This chicken fried rice is a quick and tasty meal that feels like you’re dining out! Packed with juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, it’s a family favorite!
What I love about this recipe is how simple it is. Just toss everything together in a pan, and dinner is ready in no time! Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? 🍚🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked White Rice: Day-old rice is best because it’s drier and helps achieve a nice texture. If you don’t have day-old, you can cook fresh rice and let it cool in the fridge for a bit.
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is my go-to for its lean and tender qualities. You can swap it with diced tofu or shrimp for a different protein option or if you’re looking for a vegetarian dish.
Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil is perfect for frying. You can use canola or peanut oil as great alternatives. For a little flavor, consider using sesame oil, but remember to use it sparingly.
Frozen Peas and Carrots: This mix is convenient! Fresh vegetables like diced bell peppers or broccoli can also be used if you prefer. Just be sure to cook them until tender.
Soy Sauce: Adjust the soy sauce for your taste. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. Light soy sauce is great for flavor without being too salty.
How Do I Get Fluffy Rice in Fried Rice?
Getting fluffy rice in fried rice is essential for the best texture. The key is to start with the right rice. Day-old rice is ideal because it’s dried out slightly, making it easier to stir-fry without becoming mushy.
- Always rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which can make it sticky.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions and spread it on a baking sheet to cool if you need to use it fresh.
- When stir-frying, keep the heat high but stir continuously to avoid sticking.
Remember, patience is key! Don’t rush the cooking process, and avoid overcrowding the pan. This way, you’ll achieve restaurant-style, fluffy chicken fried rice!
Easy Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken fried rice takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, giving you a quick meal ready in 25 minutes total! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and lightly season it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the diced onion and the white parts of the green onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. This will add a lovely flavor base for your fried rice!
3. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes aromatic. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs gently until they are just set, mixing them in with the veggies once cooked.
5. Stir-Fry the Rice and Veggies:
Add the thawed peas and carrots, the previously cooked chicken, and the chilled rice to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together, breaking up any rice clumps. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
6. Season the Rice:
Next, pour the soy sauce and optional oyster sauce evenly over the rice mixture. Drizzle with sesame oil and mix everything thoroughly. Taste your delicious mixture and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or soy sauce, according to your preference.
7. Final Touches:
Just before taking it off the heat, mix in the green parts of the sliced green onions for a burst of freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your flavorful, restaurant-style chicken fried rice is now ready! Serve it hot as a satisfying main dish. Enjoy every bite!
This chicken fried rice is not just quick and easy, but also an incredible way to please your taste buds! Enjoy your time cooking and eating!
FAQ for Easy Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Can I Use Leftover Rice for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, day-old rice is preferred as it’s drier and helps create the perfect texture for fried rice. If you have fresh rice, let it cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes to dry it out a bit before using.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize your fried rice with a variety of vegetables! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, corn, broccoli, or snap peas. Just make sure to cook them until they are tender for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can replace the chicken with cubed tofu or even tempeh for a protein boost. Just sauté the tofu until golden before adding the vegetables, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian fried rice!
