There is something truly comforting and downright delicious about a perfectly cooked Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. This dish balances tender chicken pieces with fresh, colorful vegetables and fluffy rice, all brought together by savory soy sauce and subtle hints of sesame and vinegar. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe offers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential—each one plays a crucial role in creating the harmonious flavors and textures that make this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe so special.
- Carrots (½ cup, finely diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Bell pepper (1 cup, cut into ½-inch pieces): Brings crunch and a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Sweet onion (1 cup, cut into ½-inch pieces): Imparts natural sweetness and depth.
- Olive oil or avocado oil (4 tablespoons, divided): Provides the perfect base for sautéing and frying.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 lb., cubed): Offers tender, juicy protein packed with flavor.
- Large eggs (4, whisked): Adds richness and a soft, fluffy texture.
- Pepper (½ teaspoon): Enhances savory notes with gentle heat.
- Salt (½ teaspoon, or to taste): Balances and brings out all the flavors.
- Cooked rice (4 cups): The hearty base that absorbs every tasty ingredient.
- Soy sauce or Tamari (4 tablespoons): Delivers umami depth, with Tamari as a flavorful gluten-free option.
- Rice wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds acidity to brighten the dish.
- Toasted sesame seed oil (1 teaspoon): Infuses gentle nuttiness to round out the flavors.
- Frozen peas (½ cup): Brings pops of sweetness and a tender bite.
- Green onions (optional): For a fresh, oniony finish as garnish.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Toss in the bell peppers, sweet onions, and finely diced carrots. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 3 to 5 minutes. This not only softens them but also unlocks their natural sweetness, setting a bright, fresh foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Push the sautéed vegetables to the side of your pan, then add 1 tablespoon of oil into the cleared area. Place the cubed chicken pieces in the oil and cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly golden. Once ready, mix the chicken with the sautéed vegetables to blend those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Eggs
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs with salt and pepper. Push the chicken and veggies to one side of the pan or transfer them temporarily to a plate to free up space. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil to the cleared area, pour in the whipped eggs, and scramble them for 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked. The eggs add a soft, fluffy texture that beautifully contrasts the other ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Eggs with Veggies and Chicken
Once the eggs are cooked, mix them back in with the chicken and vegetables. This step helps unify the flavors and textures before introducing the rice, ensuring that every bite has a balanced taste.
Step 5: Add Rice and Seasonings
Now, stir in the cooked rice along with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and toasted sesame seed oil. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes to allow all the ingredients to meld, and for the rice to soak up those amazing savory notes. This stage is where the Chicken Fried Rice Recipe really starts to shine.
Step 6: Crisp the Rice
If you love a little extra texture, let the rice sit undisturbed over medium to medium-high heat for about a minute before stirring. This encourages the rice to stick lightly to the bottom of the pan and crisp up. Scrape up those toasted bits—they’re pure flavor gold! Repeat this process until your fried rice reaches the perfect crispiness to your liking.
Step 7: Add Frozen Peas
Mix in the frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. The peas add a delightful sweetness and bright green color that makes the dish even more inviting.
Step 8: Finish with Green Onions
Finally, sprinkle fresh green onions on top before serving. They provide a crisp, fresh pop of flavor that accents the dish beautifully and adds that professional touch.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are an easy and flavorful garnish, injecting a fresh crunch and mild zest into the dish. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even a drizzle of chili oil if you crave some heat and extra nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed dumplings or a light Asian cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside stir-fried broccoli or snap peas for added greens and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your presentation, try serving the fried rice in individual pineapple halves for a festive touch. Or mold the rice using a small bowl or cup to create a neat dome shape on each plate, then top with a sprig of cilantro or extra green onions for color and charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When storing, allow the rice to cool completely before sealing to keep the texture and freshness intact.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover fried rice for up to 1 month. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and be sure to remove as much air as possible. When frozen, the rice retains its flavor well, making it a great option for quick meals down the line.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer the rice to a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to heat thoroughly and revive the crispy texture you loved in the original Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave covered, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well, though it has a firmer texture and nuttier flavor. You might want to cook it a bit longer to ensure everything heats evenly and blends together smoothly in the Chicken Fried Rice Recipe.
Is it okay to use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just remember that breasts tend to dry out faster, so keep an eye on cooking time to ensure your pieces stay juicy and tender in the dish.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely. Feel free to customize with vegetables like corn, mushrooms, or zucchini. They’ll add more layers of flavor and texture while keeping your Chicken Fried Rice Recipe exciting and nutritious.
What’s the best way to get crispy rice?
The key is to let the rice sit undisturbed in the hot pan for a minute or so before stirring. This allows the bottom to toast and crisp up. Scraping those flavorful bits into the mixture adds a wonderful crunch.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use Tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing that classic salty umami. Just make sure all other ingredients and sauces you use are labeled gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a Chicken Fried Rice Recipe that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color, yet surprisingly easy to whip up. Every step is crafted to bring out the best in these simple ingredients, creating a dish that feels both satisfying and special. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. So grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and dive into making this wonderfully comforting meal today!
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Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. Stir-fried in a large skillet or wok, it combines the savory taste of soy sauce and sesame oil with fluffy scrambled eggs and crisp peas for a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- ½ cup carrots (finely diced)
- 1 cup bell pepper (cut into ½-inch pieces)
- 1 cup sweet onion (cut into ½-inch pieces)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Green onions (optional, for topping)
Proteins
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into ½-inch cubes)
- 4 large eggs (whisked)
Oils and Sauces
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (divided)
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce or Tamari (gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
Staples
- 4 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled or day-old for best texture)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers, onions, and carrots. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables start to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Cook Chicken: Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pan. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of oil on the cleared side and add the cubed chicken. Cook the chicken over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and no longer pink. Mix the chicken in with the vegetables.
- Prepare Eggs: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs together. Push the chicken and vegetable mixture to one side or temporarily remove it to a plate to create space for the eggs in the skillet.
- Scramble Eggs: Drizzle the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil onto the cleared spot. Pour in the whisked eggs along with salt and pepper. Scramble the eggs in place, stirring gently, for 2 to 3 minutes until fully cooked. Once cooked, combine the scrambled eggs with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Add Rice and Flavors: Add the 4 cups of cooked rice to the skillet along with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and toasted sesame seed oil. Stir well to evenly coat everything. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Get Crispy Rice: For extra crispy fried rice, let the rice cook undisturbed over medium to medium-high heat for about 1 minute before stirring. This allows the rice to stick to the bottom of the pan and develop a crispy texture. Scrape off the crispy bits when stirring. Repeat this step as desired to achieve your preferred crispiness.
- Add Frozen Peas: Stir in the frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking to heat them through without overcooking, maintaining their bright color and slight crunch.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions if desired. Serve the chicken fried rice hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use day-old rice or cooled cooked rice to avoid soggy fried rice.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to taste, especially if using a salty variety.
- Substitute chicken thighs with breasts if preferred; thighs offer more tenderness and flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use Tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- Use a wok or large skillet to ensure plenty of space for even cooking and stirring.
- Feel free to customize by adding other vegetables like corn, bean sprouts, or mushrooms.
