Name: Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon olive oil; ½ cup yellow onion (diced); ½ cup carrots (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); ¾ cup frozen green peas; 2 green onions sliced; 2 cups brown rice (cooked); 2-3 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded); 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; pepper (to taste); additional green onions (for garnish)

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When it comes to quick and satisfying meals, Easy Chicken Fried Rice holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I tried this dish at a local restaurant, captivated by the symphony of flavors and colors in the bowl before me. The way the aromatic notes of sautéed onions mingled with the tender pieces of chicken and vibrant veggies made it feel like comfort food at its finest. It wasn’t long before I decided to create my version at home, allowing me to experiment and personalize it to my family’s preferences. Every time we gather around the table for this dish, it brings back fond memories of laughter, stories, and the joy of cooking together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or whipping up a simple weeknight dinner, Easy Chicken Fried Rice is sure to impress and satisfy.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
20 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
450 kcal

Protein:
25 g

Diet:
Keto, Vegan, Low FODMAP

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Frying Pan, Skillet, Chef’s Knife, Whisk, Cutting Board

The Best Thing About This Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Quick and Easy to Prepare

The beauty of Easy Chicken Fried Rice lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and chicken!

Customizable to Your Taste

One of the reasons I adore Easy Chicken Fried Rice is its versatility. You can easily tailor it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Want to add some extra veggies? Go ahead! Prefer a different protein? Swap in shrimp or tofu. This dish encourages creativity, making it a great option for those who love to experiment in the kitchen.

A Family Favorite

This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I love how it brings everyone together. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion, Easy Chicken Fried Rice always delivers smiles and satisfied appetites. Watching my kids enjoy every bite is rewarding, and I often find myself sneaking in some healthy ingredients without them even noticing.

Perfect for Leftovers

After a big meal, I often have leftover rice and chicken, and Easy Chicken Fried Rice is my go-to solution. Not only does it reduce food waste, but it also transforms what might be dull leftovers into something vibrant and exciting. I love how this dish breathes new life into my fridge’s contents.

Budget-Friendly Dish

In today’s world, finding meals that are both delicious and budget-friendly is essential. With Easy Chicken Fried Rice, you’ll find that the ingredients are easy on the wallet. Plus, once you have the basics down, it’s easy to make large batches for meal prep, saving you both time and money.

What to Buy for Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Creating a great Easy Chicken Fried Rice starts with fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. The key players in this dish are fresh vegetables, succulent chicken, and flavorful sauces. Each element contributes to the overall taste and texture, making for a satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 large eggs – These add richness and protein to the dish, creating a lovely texture.
1 teaspoon olive oil – A staple for cooking, it adds flavor and prevents sticking.
½ cup yellow onion, diced – The base of flavor in many dishes, bringing sweetness and depth.

½ cup carrots, diced – These add a slight crunch and natural sweetness.
2 cloves of garlic, minced – Provides aromatic flavor that truly enhances the dish.
¾ cup frozen green peas – A pop of color and nutrition, these peas are sweet and tender.

2 green onions, sliced – For a fresh kick, adding brightness and flavor.
2 cups brown rice, cooked – The hearty base of the dish, filling and nutritious.
2-3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded – The protein source, making it a complete meal.

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce – Adds umami and saltiness to tie everything together.
Pepper to taste – A simple seasoning to enhance flavors.
Additional green onions for garnish – A final touch for presentation and flavor.

Directions for Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Cooking Easy Chicken Fried Rice is not only fun but also straightforward. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious dish together!

Start by whisking the eggs in a bowl until well beaten. This will give you a fluffy texture when cooked. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and pour in the whisked eggs. Cook while scrambling until they are just set, about 2 to 3 minutes. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Next, wipe out the skillet if necessary to remove any residue. Add the olive oil to the pan and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the diced yellow onion and carrots. Cook these for about 3 minutes, stirring often until they begin to soften and become aromatic.
Now it’s time to add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for one minute more, allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor into the vegetables.
Stir in the frozen green peas and cook for an additional 3 minutes. You want them to thaw and heat through while mixing with the other vegetables.

