Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice

It’s a bustling weeknight, and the clock is ticking. But your family is craving something delicious—a dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and the promise of satisfaction with every bite. Enter the beloved Chicken Fried Rice—a timeless recipe that captures the essence of easy home cooking. With a delightful combination of tender chicken, aromatic veggies, and fluffy rice, this dish transports you to a cozy kitchen where laughter fills the air. Not only is it quick to whip up, but it also brings together everyone at the dinner table, making it a perfect family meal. The blend of flavors and textures is irresistible, making Chicken Fried Rice a must-make in your household.

What’s Your Favorite Comfort Food Memory?

Do you remember the last time you felt that delightful rush of warmth while eating your favorite comfort food? Perhaps it was a rainy day, and the scent of fried rice wafted from the kitchen, filling your home with hearty aromas. Chicken Fried Rice is that universal dish that brings joy and nostalgia; it can almost bring back those childhood memories of family dinners and cozy gatherings. What’s your version of a home-cooked hug?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Fried Rice isn’t just any ordinary meal; it’s a treasure trove of benefits that make it worth cooking time and time again:

• Quick Prep: In a mere 30 minutes, you can serve a satisfying meal that adapts to your schedule.
• Kid-Friendly: Its vibrant colors and fun textures appeal to both young palates and grown-up tastes.
• Minimal Ingredients: A handful of everyday staples transforms into a feast.
• Customizable: You can easily swap in leftover meats or veggies for a unique twist, creating a personalized dish that speaks to your cravings.
• Hearty and Wholesome: Combining protein, vegetables, and carbs, this meal is balanced enough to keep you energized throughout the day.

Ingredients

• 5 Tbsp. neutral oil, divided for maximum flavor and texture.

• 3 chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb.), juicy morsels that soak up every flavor, seasoned to perfection with:

  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 medium onion, chopped, adding sweetness and depth.

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced, for vibrant color and crunch.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced, imparting aromatic goodness.

• 1 Tbsp. freshly minced ginger, giving that zingy warmth.

• 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably leftover), the fluffy canvas for your creation.

• 3/4 cup frozen peas, dotted gems of sweetness.

• 3 large eggs, beaten, introducing protein-packed richness.

• 3 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce, instilling that crave-worthy umami flavor.

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, providing a fresh pop of color.

Let these ingredients dance together to create a symphony of flavor!

Timing

In a world where time is precious, this Chicken Fried Rice embraces the beauty of fast indulgence. You can savor its tastes in less than 30 minutes, making it an easy option for busy weeknights. Yet, if you want to take your time and enjoy the whole cooking process, let the aromas envelop the kitchen slowly. Both methods deliver platefuls of delight that will satisfy your cravings.

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Set the rack in the middle position. This ensures a perfect bake for the chicken.

2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, pour in 2 tablespoons of neutral oil, allowing it to shimmer in excitement.

3. Season the chicken with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Introduce it to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides—around 8 minutes per side, creating a delicious crust.

4. Transfer the pan to the oven, where the magic continues. Bake your chicken until it’s cooked through, about 6-8 minutes longer. The moment you slice into it, it should be juicy and tender.

5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. When ready, cut it into bite-sized pieces, inviting everyone to dive into the feast!

6. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and increase the heat. Toss in the chopped onion and carrots, cooking until the vegetables soften, approximately 5 minutes.

7. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring them in for about a minute until the kitchen fills with tantalizing aromas.

8. Stir in the cooked rice and peas, ensuring everything is well-mixed and warmed through—about 2 minutes—and those flavors meld together.

9. Push the rice to one side of the skillet and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the other. Pour in the beat eggs, stirring until they are nearly fully cooked.

10. Fold the eggs into the rice mixture, combining all your delightful ingredients.

11. Finally, add the chicken back into the skillet along with the soy sauce and green onions, giving everything a good stir to combine the colors and flavors beautifully.

Your Chicken Fried Rice is now a luscious meal, ready to be plated and devoured!

Nutritional Information

A standard serving of Chicken Fried Rice comes in at around 450 calories, making it a satisfying yet indulgent treat. The dish contains protein, essential vegetables, and carbohydrates, making it a wholesome option for any meal. Remember, it’s all about balance—indulging every now and then can be part of a healthy lifestyle!

Healthier Alternatives

For those who are mindful of dietary requirements or preferences, consider the following swaps:

• Low-Sugar Soy Sauce: Opt for a lower-sodium version to reduce risk of excess sodium.

• Cauliflower Rice: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

• Chicken Alternatives: Use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version that’s just as flavorful.

• Substitute Oil: Use olive or avocado oil for a healthier fat option, providing heart-healthy benefits.

Serving Suggestions

Why not elevate your Chicken Fried Rice experience? Serve it alongside a scoop of ice cream for dessert to balance the savory flavors with something sweet. Or bring it into the spotlight during the holidays, offering a unique spin on traditional family feasts that will have everyone delighted.

Common Mistakes

Achieving the perfect Chicken Fried Rice can have its pitfalls:

• Overbaking the Chicken: Ensure that you keep an eye on the chicken as it bakes to maintain its moisture and tenderness.

• Textural Issues with Rice: If your rice is too sticky, it may clump together. Using day-old rice helps achieve that perfect fluffy consistency.

• Messes: Make sure to prepare and chop all your ingredients beforehand to avoid chaos in the kitchen.

Storing Tips

Want to enjoy Chicken Fried Rice later? Here are some storing tips to keep your dish fresh:

• Freezing Portions: Divide your fried rice into portions and freeze in airtight containers. This allows you to heat specific amounts as needed.

• Reheating Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce can help revive its former glory, making it just as delicious as when it was made.

Tempting Conclusion

Chicken Fried Rice isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary embrace that makes any dinner special. It’s fast, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. The best part? It’s waiting for you to whip it up as soon as possible! Dive into the heart of homemade goodness. Your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Absolutely! Brown rice is a healthier option and adds a nutty flavor, but you might need to adjust the cooking time.

2. What can I substitute for chicken?
   Tofu, shrimp, or even sturdy vegetables like mushrooms can all be delicious substitutes.

3. Can I make Chicken Fried Rice ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the ingredients earlier in the day and stir-fry them when you’re ready to eat.

4. How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
   Using day-old rice, which has been refrigerated, helps as the grains are drier and less likely to clump.

5. What veggies can I add?
   Feel free to incorporate bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli for additional nutrition and flavor!

Chicken Fried Rice

Print Recipe

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A quick and delicious Chicken Fried Rice recipe perfect for busy weeknights, filled with tender chicken, aromatic veggies, and fluffy rice.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 Tbsp. neutral oil, divided
• 3 chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb.), seasoned with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. freshly minced ginger
• 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably leftover)
• 3/4 cup frozen peas
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 3 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, pour in 2 tablespoons of neutral oil.
3. Season the chicken with Kosher salt and black pepper, and cook in the skillet until golden brown, about 8 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
6. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion and carrots until softened, about 5 minutes.
7. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring for 1 minute.
8. Mix in the cooked rice and peas, heating through for about 2 minutes.
9. Push the rice to one side and add the remaining oil, pouring in the beaten eggs. Stir until nearly fully cooked.
10. Fold the eggs into the rice mixture, then add the chicken, soy sauce, and green onions. Stir everything together and serve.

Notes

Using day-old rice helps achieve the perfect fluffy consistency.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 180mg