This Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for any day! With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, it’s a meal that feels like eating out but made right at home.
Who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? I often whip this up when I have leftovers—just toss them in, and boom! Dinner is served in no time. You’ll feel like a chef in your own kitchen! 🍚👨🍳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice is best for fried rice as it’s drier and prevents stickiness. If you don’t have leftovers, you can spread fresh rice on a baking sheet to cool before using.
Chicken: I prefer chicken breasts for their lean meat. Thighs are a great alternative for juicier bites. If you’re vegetarian, tofu or tempeh can work wonderfully.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is perfect for high-heat cooking. Sesame oil adds a nice taste; just use it sparingly as it has a strong flavor.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the rice together. For a vegan option, use scrambled tofu or chickpea flour diluted with water.
Soy Sauce: I love using low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. You could also use tamari for a gluten-free version.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Chicken for Fried Rice?
Cooking chicken evenly makes a big difference in texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut the chicken into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Heat the skillet until it’s hot before adding the chicken. This helps it sear rather than steam.
- Leave space in the pan; avoid overcrowding, which can lower the temperature.
- Let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring to get a nice brown color.
With these tips, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken to elevate your chicken fried rice experience!
Easy Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional for richness)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy chicken fried rice recipe will take about 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking time, making a total of approximately 25 minutes. A quick, delicious meal on any busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent, which should take about 2 minutes.
3. Add the Veggies:
Next, add the diced carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender. Then, stir in the frozen peas and cook for another minute to heat through.
4. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they’re fully cooked, then mix them with the veggies.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked rice and chicken to the pan. Break up any clumps of rice and stir everything together evenly so that the ingredients are well mixed.
6. Season the Rice:
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if you’re using it). Mix thoroughly to coat all the ingredients. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
7. Final Cooking:
Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the rice is heated through and starts to have a slightly crispy texture on the edges.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pan from the heat and garnish with the sliced green onions. Serve hot as a main dish or alongside your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.
Enjoy your flavorful, easy restaurant-style chicken fried rice! It’s a meal everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Can I Use Different Types of Rice?
Absolutely! While day-old white rice is preferred for its texture, you can use jasmine, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the type of rice you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you want to keep it vegetarian or vegan, tofu, tempeh, or seitan are excellent substitutes. You can marinate and stir-fry them similarly to chicken for added flavor. If you’re not vegetarian, shrimp or beef also work well in this fried rice recipe!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Fried Rice Spicier?
Definitely! Add some red pepper flakes, sriracha, or your favorite hot sauce while cooking to give it an extra kick. You can also serve it with sliced chili peppers on the side for those who prefer some heat!
