Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice: A Comforting Delight

Imagine a plate filled with colorful, glistening grains of fried rice, tender chunks of juicy chicken, and vibrant snippets of vegetables. Chicken Fried Rice is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that dances on your palate. This nostalgic dish is heartfelt and soul-soothing, effortlessly transporting you back to kitchens filled with laughter and love. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick dinner after a long day or serving it during a laid-back family gathering, this Chicken Fried Rice recipe is worth every second spent preparing it. It’s convenient, kid-friendly, and oh-so satysfying!

What’s Your Favorite Fried Rice Moment?

What’s the first memory that pops into your mind when you think about fried rice? Is it the comfort of a family dinner, the joyous laughter around the table, or that first comforting bite that warms your soul? Fried rice is more than a dish; it’s a canvas for emotion, and every scoop serves as a delicious reminder of home. If you love food that evokes emotions, you’ll crave this scrumptious Chicken Fried Rice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this Chicken Fried Rice for numerous reasons:

• Easy Prep: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can have dinner ready in a flash!

• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and colorful veggies, this dish nurtures both body and soul.

• Crowd-Pleaser: It appeals to both adults and children alike. You won’t hear any complaints at the dinner table.

• Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a lengthy grocery list; you likely have most of these ingredients already.

• Customization: Add your favorite veggies or protein! The dish adapts beautifully to your cravings.

Ingredients

• 5 Tbsp. Neutral oil, divided

• 3 chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb.)

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 Tbsp. freshly minced ginger

• 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably leftover)

• 3/4 cup frozen peas

• 3 large eggs, beaten

• 3 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

As the onion sizzles and the garlic starts to bloom in the hot oil, your kitchen will fill with an aromatic promise that soon will awaken taste buds. Each ingredient has a role to play in this ensemble—warm chicken, seedlings of icy peas, carrots bending cheerfully amidst the fluffy racemes of rice. How do you resist such vibrant colors and enticing scents?

Timing

Fast and indulgent culinary experiences are often the best, right? This Chicken Fried Rice comes together swiftly, typically in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for demanding weeknights. Simply sauté, mix, and savor your creations. However, if you’re looking for a more leisurely, luxurious version, take your time to experiment with flavor combinations or prepare some homemade sauces! Both routes lead to pure bliss.

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, ensuring the rack is in the middle position.

2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, pour in 2 tablespoons of neutral oil. Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before laying them in the skillet. Cook until golden and enticing on both sides, around 8 minutes each.

3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is fully cooked, around 6 to 8 minutes more. Remove it from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then cut into bite-sized pieces.

4. Using that same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Toss in the chopped onion and carrots; let them cook until they soften and their sweetness releases, approximately 5 minutes.

5. Now, introduce the fragrant garlic and ginger to the mix. Cook just until those beautiful aromas rise, about 1 minute.

6. Stir in the cooked rice and frosty peas, allowing everything to warm through, about 2 minutes.

7. Move the rice mixture over to one side of the skillet. On the other, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Pour your beaten eggs onto this side, swirling to scramble until nearly fully cooked. Fold the fluffy eggs into the rice gently.

8. Finally, reintroduce the chicken into the skillet along with soy sauce and those sweet, freshly sliced green onions. Stir until every morsel melds together in savory harmony.

This entire process is a culinary duet of colors and textures, gripping you with every step. Close your eyes as you’re enveloped in delightful aromas and visualize the festive feast you’ve created!

Nutritional Information

Serving up approximately 4-6 portions, this Chicken Fried Rice dish typically contains around 450 calories per serving. Indulging in this meal is not just delightful; it’s nourishing! A delicious blend of protein and veggies sets you up for the day, but do remember—occasional indulgence is something to savor!

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to make this Chicken Fried Rice even healthier, consider the following swaps:

• Substitute regular oil with olive or avocado oil for a boost of healthy fats.

• Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a low-carb option.

• Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium intake.

• Consider adding a variety of colorful veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, to elevate the nutritious profile.

• To keep it dairy-free, skip any cheese toppings.

This ensures that your heart remains light, while you indulge in a flavorful masterpiece!

Serving Suggestions

Fried rice is versatile and can shine on its own, but consider pairing it with:

• A refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the richness.

• Pineapple slices to add a burst of sweetness and acidity.

• Perhaps a scoop of ice cream for dessert after; it just might be the perfect way to conclude a meal filled with comfort!

• Consider serving it as a main course during holidays or gatherings, wowing family and friends with your culinary prowess.

Common Mistakes

A few common pitfalls you might encounter while making Chicken Fried Rice include:

• Overbaking the chicken can lead to dryness; use a meat thermometer for precision.

• Using freshly cooked rice instead of leftover can lead to mushiness; the cold grains maintain better texture.

• Not adequately seasoning can leave your dish bland; don’t hesitate to taste as you go.

• Creating too much mess; keep everything organized for a more streamlined cooking experience.

Identifying these pitfalls will lead you to a victorious culinary creation!

Storing Tips

If you have leftovers—or if you plan to make it in bulk—here’s how to store your Chicken Fried Rice:

• Scoop portions into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

• For longer storage, freeze portions in resealable freezer bags, which can last up to 2 months.

• When reheating, do so slowly on a skillet or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to retain moisture.

This way, you’ll have delicious meals ready whenever you crave comfort!

Tempting You to Cook It ASAP

If you haven’t already, it’s time to jump into the joy of cooking this Chicken Fried Rice! Your kitchen deserves the aromatic embrace of sizzling chicken and the tantalizing interaction of fresh vegetables. Whip up this heartwarming dish today, and indulge in flavors that promise to linger in your heart!

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
   Yes! Brown rice works well, just be sure to adjust cooking times as necessary.

2. Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and substitute with tofu or more veggies.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Feel free to add diced chili peppers or a splash of Sriracha to spice things up!

4. Is it necessary to use leftover rice?
   While preferable, you can use freshly cooked rice. Let it cool down to prevent sogginess.

5. Can I prepare this in advance?
   Yes! You can prepare all ingredients ahead of time, but cook it fresh for the best taste.

Now, gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and embark on a flavorful journey with Chicken Fried Rice that will keep you coming back for more!

Chicken Fried Rice

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• Author: noah-reed
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and glistening grains of fried rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 Tbsp. Neutral oil, divided
• 3 chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb.)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. freshly minced ginger
• 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably leftover)
• 3/4 cup frozen peas
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 3 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, ensuring the rack is in the middle position.
2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, pour in 2 tablespoons of neutral oil. Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before laying them in the skillet. Cook until golden and enticing on both sides, around 8 minutes each.
3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is fully cooked, around 6 to 8 minutes more. Remove it from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then cut into bite-sized pieces.
4. Using that same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Toss in the chopped onion and carrots; let them cook until they soften and their sweetness releases, approximately 5 minutes.
5. Introduce the fragrant garlic and ginger to the mix. Cook just until those beautiful aromas rise, about 1 minute.
6. Stir in the cooked rice and frosty peas, allowing everything to warm through, about 2 minutes.
7. Move the rice mixture over to one side of the skillet. On the other, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Pour your beaten eggs onto this side, swirling to scramble until nearly fully cooked. Fold the fluffy eggs into the rice gently.
8. Finally, reintroduce the chicken into the skillet along with soy sauce and those sweet, freshly sliced green onions. Stir until every morsel melds together in savory harmony.

Notes

Consider using cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or adding a variety of colorful veggies to elevate the nutritional profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 200mg