If you’re craving a home-cooked meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is your new go-to. It takes simple, everyday ingredients like fluffy jasmine rice, tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a harmonious blend of sauces, turning them into a dish that’s satisfyingly savory and full of texture. Whether you have leftovers longing to be revived or you want a quick yet delightful dinner to impress your family, this recipe delivers tender bites and aromatic goodness in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, color, and texture. From the nutty sesame oil adding a toasty note to the crisp peas and carrots bringing freshness, everything works together seamlessly.
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old): Using day-old rice helps it stay firm and prevents mushiness when stir-frying.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Tender protein that soaks up flavors beautifully and cooks quickly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Neutral oil with a high smoke point perfect for stir-frying.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Adds richness and a soft texture to the fried rice.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots: Brings vibrant color and a sweet crunch to the dish.
- 3 green onions, sliced: Fresh aroma and a subtle bite to brighten every mouthful.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Invigorating flavor base that makes the dish irresistible.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides salty depth and classic umami taste.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a luscious savory richness and slight sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A small drizzle for that signature nutty finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all flavors.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your diced chicken and let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring so it browns nicely. Cook until golden and no longer pink inside—about 5 to 7 minutes. This golden crust locks in juicy flavor that makes the chicken stand out in your fried rice.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining one tablespoon of vegetable oil and pour in the beaten eggs. Let the eggs sit briefly before scrambling them gently until fully cooked but still tender. Removing and setting the eggs aside keeps them light and separate, giving your dish those delightful pockets of fluffy egg.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
Next, toss in the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until you can smell that fragrant garlicky goodness. Then, add the frozen peas and carrots, tossing and stirring for around two minutes until they’re warmed through but still retain their slight crispness, adding both texture and vibrant color to the mix.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice
Add the day-old jasmine rice into your skillet, breaking apart any clumps with your spatula or wooden spoon. Don’t just dump it in; spreading it out to coat every grain in oil helps it fry evenly and develop that sought-after slightly toasted flavor. Stir-fry for about two minutes, letting the rice soak up the flavors that have already started to build.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Return your cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the skillet, folding everything together. Now pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, stirring until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated and shiny with savory goodness. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors fully meld into the rice and meats.
Step 6: Final Touches
Add the sliced green onions, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it one last lively stir to mix everything evenly. This final hit of freshness from the green onions enlivens the dish and makes the colors pop.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Remove your chicken fried rice from heat and serve while it’s steaming hot. Freshly cooked fried rice just can’t be beat, especially when it’s as balanced and flavorful as this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a handful of chopped cilantro can elevate the dish with delightful texture and herbal freshness. For a pop of heat, drizzle sriracha or your favorite chili sauce on top. These simple garnishes transform your chicken fried rice into something extra special and personalized.
Side Dishes
Pair your chicken fried rice with crisp cucumber salad, a light miso soup, or steamed dumplings for a balanced, restaurant-quality meal at home. These sides bring refreshing contrasts that complement the rich and savory flavors of the fried rice perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken fried rice in pineapple halves or lettuce cups for a fresh, visually appealing presentation. You could also top it with a fried egg for additional indulgence and texture. Serving ideas like these turn a simple meal into an experience worth sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken fried rice tastes great reheated, making it ideal for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact and the rice from drying out, so you can enjoy it like it’s freshly made.
Freezing
While you can freeze chicken fried rice, the texture of the veggies might change slightly upon thawing. If you decide to freeze, portion the rice into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to revive moisture and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until piping hot. Alternatively, microwave it covered with a damp paper towel for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, you can also use basmati, long-grain, or leftover white rice. The key is using rice that’s been cooked and cooled to avoid mushiness.
Is it necessary to use day-old rice?
Day-old rice works best because it’s drier, which prevents your fried rice from becoming soggy. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky, but if you’re short on time, spread some freshly cooked rice on a tray to cool and dry for 10-15 minutes before frying.
Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile and perfect with shrimp, pork, tofu, or even scrambled extra eggs if you prefer a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked.
How do I make the fried rice less oily?
Use high heat and minimal oil while cooking, and make sure your pan or wok is non-stick or well-seasoned. Using just enough oil to coat ingredients and stirring frequently helps keep the dish flavorful without excess grease.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with additional soy sauce combined with a little hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce to replicate its sweet and savory profile. Keep in mind that oyster sauce adds depth, so the substitution won’t be exact but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is a shining example of how uncomplicated ingredients can come together to create a truly delightful meal. It’s fantastic for busy weeknights or whenever you want to impress with a hearty, flavorful dish straight from your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become one of your family’s favorites in no time!
Print
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This classic Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful meal that combines tender diced chicken, scrambled eggs, and mixed vegetables with fragrant jasmine rice, all stir-fried together with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Perfect for using leftover rice, this dish is a delicious and satisfying option for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Scramble the eggs: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove the eggs and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
- Cook vegetables: Add the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they are heated through.
- Add rice: Add the day-old cooked jasmine rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes to heat the rice properly.
- Combine chicken and eggs: Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the skillet, mixing everything well to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Add sauces: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated. Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add green onions and season: Add the sliced green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the chicken fried rice immediately while hot and fresh.
Notes
- Using day-old rice helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy.
- Adjust soy sauce and oyster sauce quantities to taste or dietary preferences.
- You can substitute frozen peas and carrots with fresh vegetables if preferred, but cooking times may vary.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of toasted sesame oil at the end.
- Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins to customize the dish.
