Easy Chicken Fried Rice – This Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious. And quick way. To transform leftover chicken. Into a satisfying, wholesome meal. Packed with colorful veggies. Like bell peppers, carrots, celery, and pea pods. It’s an easy-to-make dish. That’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and scrambled eggs. Brings that classic fried rice flavor. We all love. With only 15 minutes of cooking time. This dish is ready in a flash. And perfect for meal prepping too!
The first time I made this recipe. I was looking for a way. To use up some leftover chicken. And veggies. In the fridge. My husband and child were starving. And I needed something quick. But nutritious. This chicken fried rice. Came together so perfectly—everyone loved it! Now, it has become. One of our go-to family dinners. It’s not just the simplicity. That keeps us coming back. To this dish. But the wonderful balance of flavors. And the satisfying texture of the crispy veggies. Combined with tender chicken. And fluffy rice.
What makes this Easy Chicken Fried Rice truly special?
This recipe’s strength. Lies in its simplicity. And versatility. You can customize it. By adding your favorite vegetables. Or swapping the chicken. For shrimp or tofu. The blend of sesame oil. And soy sauce. Gives it an authentic fried rice flavor. While the colorful mix of veggies. Not only makes it nutritious. But visually appealing. Plus, it’s ready in just 40 minutes. Making it the perfect solution. For weeknight dinners.
What You Need To Make This Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe?
Chicken: Leftover chicken works like a charm. In this recipe. If you don’t have any. Rotisserie chicken from the store. Is a lifesaver. You can even use turkey. Or tofu. As a substitute.
Sesame Oil: This gives your fried rice a rich, nutty flavor. That makes all the difference. Be careful not to overdo it. As sesame oil has a strong taste.
Veggies: I love using a rainbow of bell peppers, carrots, and pea pods. They add crunch and color. Making the dish as pretty. As it is tasty.
Soy Sauce: This is the flavor backbone of fried rice. It’s essential for that salty umami punch. But you can use a low-sodium version. If you’re watching your salt intake.
Eggs: Scrambling the eggs. And mixing them into the rice. Gives a rich texture. And protein boost. Perfect for balance.
Steps To Make Easy Chicken Fried Rice:
Step 1: Start by heating sesame oil. In a large skillet. Over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions. And sauté until they soften. And become translucent.
Step 2: Add your cooked. Cubed chicken. And 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir-fry the mixture. For about 5 to 6 minutes. To allow the chicken. To absorb the flavor.
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Step 3: Now it’s time to add the colorful vegetables—carrots, celery, red and green bell peppers, and pea pods. Stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes. Until they’re slightly tender. But still crisp.
Step 4: Mix in the cooked rice. Stirring to combine everything well. Ensuring the rice gets heated through. And absorbs the flavors.
Step 5: Finally, fold in the scrambled eggs. And stir in the remaining ⅓ cup of soy sauce. Let it cook. For a couple more minutes. Until everything is piping hot. Serve immediately. And enjoy!
Tip:
For perfectly textured fried rice. It’s important to use cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice will be too sticky. And soft for that classic fried rice texture. If you don’t have time. To cook your rice the day before. You can spread freshly cooked rice. On a baking sheet. And pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. To cool down. This will firm up the rice. And make it much easier to stir-fry. The secret to success. Is also in high heat. And quick stirring. To avoid mushy veggies. And ensure everything cooks evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, absolutely! Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients. Making this dish even healthier. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked. And cold. Before adding it to the skillet.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the chicken for tofu. Or simply omit it. And load up on more vegetables. You can also add extra scrambled eggs. For protein.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover fried rice. In an airtight container. In the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet. Over medium heat. Or in the microwave. Until warmed through.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1/2 tbsp of sesame oil
- 1 diced onion
- 1 1/2 lbs of cooked cubed chicken
- 2 tbsp of soy sauce
- 2 diced large carrots
- 2 diced celery stalks
- 1 large red bell pepper diced
- 3/4 c fresh halved pea pods
- 1/2 large green bell pepper diced
- 6 c of cooked white rice
- 2 large scrambled eggs
- 1/3 c soy sauce
Instructions
- Warm the sesame oil. In a large skillet. Over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion. And sauté. Until it becomes tender. Add the cooked chicken. And 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stirring frequently as it cooks. For about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Next, mix in the carrots, celery, red bell pepper, pea pods, and green bell pepper. Continue stir-frying. For another 5 minutes. Incorporate the cooked rice. And mix thoroughly. Until everything is well combined.
- Finally, fold in the scrambled eggs. And pour in the remaining 1/3 cup of soy sauce. Cook until everything is evenly heated. Then serve warm.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
