Chicken Fried Rice is a classic Asian-inspired dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. With tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies from your fridge. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Chicken Fried Rice and learn how to make this crowd-pleasing dish at home!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin bite-size pieces or chicken thighs
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups long-grain white rice, cooked and chilled
- 3-5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (see notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and carrots, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas and minced garlic, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the eggs to the empty side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them with the cooked vegetables.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with the cooked and chilled rice. Use a spatula to break up any clumps of rice and mix everything together evenly.
5. Season the Fried Rice:
- Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture, stirring continuously to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
6. Finish and Garnish:
- Add the chopped green onions to the fried rice and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Serve Hot:
- Transfer the chicken fried rice to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional chopped green onions, if desired, and serve hot.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Chilling the Rice: Using chilled cooked rice helps prevent it from becoming mushy when fried. You can use leftover rice from the fridge or cook it ahead of time and refrigerate it for at least a few hours.
- Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to your preference. Bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas are great additions.
- Protein Options: Besides chicken, you can use shrimp, pork, beef, or tofu as protein alternatives. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein used.
- Extra Flavor Boost: For added depth of flavor, consider adding a dash of oyster sauce, fish sauce, or sesame seeds to the fried rice.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto:
- Rice Substitute: Replace the white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly option.
- Soy Sauce Substitute: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce the carb content.
- Vegetable Choices: Opt for low-carb vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or cabbage to keep the carb count in check.
Low-Carb:
- Reduced Rice Portion: Use a smaller amount of rice or cauliflower rice and increase the proportion of protein and vegetables to create a lower-carb version.
- Fat Boost: Increase the amount of healthy fats by adding avocado slices or drizzling with sesame oil for satiety and flavor.
- Soy Sauce Modification: Use a reduced-sodium or gluten-free soy sauce to reduce the sodium content and make it more suitable for a low-carb diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use leftover cooked rice for this recipe? A: Yes, using chilled leftover rice from the fridge works best for fried rice recipes. It helps prevent the rice from becoming soggy during cooking.
Q: Can I make chicken fried rice ahead of time? A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and quickly stir-fry them when ready to eat. Be sure to store cooked rice and raw ingredients separately in the refrigerator.
Q: How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan? A: Make sure the skillet or wok is well-heated before adding the rice. Using chilled cooked rice and enough oil also helps prevent sticking.
Q: Can I add extra protein to this dish? A: Absolutely! You can add more chicken or incorporate other protein sources such as shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu for variation.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian? A: Yes, simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of vegetables or add tofu as a protein substitute to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Chicken Fried Rice is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its simple yet satisfying combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, fluffy rice, and savory seasonings, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Whether you’re following a keto, low-carb, or traditional diet, Chicken Fried Rice can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. So why not whip up a batch of this delicious dish and treat yourself to a taste of homemade comfort food?
