Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe: A Flavorful One-Pan Meal
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Chicken fried rice is the ultimate comfort food. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to overlook, but every time I make it, I wonder why I don’t make it more often! Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, this easy chicken fried rice recipe is a perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving something delicious and satisfying.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Fried Rice
What I love most about this chicken fried rice recipe is that I usually have all the ingredients on hand. I always keep a supply of spices and soy sauce, and I typically have a bag or two of frozen vegetables stashed away in my freezer. This makes it a reliable option for a quick and easy meal.
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Minced garlic
- Minced ginger
- Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed) OR Ham (for ham fried rice)
- Cooked jasmine rice (plain rice or brown rice also work)
- Frozen mixed vegetables (stir-fry blends are great)
- Eggs
- Low sodium soy sauce
- Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Fried Rice
This recipe comes together so quickly, especially if you have leftover rice. When I’m making rice for another meal, I often cook extra with the intention of making chicken fried rice the following night. This saves time, as I can skip cooking the rice and jump straight into assembling the dish. Of course, if you don’t have cooked rice ready, you can easily make a fresh batch. But I’m all about efficiency! I especially enjoy making this recipe in my favorite sauté pan. It’s high-quality and works perfectly.
To begin, sauté the diced onion in olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until softened, then add the minced garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant. Next, add the chicken (you can use chicken straight from a can, leftover rotisserie chicken, or any cooked chicken), cooked rice, and frozen vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Now, for the fun part! Push the rice, chicken and vegetables to one side of the pan, leaving the other side empty. Add a little more oil to the empty side and crack the eggs directly into the pan. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked through. Once the eggs are cooked, mix them into the rice and chicken mixture. Finally, pour in the soy sauce and stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it all cook together for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Before serving, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
This chicken fried rice is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers. You can also adjust the amount of soy sauce to control the saltiness. For a spicy kick, add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes.
Making chicken fried rice at home is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken and rice. It’s also a budget-friendly meal that can be made in large batches for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. It’s a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a satisfying and balanced meal.
More Easy Asian-Inspired Chicken Recipes
I enjoy incorporating Asian-inspired recipes into my weekly meal plans. My family appreciates the variety, and I love the delicious flavors reminiscent of takeout, but without the high cost! If you enjoy this chicken fried rice recipe, you might also like these other easy Asian-inspired chicken dishes:
Honey Sesame Chicken And Vegetables: A sweet and savory dish featuring tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a honey sesame sauce.
Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken: A convenient and flavorful dish where chicken simmers in a sesame-ginger sauce in a slow cooker.
Pineapple Fried Rice with Chicken: A tropical twist on classic fried rice, with the addition of juicy pineapple and tender chicken.
These recipes are all easy to make and are sure to be a hit with your family. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Experimenting with different Asian-inspired flavors can add excitement to your cooking routine. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or spicy, there’s an Asian-inspired recipe out there for you. So, get creative in the kitchen and discover new favorites!
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Julia Pacheco
5
minutes
15
minutes
20
minutes
4
servings
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