Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
This Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender marinated chicken, mixed vegetables, and day-old rice stir-fried to perfection with soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s a perfect weeknight meal packed with savory goodness and a hint of aromatic ginger and garlic.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Rice and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked and cooled long-grain rice (day-old rice works best!)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
Eggs and Seasonings
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided (1 tablespoon for marinade, 1 tablespoon for stir-fry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little heat!)
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (30 minutes is ideal) to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp, which brings out their natural sweetness.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for another minute, or until fragrant to enhance the overall aroma.
- Incorporate Frozen Vegetables: Add the frozen peas and carrots mix to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until heated through, integrating their texture and color.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push all the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the empty space. Let cook for a minute or two until they start to set, then scramble the eggs until cooked through but still slightly moist. Mix with the vegetables for even distribution.
- Add the Rice: Add the cooked and cooled rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps of rice with your spatula to ensure even frying and texture.
- Incorporate the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, combining all protein and veggies for a balanced dish.
- Season and Stir-Fry: Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the sesame oil over the rice and chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if using for a touch of heat. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-5 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and evenly coated with the sauces.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more soy sauce or pepper according to your preference.
- Garnish: Garnish the chicken fried rice with chopped green onions, adding freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the chicken fried rice immediately while it’s hot and fresh to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old rice as it prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce to control saltiness based on your taste preference.
- You can substitute vegetables as desired, such as bell peppers or corn.
- To make it spicier, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili sauce.
- This dish can be easily prepared in a wok or a large non-stick skillet.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken fried rice, easy fried rice recipe, stir-fry chicken rice, quick dinner, homemade fried rice