Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Meal
Are you craving a quick, easy, and delicious meal? Look no further! This easy chicken fried rice recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend lunch. It's packed with flavor and requires minimal ingredients and time. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be adaptable to what you have on hand. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your preferences and dietary needs.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (leftover roast chicken works perfectly!)
- 2 cups cooked rice, day-old is best (this helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or your favorite frozen vegetables)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds a delicious umami flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked chicken fried rice every time.
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process much smoother and faster. Dice the chicken, chop the onion and green onions, and mince the garlic.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the remaining oil to the pan. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
4. Add the Vegetables and Chicken:
Stir in the frozen peas and carrots and diced chicken. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
5. Incorporate the Rice:
Add the cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps and stir everything together. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and slightly crisp up.
6. Season and Finish:
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold in the scrambled eggs.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and easy chicken fried rice!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the rice while cooking to prevent it from drying out.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Add protein: Substitute or add other proteins like shrimp, beef, or tofu.
- Get creative with vegetables: Use any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
This easy chicken fried rice recipe is a versatile and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version! Let us know in the comments what your favorite variations are.
