Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or any occasion when you need a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. This delightful stir-fry combines seasoned rice with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic flavors that are sure to please the whole family. Better than takeout, this recipe is a go-to choice for those craving comfort food without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or protein options.
- Delicious Flavor: A perfect blend of savory sauces and spices enhances every bite.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this tasty dish.
- Healthier Alternative: Homemade means you control the ingredients and portion sizes.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make preparing Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice a breeze.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pan or wok: Provides ample space for frying rice and ensures even cooking.
- Medium-sized bowl: Great for marinating chicken, allowing flavors to infuse.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for tossing ingredients together without damaging them.
Ingredients
For this delicious Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, gather the following ingredients:
Rice
- 4 ½ cups cooked jasmine rice (cold day-old or see Notes below to prepare uncooked rice for this recipe)
Chicken
- ½ lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (thinly sliced)
Vegetables
- 1.5 cups frozen peas and carrots (or frozen vegetable mix like corn, peas, carrots, green beans)
Eggs
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
Aromatics
- 1 small shallot (or 1/4 onion, finely diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
Oils and Sauces
- 4 teaspoons 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 tablespoons regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (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 5-10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients as listed above and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Fry chicken until fully cooked. Remove from the pan.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Add another teaspoon of vegetable oil into the pan. Sauté garlic and shallots for about 10 seconds. Then add peas and carrots and fry for an additional 10 seconds. Push everything to one side of the pan.
Step 5: Scramble Eggs
Pour remaining oil into the empty space of the pan. Add in beaten eggs and let them sit for about 20 seconds before scrambling, breaking them into bite-sized pieces. Toss everything together once done.
Step 6: Combine All Ingredients
Add cooked rice and chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together until well incorporated.
Step 7: Add Sauce
Pour sauce around the rice or along the edges of the pan. Let it toast for about 5 seconds for extra flavor before tossing again. Mix everything until all rice grains are evenly coated with color.
Now, enjoy your homemade 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 paired with various sides or served as a standalone meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Serve with Fresh Garnishes
- Chopped Green Onions – Sprinkle on top for a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- Sesame Seeds – Add toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and extra texture.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Soy Sauce – Offer soy sauce on the side for those who love an extra salty kick.
- Chili Sauce – Provide chili sauce for those who enjoy a spicy contrast to the savory rice.
Accompany with Salad
- Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried rice.
- Asian Slaw – Serve Asian slaw for an added crunch and zing, enhancing your meal’s flavor profile.
Create a Complete Meal
- Egg Rolls – Serve crispy egg rolls as an appetizer to complement the main dish.
- Spring Rolls – Fresh spring rolls are perfect for adding a light, healthy touch alongside your fried rice.
How to Perfect Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
To make the best Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your dish to new heights.
- Use Day-Old Rice – Cold, day-old rice prevents clumping and ensures even frying.
- Marinate Chicken Thoroughly – Allowing chicken to marinate enhances its flavor and tenderness.
- Cook on High Heat – A high-heat stir-fry cooks ingredients quickly and helps achieve that classic fried rice texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cooking in small batches allows for better heat distribution and even cooking.
- Add Sauce Sparingly – Pour the sauce around the edges of the pan to toast it before mixing, intensifying flavors without making it soggy.
- Customize Veggies – Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on your preference for added nutrition and color.
Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Pairing side dishes with your Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice can create a delightful meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Crab Rangoon – Creamy, crab-filled wontons that provide a delicious contrast in texture.
- Fried Dumplings – Flavorful dumplings, either steamed or fried, make a great accompaniment.
- Hot & Sour Soup – A bowl of this tangy soup adds warmth and depth to your meal.
- Miso Soup – Light miso soup complements the savory flavors of chicken fried rice perfectly.
- Steamed Broccoli – Simple steamed broccoli offers nutrition without overwhelming flavors.
- Teriyaki Chicken Skewers – Juicy skewers drizzled with teriyaki sauce bring an extra protein boost to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice can be simple, but small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are common pitfalls to watch out for:
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Using fresh rice: Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when stir-fried. Always use cold, day-old rice for the best texture.
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Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Cook until just done and remove it from heat to keep it tender.
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Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken means missing out on flavor. Allow the chicken to soak in the marinade for at least 5-10 minutes.
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Adding sauce too early: Pouring sauce on the rice before it’s toasted can make it soggy. Let the sauce cook briefly around the edges for extra depth of flavor.
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Not using enough oil: Insufficient oil can lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Ensure you have enough oil in your pan for even frying.
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Neglecting aromatics: Skipping garlic and shallots means losing essential flavors. Always include these ingredients for a rich taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Sauté on medium heat with a splash of water or oil until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, you’re not alone! Here are some answers:
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will change the texture and cooking time. Make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the stir-fry.
How do I customize my chicken fried rice?
You can add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers or broccoli. You could also substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variety!
What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or white wine works well as a substitute. You could also use chicken broth.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner that combines convenience with flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned jasmine rice for a satisfying meal that beats takeout any day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this delicious stir-fry is customizable to suit everyone’s tastes. With simple ingredients and quick preparation steps, you’ll find it’s a go-to recipe for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups cooked jasmine rice (day-old)
- ½ lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (thinly sliced)
- 1.5 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 small shallot (finely diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 teaspoons 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 tablespoons regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (chicken stock powder)
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken in a medium bowl for 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat; cook chicken until fully done, then remove.
- Sauté garlic and shallots briefly, add peas and carrots, then push to side.
- Scramble eggs in the pan, then combine all ingredients back together.
- Pour sauce around the rice; mix well until evenly coated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
