Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Ready in 20 Minutes
As a busy mom, I’m always searching for quick and tasty dinner ideas. This easy chicken fried rice recipe is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s not only cheaper than takeout, but I can also choose healthier ingredients for my family.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- This chicken fried rice recipe takes only 20 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy dinner option.
- The recipe is cost-effective, with the key ingredients costing less than $40 for a wok and common pantry items.
- By preparing the dish at home, you can control the quality and nutrition of the ingredients, creating a healthier version of the takeout classic.
- The recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize the protein and vegetables to suit your family’s preferences.
- This one-pan meal is a complete, satisfying dinner that’s ready in a fraction of the time it would take to order and receive takeout.
Why This Quick Chicken Fried Rice Is Better Than Takeout
This quick and easy chicken fried rice recipe is a game-changer for homemade fried rice lovers. It’s more budget-friendly than takeout and tastes like a restaurant dish. It’s a complete one-pan meal with protein, starch, and veggies, perfect for busy weeknights.
Cost-Effective Home Cooking
By making homemade fried rice, you control the ingredients and portion sizes. This saves money compared to takeout. Using staples like rice, eggs, and frozen veggies makes a nutritious meal affordable.
Restaurant-Quality Results
This chicken fried rice recipe can match your favorite restaurant’s taste. The secret is using high heat. This gives it smoky, charred flavors that are irresistible.
Complete Meal in One Pan
This one-pan meal offers a balanced and satisfying dining experience. It has protein-rich chicken, starchy rice, and fresh or frozen veggies. This makes for a complete and nourishing meal without extra side dishes.
If you want to save money, cut down on takeout, or enjoy a comforting dish, this chicken fried rice is ideal. It’s customizable and tastes like a restaurant, making it a win for everyone.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Fried Rice
To make delicious chicken fried rice at home, you need a few key ingredients. Start with long-grain white rice, like jasmine or basmati. This rice is perfect for stir-frying. Next, add chicken breast or thighs for protein and flavor.
For veggies, frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn are great. They add color and nutrition to your dish.
Don’t forget eggs, garlic, sesame oil, butter, and soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free choice. You can also add chili garlic sauce for extra heat. Using day-old rice makes the dish even better.
This mix of fried rice ingredients, Asian flavors, and pantry staples creates a dish that’s as good as takeout.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Long-grain white rice (such as jasmine or basmati) | 4 cups, cooked |
| Chicken breast or thighs, diced | 3 (about 1 1/2 lb.) |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 3/4 cup |
| Eggs, lightly beaten | 3 large |
| Garlic, minced | 1 Tbsp. |
| Sesame oil | As needed |
| Butter | As needed |
| Soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free) | 3 Tbsp. |
| Chili garlic sauce (optional) | As desired |
With this mix of fried rice ingredients, Asian flavors, and pantry staples, you can make a top-notch chicken fried rice at home.
The Secret to Using Cold Rice for Best Results
Getting the perfect fried rice texture starts with the rice. The secret is using cold, day-old rice. This type of rice crisps up well in the pan without becoming mushy. The starch in cold rice changes, making it ideal for fried rice.
Why Day-Old Rice Makes a Difference
Freshly cooked rice is moist and sticky. This can make fried rice soggy and clumpy. But day-old rice is drier, with grains that don’t stick together as much. This dry texture is key for the fried rice texture we all love.
Quick Cooling Methods for Fresh Rice
- Spread freshly cooked rice on a large plate or baking sheet to cool completely. This helps it dry out and firm up.
- Another way is to cook rice ahead of time, then refrigerate it in a sealed container for a few hours or overnight. This makes the rice cold and dry, perfect for fried rice preparation.
Preparing the cold rice properly is crucial for the best fried rice texture. With this simple trick, you’ll soon make restaurant-quality chicken fried rice.
Choosing and Preparing the Chicken
This chicken fried rice recipe is flexible. You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken. Just chop the chicken into small pieces for even distribution.
Or, you can choose raw chicken breast and slice it thinly. Ground chicken is also a good option for this recipe.
- Rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken
- Thinly sliced raw chicken breast
- Ground chicken
You can also swap the chicken with pork, shrimp, or tofu. This dish is all about making it your own.
“The key to a delicious chicken fried rice is using high-quality, flavorful chicken as the foundation.”
The Perfect Vegetable Combination
Choosing the right vegetable mix is key to making the best chicken fried rice. A classic choice is frozen peas and carrots. They’re easy to add to the pan without thawing, saving you time.
Fresh vs. Frozen Options
Fresh veggies are great, but they need more prep and cooking. Frozen peas and carrots are pre-cut and quick to use. They mix well with other ingredients, making your dish tasty and balanced.
Customizing Your Veggie Mix
Don’t be afraid to try different veggies in your mix. Add fresh or frozen corn, broccoli, or bell peppers for more color and nutrients. This lets you make a fried rice that’s uniquely yours.
For a great chicken fried rice, balance flavors and textures is crucial. The right vegetable mix will help you create a dish that wows everyone.
Mastering the Wok: Equipment and Heat Control
Getting the perfect fried rice begins with the right tools and heat control. The wok is key for wok cooking and high heat stir-fry. It helps make the dish crispy and full of flavor.
Woks have two shapes: round-bottomed and flat-bottomed. A flat-bottom wok, like the Calphalon Signature Hard-Anodized Nonstick Wok, works best on modern stovetops. They usually range from 12 to 16 inches wide, with some having handles or dual smaller handles.
| Wok Feature | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| Shape | Round-bottomed or flat-bottomed |
| Diameter | 12 to 16 inches |
| Handle(s) | Single long handle or two smaller handles |
| Material | Carbon steel or cast iron |
High heat is vital for wok cooking and high heat stir-fry. You need temperatures over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the perfect browning and crispy texture of authentic fried rice. A wok ring can help keep a round-bottomed wok steady on a flat stovetop.
