-takeout. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice will please the whole family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish suits even the busiest of schedules.
- Flavorful Ingredients: A mix of aromatic garlic, shallots, and savory sauces create a delicious taste that rivals restaurant versions.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a standalone main dish or as a side with other Asian delights.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
- Healthier Option: Made with fresh ingredients, this fried rice is a healthier alternative to takeout.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, gather these essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pan or wok
- Medium-sized bowl
- Small bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pan or wok: Ideal for stir-frying at high heat, allowing even cooking and great flavor development.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps to evenly mix ingredients without damaging them during 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 for about 5–10 minutes. This step enhances flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and set aside. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
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, then remove it from the pan.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Add another teaspoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Sauté minced garlic and shallots for about 10 seconds before adding peas and carrots. Fry everything for an additional 10 seconds and then push it to one side of the pan.
Step 5: Scramble Eggs
Pour remaining oil into the empty space of the pan. Add beaten eggs and let them sit for about 20 seconds before scrambling them into bite-sized pieces. Toss everything together once combined.
Step 6: Combine Rice and Chicken
Add cold jasmine rice and cooked chicken back into the pan. Toss all ingredients together until well mixed.
Step 7: Add Sauce and Finish Cooking
Pour the prepared sauce around the rice or along the edges of the pan. Allow it to toast for about 5 seconds before tossing everything together until all rice grains are coated evenly and turn brown. Enjoy!
This Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice serves four people and is perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
How to Serve Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Serving Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
As a Complete Meal
- Serve it as a standalone dish topped with fresh scallions for added flavor and color.
With Fresh Salad
- Pair with a light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar for a refreshing contrast.
Accompanied by Spring Rolls
- Add crispy spring rolls on the side to introduce some crunch and texture.
Topped with Fried Egg
- Place a perfectly fried egg on top of the fried rice for an extra layer of richness.
With Soy Sauce or Hot Sauce
- Offer soy sauce or your favorite hot sauce at the table for those who enjoy more seasoning.
How to Perfect Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
To achieve the best results with your Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, consider these helpful tips.
- Use day-old rice: Cold, leftover rice works best as it prevents mushiness during cooking.
- Prep all ingredients ahead: Have everything chopped and ready before you start cooking to ensure quick and efficient preparation.
- Heat the pan properly: Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding ingredients to achieve that perfect stir-fry texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If needed, cook in batches to maintain high heat for better frying results.
- Customize vegetables: Feel free to mix in any veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers or broccoli, for added nutrition.
- Adjust seasonings: Always taste and adjust soy sauce and spices based on your preference for flavor balance.
Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Pairing side dishes with your Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Vegetable Dumplings: These steamed or fried dumplings provide a tasty complement with their savory filling.
- Hot and Sour Soup: A bowl of this spicy soup adds warmth and depth, perfect for balancing flavors.
- Chinese Broccoli in Oyster Sauce: This simple dish offers a nutritious green side that enhances the meal.
- Egg Drop Soup: Light yet flavorful, it’s an easy addition that pairs wonderfully with fried rice.
- Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles can serve as a refreshing counterpart, bringing different textures to the table.
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: For those who love variety, this dish adds sweetness and tanginess as an exciting contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks make errors that can affect the final taste of their Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using fresh rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can clump together. Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture.
- Overcooking chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Cook just until fully done and then remove it from the pan to keep it juicy.
- Skipping aromatics: Failing to include garlic and shallots can lead to bland fried rice. Always sauté these ingredients first for maximum flavor.
- Not stirring enough: Letting ingredients sit without stirring can cause uneven cooking. Stir frequently to ensure everything is well combined and cooked evenly.
- Adding sauce too early: Pouring in the sauce before the rice is heated can result in soggy dishes. Add it around the edges of the pan for optimal flavor infusion.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the fried rice to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Divide into portions for easy reheating later.
Reheating Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread on a baking sheet and heat for about 15 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat, add a splash of oil, and stir-fry until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common inquiries about making Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice.
How do I make Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice vegetarian?
You can substitute chicken with tofu or additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Jasmine rice works well due to its fluffy texture. Day-old rice is preferred as it dries out slightly, preventing clumping.
Can I use other vegetables in Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any frozen vegetable mix or fresh veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
Is Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice healthy?
This dish can be quite healthy when made with lean chicken and lots of vegetables. You control the ingredients and portion sizes!
How do I season my fried rice?
In addition to soy sauce, you can experiment with oyster sauce or chili paste for extra flavor based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is not only a delightful dish but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite proteins or seasonal vegetables, making it perfect for any meal. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to satisfy your cravings while saving you time!
Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Satisfy your cravings with this Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, a deliciously simple dish that brings the flavors of takeout right to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. This recipe features tender marinated chicken, fluffy scrambled eggs, and vibrant vegetables stirred together with perfectly seasoned jasmine rice for a meal that will delight your whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or meal prep idea, this dish is both versatile and customizable to suit your tastes. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or paired with fresh salads and crispy spring rolls for an elevated dining experience.
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups cooked jasmine rice (cold)
- ½ lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (thinly sliced)
- 1.5 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 small shallot (finely diced)
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing Cooking Wine
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon regular soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch for 5–10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix sauce ingredients; set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat; cook chicken until fully cooked, then remove.
- Sauté garlic and shallots briefly before adding peas and carrots; push to one side of the pan.
- Add beaten eggs to the empty side; scramble until cooked through.
- Combine rice and chicken back into the pan; stir well.
- Pour sauce around rice, tossing everything until evenly coated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
