Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. This flavorful meal combines seasoned rice, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables in under 30 minutes. It’s not just a quick recipe; it’s also versatile enough to serve as a main dish or side. You’ll find this homemade version is even better than takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total cooking time of just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful Ingredients: A blend of chicken, eggs, and fresh vegetables makes this dish rich in flavor and nutrients.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish or side, this chicken fried rice can be paired with various meals.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
• Healthier Option: Homemade means you control the ingredients and portions, making it a healthier alternative to takeout.

Tools and Preparation

To make Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice successfully, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan or wok
• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan or wok: Provides ample space for stir-frying ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Medium-sized mixing bowl: Ideal for marinating chicken and mixing sauces without making a mess.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Essential for stirring and tossing ingredients together to achieve that perfect fried rice texture.

Ingredients

For the Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, gather these ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 4 ½ cups cooked jasmine rice (cold day-old (or see Notes below to prepare uncooked rice for this recipe))
• ½ lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (thinly sliced)
• 1.5 cups frozen peas and carrots (or frozen vegetable mix (corn, peas, carrots, green beans))
• 3 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 small shallot (or 1/4 onion, finely diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

Marinade Ingredients

• 4 teaspoon vegetable oil (or any neutral tasting oil)
• 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Shaoxing Cooking Wine (or dry sherry / dry white wine / chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (or any neutral tasting oil)
• 2 tablespoon regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
• ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder(a.k.a. chicken stock powder)
• ⅛ teaspoon white pepper(or black pepper)

How to Make Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium-sized bowl, marinate the sliced chicken thighs with marinade ingredients. Allow it to sit for about 5–10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and set aside for later use.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and fry until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Add another teaspoon of vegetable oil into the same pan. Sauté minced garlic and diced shallots for about 10 seconds until fragrant. Next, add frozen peas and carrots; fry them for another 10 seconds. Push everything to one side of the pan.

Step 5: Scramble the Eggs

Add remaining oil into the empty space of the pan. Pour in beaten eggs and let them sit untouched for about 20 seconds before scrambling them into bite-sized pieces. Toss everything together.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked jasmine rice and previously cooked chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together until well mixed.

Step 7: Add Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce around the rice or along the edges of the pan. Let it toast for about 5 seconds before tossing all ingredients together. Continue tossing until all rice grains are evenly coated with color.

Enjoy your Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, there are numerous options to enhance your meal experience.

As a Main Dish

• Pair with a light salad for freshness and balance.
• Serve alongside steamed dumplings for an authentic Asian feast.
• Top with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.

As a Side Dish

• Complement with sweet and sour chicken for a delightful contrast.
• Enjoy with crispy spring rolls for extra texture.
• Add some pickled vegetables on the side to brighten the meal.

For Meal Prep

• Portion into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
• Pair with your favorite protein, like grilled shrimp or tofu, to customize each meal.

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How to Perfect Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

To achieve the best results when making Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, consider these helpful tips.

• Use day-old rice: Cold, cooked rice holds its shape better and prevents soggy fried rice.
• Marinate the chicken: A simple marinade enhances flavor and tenderness in the meat.
• Cook in batches: If making a large portion, cook in smaller batches to ensure even frying.
• Keep ingredients ready: Have all your vegetables and sauces prepped before you start cooking for a smooth process.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go; adjusting soy sauce or spices can make all the difference.
• Add fresh herbs: Garnishing with cilantro or basil adds freshness that elevates the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Complement your Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice with these delightful side dishes. They add variety and balance to your meal while enhancing the overall dining experience.

1. Egg Rolls: Crispy and filled with vegetables or meat, they provide a satisfying crunch.
2. Hot and Sour Soup: A warm soup that offers contrasting flavors and warms up your palate.
3. Asian Slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage and carrots dressed in sesame dressing adds crunch and brightness.
4. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Grilled chicken glazed with teriyaki sauce makes for a flavorful addition.
5. Miso Soup: Light yet savory, miso soup pairs well with fried rice without overpowering it.
6. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli provides nutrients and balances the richness of fried rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common errors can significantly enhance your Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Using Fresh Rice: Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when fried. Use day-old rice for the best texture.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too much chicken or vegetables at once can lower the pan’s temperature, leading to steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Skipping the Marinade: Neglecting to marinate the chicken can result in bland flavor. Allow at least 5-10 minutes for marinating to improve taste.
• Ignoring High Heat: Cooking on low heat won’t give you that desirable crispiness. Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding ingredients.
• Not Tossing Properly: Failing to toss all ingredients well can lead to unevenly cooked rice and flavors. Mix thoroughly for a uniform dish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

• For long-term storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel for moisture, about 2-3 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice:

Can I use uncooked rice?

You can prepare uncooked rice by cooking it according to package instructions before using it in this recipe.

How do I make it vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables or tofu.

What other proteins can I use?

You may substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or beef based on your preference for this delicious fried rice.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include bell peppers, broccoli, or any vegetables you enjoy in your fried rice.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice is not only quick but also versatile and full of flavor. You can customize it with different proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand. It’s perfect as a main dish or side and is sure to please the whole family. Give it a try!