Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Seasoned rice stir-fried with tender chicken, eggs, vegetables, and aromatics makes Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice a family favorite. This dish is not only ready in less than 30 minutes but is also incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish for various occasions. With its delightful flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can whip up this dish in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh garlic gives this fried rice an amazing taste.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your fried rice with your choice of vegetables or protein to suit your preferences.
• Better Than Takeout: Enjoy restaurant-quality chicken fried rice at home, without the extra cost!
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is great for kids and adults alike, making it a hit for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will help you move quickly through the steps.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan or wok
• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan or wok: Provides ample space for stir-frying all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Useful for mixing ingredients thoroughly and ensuring they don’t stick to the pan.

Ingredients

For the Rice

• 4 ½ cups cooked jasmine rice (cold day-old)

For the Chicken

• ½ lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (thinly sliced)

For the Vegetables

• 1.5 cups frozen peas and carrots (or frozen vegetable mix)

For the Eggs

• 3 large eggs (beaten)

For Aromatics

• 1 small shallot (or 1/4 onion, finely diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

For the Marinade and Sauce

• 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
• 2 tablespoon regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
• ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon 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. Set aside for 5-10 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and set aside for later use.

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. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

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

Step 5: Scramble Eggs

Pour remaining oil into the empty space in the pan. Add beaten eggs and let them sit for about 20 seconds before scrambling lightly into bite-sized pieces. Toss everything together.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

Add cooked rice and previously cooked chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together until well mixed.

Step 7: Add Sauce

Pour sauce around the rice or along the edges of the pan. Allow it to toast briefly before tossing everything until all rice grains are coated brown. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to make it the star of your meal or serve it as a delightful side, there are countless options to consider.

As a Main Dish

• Serve it hot directly from the pan for a comforting meal.
• Pair with a side of crispy spring rolls for an authentic Asian experience.

With Garnishes

• Top with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch.
• Add sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Accompanied by Sauces

• Serve with soy sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra seasoning.
• Offer sweet chili sauce for a hint of sweetness and heat.

In a Wrap

• Use lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with chicken fried rice for a fun twist.
• Add some sliced cucumbers for added crunch and freshness.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Achieving the perfect Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice requires attention to detail and simple techniques. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

• Use cold rice: Day-old jasmine rice works best because it’s drier and prevents clumping.
• Marinate chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Cook on high heat: Stir-frying on high heat ensures everything cooks quickly while retaining texture.
• Prep ingredients beforehand: Having all ingredients ready saves time and produces better results during cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches prevents steaming and keeps the rice crispy.
• Adjust seasonings: Taste as you go! Feel free to add more soy sauce or spices based on your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Pairing side dishes with Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Egg Rolls: Crispy fried rolls filled with vegetables or meat complement the fried rice perfectly.
2. Hot and Sour Soup: This flavorful soup adds warmth and tanginess, balancing the dish well.
3. Dumplings: Steamed or fried dumplings filled with pork or vegetables make for an excellent addition.
4. Chinese Broccoli: Lightly sautéed broccoli provides a nutritious touch that contrasts nicely with the fried rice.
5. Wonton Soup: A light broth with wontons adds depth and pairs beautifully with chicken fried rice.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles offer a refreshing contrast that elevates each bite of fried rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture.

• Using fresh rice: Freshly cooked rice can make the dish mushy. Always use cold, day-old rice for the best results.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can result in dryness. Cook it just until fully done to keep it tender.
• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Take a few minutes to let it soak in the marinade for maximum taste.
• Not prepping ingredients: Failing to have all ingredients ready can delay cooking and result in uneven cooking. Prep everything before you start cooking.
• Adding sauce too early: Pouring sauce on before the rice is toasted can make it soggy. Let the sauce toast briefly for enhanced flavor.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Relying solely on standard measurements may not suit your taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chicken fried rice in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice healthier?

You can increase vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for added nutrients and reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce.

Can I use other proteins besides chicken?

Absolutely! You can replace chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for different flavors while keeping the recipe quick and easy.

What type of rice is best for this recipe?

Jasmine rice is ideal because of its texture and aroma. However, short-grain or basmati rice will also work well.

Can I customize my Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or switch up the sauces based on your preferences.

How do I prevent my chicken fried rice from becoming sticky?

Ensure you’re using day-old rice that’s cold. This helps keep each grain separate during frying.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your choice of protein and veggies, making it perfect for any meal. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a takeout-style dish made right at home!