This easy chicken fried rice tastes just like what you’d get at your favorite restaurant. It’s loaded with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and yummy soy sauce for great flavor!
I love how quick this recipe is; in about 30 minutes, you have a delicious meal ready to go! Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover rice—talk about smart cooking! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked White Rice: Day-old rice works best since it’s drier and less sticky. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice and spread it on a baking sheet to cool quickly.
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken is the classic choice, but feel free to use cooked rotisserie chicken for a speedier option. Tofu can be a great substitute for a vegetarian twist!
Vegetable Oil: Canola oil is perfect for frying. However, you can substitute it with sesame oil or peanut oil for added flavor, but keep the quantity lower as they are stronger oils.
Frozen Peas & Carrots: These add color and nutrition. If fresh is on hand, use about 1 cup of chopped fresh carrots and peas. You could also swap in other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli.
What’s the Best Way to Cook with Leftover Rice?
Using leftover rice is key for fried rice. Fresh rice will create a mushy dish. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Cook rice, then spread it on a baking sheet to cool and dry out. This takes about 30 minutes.
- For fridge-stored, it may clump together. Break it up gently with your hands before adding it to the pan.
- Use chilled rice for the best texture as it helps prevent it from becoming mushy when frying.
How Do You Perfectly Cook Your Chicken?
Cooking the chicken right is essential. Here’s my approach:
- Always season the chicken with salt and pepper for flavor.
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve that nice sear.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink throughout, about 5-6 minutes, but avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
What’s the Secret to Flavorful Fried Rice?
It’s all about the seasoning! Here are tips for maximizing flavor:
- Make sure to stir-fry quickly at high heat. This helps everything cook evenly and meld the flavors.
- Adding soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) enhances the umami taste. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
- Sesame oil should be drizzled at the end for a fresh flavor.
With these tips, your chicken fried rice will not only taste great but also be a hit at the dinner table!
Easy Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
Vegetable & Egg Mixture:
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 3-4 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10-15 minutes of cooking time, making the total time approximately 25-30 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season it lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Then, toss in the minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté them together until fragrant and the onions become translucent, which should take about 2 minutes.
3. Adding Carrots and Peas:
Add the diced carrots and thawed peas to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly and become vibrant in color.
4. Scrambling Eggs:
Now, push the veggies to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space. Scramble the eggs until they are just cooked, then mix everything together so the eggs are evenly distributed with the veggies.
5. Mixing in Chicken:
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, stirring everything to combine well.
6. Incorporating Rice:
Add the chilled cooked rice next. Break up any clumps as you mix everything thoroughly to combine the rice, chicken, and veggies evenly.
7. Seasoning the Dish:
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and drizzle the sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat everything in those tasty sauces.
8. Final Touches:
Stir in the sliced green onions and sprinkle with ground white pepper and additional salt if needed. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to let all the flavors meld together and warm everything through.
9. Garnishing:
Once done, remove the pan from heat and garnish with extra green onions for a fresh touch.
10. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your chicken fried rice hot, and enjoy a delightful, restaurant-style dish right at home!
This recipe yields about 4 servings and captures the colorful, flavorful look and texture you love in restaurant-fried rice! It’s a delicious way to enjoy a quick and satisfying meal. 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that brown rice has a chewier texture and takes longer to cook, so make sure it’s fully cooked and chilled before using it in this recipe to achieve the best results.
What If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce? Can I Use a Substitute?
Absolutely! You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Just adjust the amount to your taste, as these substitutes may have varying salt levels.
How Can I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave; add a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Fried Rice?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies you enjoy, like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just ensure they are cooked until tender before adding the rice, and adjust the cooking time accordingly!
