This chicken fried rice is a yummy way to bring restaurant vibes right into your kitchen! With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s a dish everyone will love.
I can’t resist sneaking in extra soy sauce for that touch of flavor! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice. Who doesn’t love a quick and tasty meal?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Using day-old rice is best because it dries out a bit and prevents clumping. If you don’t have day-old, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for a bit before using.
Chicken: Boneless chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, but you can swap it with chicken thighs for more flavor or even use tofu or shrimp for a different twist.
Vegetables: The frozen peas and carrots mix is super convenient. Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas if you have them on hand!
Oils: I love using sesame oil for its nice nutty flavor, but vegetable oil works well too. If you want to kick up the flavor, drizzle some sesame oil at the end.
How Do You Avoid Mushy Fried Rice?
A common concern with fried rice is getting that perfect texture. Here are a few tips to keep your rice from turning mushy:
- Always use chilled, day-old rice if you can—it’s drier and less sticky!
- Heat your pan before adding oil and ensure it’s hot enough so the rice can fry rather than steam.
- When breaking up clumps, do it gently to avoid making the rice mushy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re making a big batch, consider cooking in two parts.
Follow these tips, and you’ll achieve that fabulous texture just like in restaurants!
Easy Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra depth)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time to whip up this delicious meal is about 20-25 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken and veggies, and another 10-15 minutes for stir-frying and bringing it all together. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights!
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, season with a little salt and pepper, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they’re fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Keep stirring to make sure they don’t burn!
3. Add Peas and Carrots:
Next, toss in the frozen peas and carrots mix. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
4. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs onto the other side. Scramble the eggs and cook until just set, then mix everything together.
5. Combine with Rice:
Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Use your spatula to break up any clumps and stir everything together until heated through. Mix it well!
6. Add Chicken Back In:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over the rice mixture. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauces.
7. Final Cooking:
Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine, making sure to stir constantly to prevent sticking.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
Taste your fried rice and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, salt, or pepper if needed.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from heat, sprinkle the sliced green onions on top, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken fried rice!
This easy and flavorful chicken fried rice is a fantastic dish for any occasion, making it a perfect choice for dinner or a quick lunch. Enjoy the delightful flavors just like at your favorite restaurant!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes! Brown rice can be used for a healthier option, but keep in mind that it may take a little longer to cook and may change the texture slightly. Make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before using it in the fried rice recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Additionally, use soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce to keep it completely plant-based.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or stir-fry on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of water if it seems dry!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your fried rice with any veggies you love! Bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas all work great. Just make sure to adjust cooking time as needed to keep them vibrant and crisp.
