There’s something about a warm, steaming bowl of Chicken Fried Rice that takes me straight back to my favorite Chinese restaurant from my childhood. You know the one, where the aroma of soy sauce and sesame oil perfumed the air and the sound of sizzling woks was like music to my ears. Whenever we visited, I would inevitably order that dish, dreaming of my own perfect fried rice.
Over the years, I’ve experimented a lot in my kitchen to replicate that restaurant-style magic, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! This Chicken Fried Rice is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and veggies. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, and trust me, once you make it, you’ll feel like a master chef!
What’s in Chicken Fried Rice?
Chicken Breast: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish. They cook up quickly and remain juicy. You can also use leftover cooked chicken if you have some on hand!
Rice: Day-old rice works best for fried rice as it’s drier and less sticky. However, if you only have fresh rice, make sure to spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry a bit.
Carrots: These sweet, crunchy veggies add color and a nice texture to the dish. I usually prefer to use diced carrots for even cooking.
Peas: Frozen peas are perfect for this recipe! They require no prep and just a quick thaw, making them a super convenient and healthy addition.
Soy Sauce: A must-have for flavor! I go for low-sodium soy sauce to keep things a little lighter, but regular works too.
Eggs: These add creaminess and protein to the mix! Scrambling them beforehand gives that beautiful, iconic fried rice look.
Green Onions: I love topping my fried rice with fresh green onions. They add a pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor.
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle at the end gives that deep, aromatic flavor that makes your fried rice taste restaurant-quality.
Is Chicken Fried Rice Good for You?
Absolutely! While it’s not exactly a salad, Chicken Fried Rice has some great health benefits.
Chicken Breast: Packed with protein, this cut is great for muscle repair and keeping you full longer.
Rice: When you go for brown rice instead of white, you’re not only getting more fiber but also a host of important minerals.
Vegetables: The carrots and peas provide vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, making this dish more nutritious.
Just a quick note, though — fried rice can be higher in sodium, depending on how much soy sauce you use, so it’s something to keep in mind especially if you’re watching your salt intake.
Ingredients List
For about 4 servings, you will need:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 2 eggs, lightly beaten
– 4 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 green onions, sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice?
1. **Prep Your Ingredients:** Get all your ingredients ready to go. Chop the chicken, veggies, and slice the green onions. It makes the cooking process much smoother!
2. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. **Scramble the Eggs:** In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them until fully cooked, then transfer them to the plate with the chicken.
4. **Stir-Fry the Veggies:** Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan. Toss in the diced carrots and peas, stir-frying for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
5. **Combine Everything:** Add the cooked rice to the pan with the veggies, and pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir everything together until well combined. Toss back in the chicken and scrambled eggs, mixing them through.
6. **Garnish:** Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Give it one last mix, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. **Serve:** Transfer to your favorite bowls, and get ready to dig in!
Let’s Make It Yours!
This Chicken Fried Rice is super versatile—feel free to add any veggies you like! Bell peppers, bean sprouts, or broccoli can all work beautifully. If you’re looking for a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to really wake things up! And if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds before serving.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! It’s one of those dishes that just brings a smile to my face, and I hope it does the same for you. If you give it a go, let me know how it turns out! Share your own touches and any new twists you come up with. Happy cooking!
