Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Savory and Simple Recipe

Craving a delicious meal that’s quick and easy? Let’s dive into making homemade chicken fried rice. This savory dish is packed with flavor and uses simple ingredients you likely have at home. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a pro, this recipe will impress everyone. Get ready to whip up a satisfying meal that is perfect for any day of the week!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)

– 1 cup chicken breast, diced

– 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn)

– 3 green onions, sliced

– 2 eggs, lightly beaten

– 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon ginger powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes

Using day-old rice is key. Fresh rice can be too moist. It will clump together. Day-old rice is drier and breaks apart nicely. This makes for a better texture.

You can vary the vegetables based on what you like. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Each adds a unique taste and color.

Recommended Equipment

A large non-stick skillet or a wok works best. These help cook the rice evenly. A non-stick surface prevents sticking. This ensures easy mixing and cleanup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

To start, you need to cook the chicken. Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and let it warm up. Once hot, toss in the diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step adds flavor to your fried rice.

Cooking the Vegetables

Next, it’s time for the vegetables. In the same skillet, add your mixed vegetables. These can be carrots, peas, and corn. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. To keep them crisp, avoid overcooking. Stir occasionally, but don’t let them sit too long. This step adds color and nutrition to your dish.

Combining Ingredients

Now we mix everything together. Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked. Then, mix the eggs with the vegetables. Next, add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Follow this with the cooked chicken. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. This ensures all the flavors blend well. Finally, toss in the sliced green onions and stir again. You can adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy your savory chicken fried rice! For more details, check out the Full Recipe.

Tips & Tricks

How to Perfect Your Fried Rice

To make the best chicken fried rice, use cold rice. Cold rice works better than warm rice. It keeps the grains separate and firm. This prevents mushy fried rice. Day-old rice is ideal since it dries out a bit in the fridge. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray. Let it cool for 30 minutes. This helps remove some moisture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One big mistake is overcrowding the pan. When you add too many ingredients, the heat drops. This leads to steaming instead of frying. Steamed rice does not have that nice, crispy texture. Cook in batches if needed. This keeps everything hot and helps achieve that golden color on your chicken and veggies.

Presentation Tips

Serving matters. A great presentation makes any dish more appealing. Serve chicken fried rice in bowls. Top each bowl with green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and texture. You can also drizzle some soy sauce on top. For a fun touch, add a lime wedge on the side. This adds a splash of freshness to every bite. Enjoy your delicious and beautiful dish!

Variations

Vegetarian Option

You can easily make chicken fried rice vegetarian. Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Press it to remove excess water, then cube it. Sauté the tofu until golden brown. Follow the same cooking steps in the recipe. You can also try using chickpeas or edamame for added protein.

Flavor Boosters

Want to add more flavor? Try different sauces and spices. A splash of oyster sauce adds umami. You can also use chili paste for heat. For a touch of sweetness, add a bit of hoisin sauce. Consider sprinkling sesame seeds or chopped cilantro on top for a fresh taste. Keep experimenting to find your favorite mix!

Grain Alternatives

Not a fan of jasmine rice? You can use different grains. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Quinoa is a great gluten-free option, too. Just remember to cook them before adding to the pan. Cauliflower rice is another healthy choice. It’s low-carb and cooks quickly. Choose what you like best for a tasty meal!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

Homemade chicken fried rice lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to cool it down before putting it in the fridge. Store it in a tight container to keep it fresh. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze chicken fried rice, first cool it completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

Best Container Types

I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These keep the flavors in and prevent spills. If you use bags, make sure they are heavy-duty and designed for freezing. Label your containers or bags with the date to keep track of how long they have been stored.

FAQs

What is the best rice for chicken fried rice?

For chicken fried rice, I like using jasmine rice. It has a nice, fluffy texture. Day-old rice is best because it is drier. This helps it fry better. You can also use basmati rice. It has a lovely aroma and flavor.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, using leftover chicken is great! It saves time and adds flavor. Just chop it into small pieces. You can use any cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken. This makes your meal quick and easy.

How do I make chicken fried rice without soy sauce?

If you want to skip soy sauce, try using coconut aminos. It’s a tasty, soy-free option. You can also use teriyaki sauce or fish sauce. For a lighter flavor, add lemon juice. These options keep your dish flavorful.

Is homemade chicken fried rice healthier than takeout?

Yes, homemade chicken fried rice is usually healthier. You control the ingredients. You can choose fresh veggies and lean chicken. This means less salt and fat. You can also add more nutrients. Making it at home is a tasty way to eat better.

This blog post covered the essential ingredients, steps, and tips for making chicken fried rice. We discussed using day-old rice, cooking techniques, and equipment needed for the best results. I shared ways to adapt the recipe, such as vegetarian options and flavor boosters.

In closing, homemade chicken fried rice not only tastes better than takeout, but you also control the ingredients. With these tips and steps, you can make a quick meal that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy your cooking and make it your own!

- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old) - 1 cup chicken breast, diced - 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn) - 3 green onions, sliced - 2 eggs, lightly beaten - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and pepper to taste Using day-old rice is key. Fresh rice can be too moist. It will clump together. Day-old rice is drier and breaks apart nicely. This makes for a better texture. You can vary the vegetables based on what you like. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Each adds a unique taste and color. A large non-stick skillet or a wok works best. These help cook the rice evenly. A non-stick surface prevents sticking. This ensures easy mixing and cleanup. To start, you need to cook the chicken. Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and let it warm up. Once hot, toss in the diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step adds flavor to your fried rice. Next, it's time for the vegetables. In the same skillet, add your mixed vegetables. These can be carrots, peas, and corn. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. To keep them crisp, avoid overcooking. Stir occasionally, but don’t let them sit too long. This step adds color and nutrition to your dish. Now we mix everything together. Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked. Then, mix the eggs with the vegetables. Next, add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Follow this with the cooked chicken. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. This ensures all the flavors blend well. Finally, toss in the sliced green onions and stir again. You can adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy your savory chicken fried rice! For more details, check out the Full Recipe. To make the best chicken fried rice, use cold rice. Cold rice works better than warm rice. It keeps the grains separate and firm. This prevents mushy fried rice. Day-old rice is ideal since it dries out a bit in the fridge. If you don't have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray. Let it cool for 30 minutes. This helps remove some moisture. One big mistake is overcrowding the pan. When you add too many ingredients, the heat drops. This leads to steaming instead of frying. Steamed rice does not have that nice, crispy texture. Cook in batches if needed. This keeps everything hot and helps achieve that golden color on your chicken and veggies. Serving matters. A great presentation makes any dish more appealing. Serve chicken fried rice in bowls. Top each bowl with green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and texture. You can also drizzle some soy sauce on top. For a fun touch, add a lime wedge on the side. This adds a splash of freshness to every bite. Enjoy your delicious and beautiful dish! {{image_2}} You can easily make chicken fried rice vegetarian. Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Press it to remove excess water, then cube it. Sauté the tofu until golden brown. Follow the same cooking steps in the recipe. You can also try using chickpeas or edamame for added protein. Want to add more flavor? Try different sauces and spices. A splash of oyster sauce adds umami. You can also use chili paste for heat. For a touch of sweetness, add a bit of hoisin sauce. Consider sprinkling sesame seeds or chopped cilantro on top for a fresh taste. Keep experimenting to find your favorite mix! Not a fan of jasmine rice? You can use different grains. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Quinoa is a great gluten-free option, too. Just remember to cook them before adding to the pan. Cauliflower rice is another healthy choice. It’s low-carb and cooks quickly. Choose what you like best for a tasty meal! Homemade chicken fried rice lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to cool it down before putting it in the fridge. Store it in a tight container to keep it fresh. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. To freeze chicken fried rice, first cool it completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These keep the flavors in and prevent spills. If you use bags, make sure they are heavy-duty and designed for freezing. Label your containers or bags with the date to keep track of how long they have been stored. For chicken fried rice, I like using jasmine rice. It has a nice, fluffy texture. Day-old rice is best because it is drier. This helps it fry better. You can also use basmati rice. It has a lovely aroma and flavor. Yes, using leftover chicken is great! It saves time and adds flavor. Just chop it into small pieces. You can use any cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken. This makes your meal quick and easy. If you want to skip soy sauce, try using coconut aminos. It’s a tasty, soy-free option. You can also use teriyaki sauce or fish sauce. For a lighter flavor, add lemon juice. These options keep your dish flavorful. Yes, homemade chicken fried rice is usually healthier. You control the ingredients. You can choose fresh veggies and lean chicken. This means less salt and fat. You can also add more nutrients. Making it at home is a tasty way to eat better. This blog post covered the essential ingredients, steps, and tips for making chicken fried rice. We discussed using day-old rice, cooking techniques, and equipment needed for the best results. I shared ways to adapt the recipe, such as vegetarian options and flavor boosters. In closing, homemade chicken fried rice not only tastes better than takeout, but you also control the ingredients. With these tips and steps, you can make a quick meal that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy your cooking and make it your own!

Homemade Chicken Fried Rice

Satisfy your cravings with this delicious Savory Chicken Fried Rice recipe! Made with tender chicken, colorful mixed vegetables, and flavorful jasmine rice, this dish is quick to whip up in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser that your family will love. Click through for step-by-step instructions and discover how easy it is to make this tasty meal at home!

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)

1 cup chicken breast, diced

1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn)

3 green onions, sliced

2 eggs, lightly beaten

3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ginger powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.

    Once hot, add the diced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender.

        Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix everything together.

          Add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet, followed by the cooked chicken. Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice and mix everything thoroughly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is well combined and heated through.

            Finally, toss in the sliced green onions and give the mixture a final stir. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve hot in bowls or on plates.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken fried rice in a bowl topped with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. You might also consider serving it with a side of soy sauce for drizzling. Enjoy!

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