Add the sliced green onions and the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 2 minutes to warm the chicken.
Now comes the star of the dish – add the cooked brown rice. Make sure to break up any clumps and mix well with the rest of the ingredients.
Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce and stir to coat the rice and veggies evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Finally, return the scrambled eggs back to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly until the rice is heated through and the eggs are evenly distributed. This is where the dish comes to life!
Once everything is hot and well combined, taste your Easy Chicken Fried Rice and adjust the seasoning with pepper as needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra green onions on top for a fresh finish. Enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Use cold rice: Cold, day-old rice works best for fried rice as it prevents clumping and mushiness.
High heat is key: Cooking at a higher temperature helps to achieve that crispy texture.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: If making a large batch, cook in batches to ensure even frying.

Add ingredients gradually: Introduce veggies and proteins in stages for optimal cooking.

Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are some exciting variations you can try with your Easy Chicken Fried Rice!

Add different proteins: Swap out chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even beef for a different twist.

Load up on vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers, corn, or broccoli to enhance the nutritional value.
Try a spicy kick: Add some chili paste or sriracha for an extra layer of heat.
Experiment with sauces: Try adding oyster sauce or teriyaki sauce for different flavors.

Make it a one-pot meal: Combine all ingredients in one pot for a simpler cleanup.

Best Served With

Pairing Easy Chicken Fried Rice with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal to new heights. Here are some delightful suggestions:

A light salad: A fresh garden salad with a tangy dressing complements the savory rice beautifully.

Spring rolls: Crisp spring rolls make for a fantastic appetizer or side dish.
Steamed vegetables: Serve with some steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli for added nutrition.
Perfect for lunchboxes: This dish works equally well as a satisfying lunch option, making it ideal for meal prep.

Great for gatherings: Bring Easy Chicken Fried Rice to potlucks and family gatherings for a crowd-pleasing dish.

FAQ

Absolutely! In fact, using brown rice in Easy Chicken Fried Rice not only adds a nutty flavor but also boosts its nutritional value. Brown rice is higher in fiber and provides more nutrients compared to white rice. Just make sure to use cooked brown rice for the best texture. The cooking method remains the same, so feel free to make the swap!

If you’re looking for alternatives to chicken in Easy Chicken Fried Rice, there are plenty of delicious options. Tofu is a great vegetarian choice that absorbs the flavors well. Shrimp or beef can also be delightful substitutes if you’re looking for a different protein source. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as each protein may have different cooking requirements.

Making Easy Chicken Fried Rice vegetarian is easy! Simply omit the chicken and replace it with extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and snap peas. You can also add tofu for a protein boost. Ensure that the soy sauce used is vegetarian-friendly. This way, you can enjoy the same flavorful dish while keeping it entirely plant-based!

When it comes to pairing side dishes with Easy Chicken Fried Rice, the options are plentiful! Crisp spring rolls are a fantastic appetizer, bringing a nice crunch to the meal. You can also serve it with a fresh garden salad drizzled with a citrus vinaigrette or some steamed vegetables like broccoli. These sides complement the rich flavors of the fried rice beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Easy Chicken Fried Rice stands out as a stellar combination of convenience and flavor. It’s a wonderful way to use leftovers while creating a dish that everyone will love. I encourage you to give it a try and make it a staple in your home. Not only will it satisfy your cravings, but it also invites creativity with endless variations. Happy cooking!

Easy Chicken Fried Rice

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Chicken Fried Rice is packed with flavor and nutrition. This quick and easy weeknight dinner will satisfy the whole family, making it perfect for any occasion. Bring the taste of a restaurant to your kitchen tonight!

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Frying Pan
Skillet
Chef's Knife
Whisk
Cutting Board

Ingredients

2 large eggs
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ cup yellow onion diced
½ cup carrots diced
2 cloves garlic minced
¾ cup frozen green peas
2 green onions sliced
2 cups brown rice cooked
2-3 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
pepper to taste
additional green onions for garnish

Instructions

Whisk eggs in a bowl to scramble. Add to nonstick skillet and cook over medium-low heat, scrambling, until cooked through. Remove eggs to a plate and set aside.
Wipe out pan as needed. Add olive oil, yellow onion and carrots and place over medium heat. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic and cook one minute more. Add the frozen green peas and cook 3 minutes more.

Add green onions and chicken, cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the brown rice and cook until all is hot, then stir in the low-sodium soy sauce. Cook 2 minutes to coat, then stir in eggs. Once the rice is all hot, it’s done.
Serve as a side dish or as a main dish or lunch.