Chicken Fried Rice
Fried rice is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. It's hearty, satisfying, and so versatile that it can easily be tailored to fit any taste or dietary preference. While traditional fried rice often features pork or beef, chicken fried rice is a lighter, leaner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With tender chicken, savory soy sauce, and a medley of veggies, it's a meal that comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
If you’re looking for a simple, tasty, and customizable dish that’s sure to please the whole family, chicken fried rice is the answer. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice and transform it into something exciting and full of flavor. Let’s dive into why chicken fried rice is a must-make, and how you can make a healthier, delicious version at home!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Fried Rice
Quick & Easy: Chicken fried rice is a one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast and satisfying.
Versatile: The beauty of fried rice is that it’s highly customizable. You can add in whatever vegetables you have on hand—peas, carrots, bell peppers, onions, spinach, and even broccoli—all work beautifully. You can also adjust the seasonings to match your taste.
Healthy Option: By making chicken fried rice at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, so you can make it as healthy as you like. You can use brown rice for more fiber, lean chicken breast for a protein boost, and reduce the amount of oil used to keep things light.
Great for Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken or rice, this is the perfect way to repurpose those ingredients into a fresh, new meal. It’s also a great dish for meal prepping since it stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Kid-Friendly: Chicken fried rice is one of those dishes that kids seem to love. The mild flavor and colorful veggies make it a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition without a fuss.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Rice
Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice is too soft and tends to clump together when fried. Let your rice cool down and sit in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) to achieve the perfect fried rice texture.
High heat is key: Fried rice is best cooked over high heat to give it that crispy, slightly charred flavor. Use a wok or a large skillet, and make sure it’s preheated before adding the ingredients.
Don’t over-crowd the pan: If you’re making a large batch, you may want to cook the fried rice in batches. Overcrowding the pan can cause the rice to steam instead of fry, making it soggy.
Feel free to customize: Add any vegetables you like! Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or broccoli all make great additions. You can also switch up the protein—shrimp, pork, or even tofu are excellent alternatives to chicken.
For extra flavor: For a bit more depth, add a dash of sesame oil or a splash of fish sauce. You can also toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro for a pop of freshness.
Variations of Chicken Fried Rice
The beauty of chicken fried rice is its versatility. Here are some variations you can try:
Spicy Chicken Fried Rice: Add chili flakes or a spoonful of sriracha to the dish for a spicy kick. You can also toss in some chopped fresh chili peppers if you like things extra hot.
Healthy Chicken Fried Rice: For a lighter version, swap in cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to lower the carb content. You can also use less oil and add more veggies like spinach or zucchini.
Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice: For a sweet and savory twist, add some teriyaki sauce to the mix. The soy sauce and sweetness of the teriyaki will elevate the flavor profile.
Egg-Free Fried Rice: If you prefer an egg-free version, simply omit the eggs and replace them with extra vegetables or even tofu for added protein.
Shrimp Fried Rice: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood version of this classic dish. Just be sure to cook the shrimp until they’re pink and opaque before adding them back into the rice.
Chicken Fried Rice is Great for Meal Prep
Chicken fried rice is an excellent choice for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it reheats easily in the microwave or a skillet. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which makes cleanup a breeze.
To meal prep chicken fried rice:
Cook the fried rice according to the recipe.
Let it cool down and portion it into airtight containers.
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, simply reheat and enjoy!
Chicken fried rice is a quick, delicious, and customizable meal that can be made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner, a great way to use up leftover rice, and a versatile dish that can be adapted to fit various dietary needs. Whether you make it mild or spicy, with vegetables or extra protein, chicken fried rice is sure to become a family favorite.
Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something satisfying yet simple—and enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade fried rice!
Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1.25 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 red onion finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups of frozen peas, carrots, corn, green bean blend
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs
- 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Green onion, sesame seeds, and sriracha for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken on medium heat, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Add more oil and cook red onion until soft and translucent. Add frozen veggies. Add garlic. Then cook eggs.
- Add rice, soy sauce, and cooked chicken. Stir everything together until mixed well.
- Garnish and enjoy!
