Chicken fried rice is a versatile and delightful dish that is perfect for any meal. It is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you need to whip up something delicious in a pinch. This recipe will guide you through making a scrumptious chicken fried rice that your family will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old for better texture)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by dicing the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Dice the red bell pepper, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Slice the green onions and set them aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it is no longer pink and starts to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Rice and Peas and Carrots:
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables. Add the cooked rice, frozen peas, and carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Add the Chicken and Seasoning:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil (if using). Stir everything together to ensure the rice and chicken are well coated with the sauce. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Finish and Serve:
- Add the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro (if using). Give the fried rice a final stir to mix everything evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken fried rice hot, garnished with additional green onions or cilantro if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fried Rice:
- Use Day-Old Rice:
- Day-old rice is ideal for fried rice because it is drier than freshly cooked rice, which helps it absorb the flavors better and achieve the perfect texture.
- High Heat:
- Cooking fried rice over high heat ensures that the ingredients are cooked quickly and evenly, which helps to develop a nice, slightly crispy texture.
- Prep Ahead:
- Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Fried rice comes together quickly, so it’s essential to have everything on hand and ready to add to the skillet.
- Customize Your Fried Rice:
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or protein. You can add broccoli, snap peas, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Shrimp or tofu can be excellent substitutes for chicken.
- Seasoning Adjustments:
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can add a bit of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for additional flavor depth. A dash of chili sauce can add some heat if you like it spicy.
Storage and Reheating:
Storage:
- Store any leftover chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the rice moist and flavorful.
Chicken fried rice is a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or serving a crowd, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With its combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s a meal that everyone will enjoy. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a delightful plate of chicken fried rice!
