Easy Chicken Fried Rice

$- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (preferably day-old) - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers) - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 green onions, chopped - 2 eggs, beaten - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: chili flakes for heat When I make chicken fried rice, I love using day-old rice. It clumps nicely and fries well. Fresh rice often gets mushy. Diced chicken breast brings protein and flavor. You can easily swap it out for shrimp or tofu if you prefer. Soy sauce adds a savory touch. Sesame oil gives a nice nutty flavor. I often add peas, carrots, and bell peppers for color and crunch. Aromatics like garlic and onion build a strong base. Green onions add a fresh bite at the end. If you want some heat, add chili flakes for a spicy kick. Beat some eggs if you like. They add richness and texture. Feel free to adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on preparing this dish! - Prep Your Ingredients: Ensure your cooked rice is cold and clumped together. Chop and dice your chicken and vegetables. Having everything ready makes cooking easier and faster. - Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet. Stir-fry the chicken until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Set the chicken aside when done. - Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until they smell great. Then, add the mixed vegetables and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened. - Scramble the Eggs: Push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble them until just cooked, then mix them into the vegetables. - Add Rice and Chicken: Add the cold rice to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Drizzle with soy sauce and stir well. Break apart any rice clumps as you mix everything together. Cook for another 3-5 minutes for a light fry. - Final Touches: Stir in the chopped green onions. You can add chili flakes if you like some heat. Adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, salt, or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your meal! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. For chicken fried rice, I recommend jasmine or basmati rice. These types have the right texture and flavor. Jasmine rice is slightly sticky, which helps it clump together well when frying. Basmati rice is fluffy, which adds a nice bite to your dish. Using day-old rice is key. Fresh rice can be too wet and make your meal mushy. To elevate your chicken fried rice, consider adding extra sauces or spices. Soy sauce is a must, but you can also try oyster sauce for depth. A splash of rice vinegar adds brightness. If you enjoy heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or a little sriracha. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also brighten the dish. For the best results, use a large skillet or wok. A wok heats evenly and allows for great stir-frying. If using a skillet, make sure it has high sides. This helps when tossing your ingredients. Preheat your skillet well before adding oil. This step ensures your rice fries nicely instead of steaming. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your chicken fried rice. Shrimp adds a nice seafood twist. Just make sure to cook the shrimp until pink and firm. Tofu is a great option for a plant-based meal. Use firm tofu, pressed and cubed, to get a nice texture. Beef can also work well. Choose flank steak or sirloin for quick cooking. Simply slice it thinly and stir-fry until browned. Each protein brings its own flavor and texture to the dish. Want a meatless version? It’s easy! Use tofu or just load up on veggies. A mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas gives you great taste. You can make a simple soy sauce mix to season it. Add a dash of sesame oil for rich flavor. This way, you still enjoy delicious fried rice without any meat. Perfect for vegans and vegetarians! To make your fried rice more fun, add extra ingredients. Pineapple chunks give a sweet bite that pairs well with savory flavors. Eggplant can add a unique texture too. Just cube it and sauté it with the other veggies. You can also toss in some spinach or zucchini for more color and nutrients. These additions bring variety and keep your taste buds excited. To store your chicken fried rice, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools first. This helps keep the rice fresh in the fridge. It can last for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead. To freeze your fried rice, follow these steps: - Let the rice cool completely. - Scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. - Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. - Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy your chicken fried rice later! When reheating your chicken fried rice, avoid losing its flavor. Here are some good methods: - Stovetop: Place rice in a skillet with a splash of water. Cover and heat over low. Stir occasionally until hot. - Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Add a few drops of water. Cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. These methods keep your fried rice tasty and prevent it from becoming dry. Answer: Generally, 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. It’s best to cool it down before putting it in the fridge. This helps keep it fresh. Answer: Yes, frozen mixed vegetables can be a convenient option for this recipe. They save time and add color. Just toss them in while cooking. They will heat up quickly in the pan. Answer: Day-old jasmine or basmati rice is ideal as it’s less sticky. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and clumpy. Day-old rice has a firmer texture and fries better. Answer: Yes, it's a great make-ahead meal and can be stored for later use. You can cook it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. This saves time on busy nights. Answer: Yes, all cooking can be done in one skillet or wok for easy clean-up. This makes the cooking process simple and fun. You won’t have to wash many dishes afterward! This chicken fried rice recipe is both simple and satisfying. You start with quality rice and fresh ingredients. The steps are clear and easy to follow; you can customize it to your taste. Don’t forget the tips for storage and reheat methods to keep it fresh. Whether you enjoy chicken or prefer veggie options, this dish is perfect for any meal. Now, get cooking and enjoy a tasty plate of fried rice!$

Savor the flavor with this delicious Chicken Fried Rice Delight! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and fragrant rice for a quick, satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is packed with tasty ingredients and can be customized to your liking. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a must-try for busy families. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (preferably day-old)

1 lb chicken breast, diced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 eggs, beaten

3 green onions, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: chili flakes for heat

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by ensuring your cooked rice is cold and clumped together. Chop and dice your chicken and vegetables, and have everything ready to go.

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir-fry until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add the mixed vegetables, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.

Scramble the Eggs: Push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble until just cooked, then mix into the vegetables.

Add Rice and Chicken: Now, add the cold rice to the skillet along with the cooked chicken. Drizzle with soy sauce and stir everything together, breaking apart any rice clumps. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the rice to fry lightly.

Final Touches: Stir in the chopped green onions and a sprinkle of chili flakes if using. Adjust seasoning with more soy sauce, salt, or pepper to taste.

Serve: Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove from heat.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls, garnished with extra green onions and a dash of sesame oil for a flavorful finish. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Fried Rice Delight!