Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Chicken Fried Rice is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving takeout-style comfort food at home. This recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice to create a meal that’s satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover rice and transform it into a culinary masterpiece! In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients
   Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Dice the chicken breast, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Gather the frozen peas, carrots, and corn if you’re using it. Make sure the rice is cooked and cooled, preferably from the day before, to ensure it’s dry and perfect for stir-frying.
2. Cook the Chicken
   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables
   In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Add the frozen peas, carrots, and corn kernels (if using), and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
4. Scramble the Eggs
   Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the lightly beaten eggs into the other side. Allow the eggs to set slightly, then scramble them with a spatula until fully cooked. Mix the scrambled eggs with the vegetables.
5. Add the Rice and Chicken
   Increase the heat to high and add the cooked rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with a spatula and stir well to combine the rice with the eggs and vegetables. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
6. Season the Fried Rice
   Drizzle the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil over the mixture. Toss everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly coated in the sauces. Stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to heat through.
7. Finish with Green Onions
   Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Tips for Success

• Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky. Day-old rice is drier and results in better texture.
• High Heat is Key: Stir-frying at high heat ensures the ingredients cook quickly and develop a subtle smoky flavor.
• Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas. You can also swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Chicken Fried Rice is a quick, satisfying meal that’s endlessly customizable and easy to prepare. With its delightful combination of textures and flavors, this dish is sure to impress your family or guests. Whether you’re repurposing leftovers or cooking a fresh batch, it’s a recipe that celebrates simplicity and bold flavors.

Try this recipe tonight, and enjoy the taste of homemade comfort!