Easy, Flavorful Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
If you’re craving a quick, one-pan meal that’s packed with flavour, chicken fried rice is your answer! It’s easy to customise, simple to prepare, and only requires a handful of ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re using leftover rice or cooking fresh, this recipe gives you that perfect balance of savoury, slightly smoky flavours and tender chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like rice, soy sauce, and vegetables.
- Customisable: Add in extra veggies, switch the protein, or adjust the seasonings to your liking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- Rice: 3 cups cooked and cooled jasmine or basmati rice (day-old rice is best)
- Vegetables: 1 cup of mixed veggies (like peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
- Eggs: 2 large eggs
- Garlic & Onion: 3 cloves garlic (minced) and 1 small onion (diced)
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (optional for extra flavour)
- Green Onions: 1/4 cup, chopped for garnish
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Chop the garlic, onions, and green onions.
- Make sure your rice is pre-cooked and cooled—this is key for a non-sticky texture!
2. Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Scramble the Eggs
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and pour in the beaten eggs. Stir and cook until scrambled and fully set, then transfer them to the same plate as the chicken.
4. Sauté the Veggies
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the diced onions and garlic, and cook until fragrant and translucent. Add the mixed veggies and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
5. Add the Rice and Season
- Increase the heat to high, and add the cooked rice. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well to coat the rice evenly. Cook for a few minutes, pressing the rice into the pan slightly to get a nice crisp texture.
6. Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs back to the pan. Stir everything together until well-mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fried Rice
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, making it challenging to achieve that fried rice texture. Day-old rice is dryer and separates more easily.
- High Heat is Key: Cooking on high heat helps to caramelise the rice and gives it that smoky, charred flavour you get at restaurants.
- Customise Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even pineapple for a fun twist!
Variations to Try
- Spicy Fried Rice: Add a spoonful of Sriracha or chilli oil for some extra heat.
- Garlic Butter Fried Rice: Replace sesame oil with butter and add extra garlic for a rich, buttery flavour.
- Protein Swap: Try this with shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different take on this classic dish.
Final Thoughts
Chicken fried rice is one of those versatile dishes that never gets old. It’s perfect for meal prep, satisfying to eat, and endlessly adaptable. Plus, once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, you can add your spin with different flavours, vegetables, or spices.
Give this easy recipe a try, and let us know how it turned out in the comments!