“Mastering the wok and high heat cooking is the key to restaurant-quality fried rice at home.”
With the right kitchen equipment and heat control, you can make your favorite fried rice dishes at home.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onions for 1-2 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
Next, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Push the onions and garlic to the side of the pan, creating a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and scramble them, incorporating the vegetables as you go. Once the eggs are about 80% cooked, mix everything together.
Adding Proteins and Vegetables
Now it’s time to add the pre-cooked chicken and day-old rice. Add the diced chicken and toss it with the egg and vegetable mixture, allowing it to heat through for 2-3 minutes. Then, add the cold, cooked rice and stir-fry the entire dish for 3-4 minutes, breaking up any clumps and ensuring the rice is heated evenly.
Finally, add the frozen peas and carrots. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still retain a slight crunch. This step ensures the vegetables are perfectly cooked and integrated into the fried rice.
Final Seasoning Process
To elevate the flavor, drizzle in the soy sauce and chili garlic sauce, tossing the ingredients to coat evenly. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more soy sauce or chili sauce as desired. The entire cooking process from start to finish should take approximately 10-15 minutes, with constant stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
By following this fried rice technique, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, creating a stir-fry process that rivals your favorite takeout. The beauty of this one-pan cooking method is that it allows you to enjoy a complete and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Essential Sauces and Seasonings
Making the perfect Chicken Fried Rice is all about the right flavors. The key is the essential sauces and seasonings. At the heart of this dish are the holy trinity of Asian ingredients: soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce.
Soy sauce, preferably low-sodium, adds a deep, savory umami note. Sesame oil lends its toasted, nutty essence. Chili garlic sauce brings a delightful heat and complexity. These three elements work in harmony to create the signature taste of this easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe.
You’ll also want to have white pepper and salt on hand to season the chicken before cooking. For those looking to avoid gluten, tamari can be substituted for the soy sauce.
The key is to adjust the seasonings to your personal taste preferences. Feel free to offer additional soy sauce or hot sauce at the table for guests to customize their dish to their liking.
“The perfect Chicken Fried Rice is all about finding the right balance of soy, sesame, and heat.”
With these essential sauces and seasonings at the ready, you’re well on your way to creating a restaurant-quality Chicken Fried Rice in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Time-Saving Tips and Shortcuts
Preparing a tasty meal shouldn’t take too long, especially on busy weeknights. With a few easy tips, you can make a chicken fried rice in 20 minutes or less. Let’s look at how to make your meal prep faster and more efficient.
Leverage Pre-Cooked Ingredients
- Start with leftover or pre-cooked rice. Day-old rice is best to avoid clumps.
- Have pre-cooked chicken ready, like grilled, baked, or rotisserie-style.
- Freeze cooked proteins and veggies for easy addition to your fried rice.
Prep Ahead of Time
- Chop onions, garlic, and carrots early and keep them in the fridge for quick use.
- Prepare your sauces and seasonings before cooking to save time.
- Use a big wok or skillet to cook everything at once, making cleanup easier.
These tips can help you enjoy a full, quick dinner idea that’s as good as restaurant chicken fried rice. With a bit of prep and some smart tricks, cooking efficiently is simple.
“Meal prep is the key to a stress-free weeknight dinner. With a few simple shortcuts, you can have a delicious and nutritious chicken fried rice ready in no time.”
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
Make your homemade chicken fried rice even better with these tips. You can top it with sliced green onions or chives for color and taste. For something new, try crispy fried shallots, sesame seeds, or sriracha mayo.
Traditional Accompaniments
Chicken fried rice is great on its own or with other Asian sides. Serve it with steamed or sautéed veggies like broccoli or snow peas. Adding crispy egg rolls or wonton chips is also a good idea.
Modern Fusion Options
- Fresh salad with a Asian-inspired dressing
- Grilled or roasted vegetables, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- Quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative
- Avocado slices or a side of guacamole for a fusion twist
Chicken fried rice is very flexible, letting you try different toppings and sides. Whether you go for classic garnishes or modern pairings, the most important thing is to have fun and be creative.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Leftover chicken fried rice is a tasty and convenient meal. But, it’s important to store and reheat it right to keep it safe and fresh. By following a few easy steps, you can enjoy your fried rice for days.
Cool cooked rice quickly to stop bacteria from growing. Don’t leave it at room temperature for more than two hours. Once it’s cooled, put the chicken fried rice in an airtight container. Then, refrigerate it for 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for 1-2 months if you want to keep it longer.
There are different ways to reheat your fried rice. For small portions, the microwave is good. Just add a bit of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. For bigger amounts, use the stovetop. It helps bring back the crispy texture of freshly cooked rice.
To reheat on the stovetop, put the leftover fried rice in a pan. Add a tablespoon of water or broth for each cup of rice. Heat it over medium, stirring now and then, until it’s hot and fluffy again. This way, your fried rice will taste almost as good as when it was first made.
Storing and reheating your chicken fried rice correctly is key. It keeps the dish safe and tasty. By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, perfectly reheated fried rice whenever you want. It’s a great choice for your meal planning needs.
Conclusion
Homemade chicken fried rice is a tasty and quick meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can make it with simple ingredients and a few steps.
This recipe lets you add your favorite ingredients. It’s a great way to make a restaurant-quality fried rice at home. You save money and control what goes into your meal.
Making homemade Chinese cuisine is affordable and fun. You can make easy dinner recipes that you love. Whether you like traditional or international flavors, this recipe is a great start.
With a few tricks and the right ingredients, your meals can be as good as a Chinese restaurant’s. Enjoy making delicious homemade Chinese cuisine. It’s a quick and satisfying easy dinner option.
