Flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make, this Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious way to enjoy a quick and nutritious meal. With tender pieces of chicken, fluffy rice, and a mix of colorful vegetables, each bite is packed with savory goodness. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch, and it’s a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies.
What Makes This Chicken Fried Rice Special
The beauty of this Chicken Fried Rice lies in its simplicity and flavor. The tender chicken pieces are cooked to perfection and mixed with well-seasoned rice, scrambled eggs, and fresh vegetables. The dish is flavored with soy sauce and a hint of sesame oil, creating a harmonious blend of savory and umami notes. It’s a versatile dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
A Quick and Delicious Meal
Picture this: It’s a busy evening, and you’ve just whipped up a skillet of Chicken Fried Rice. The rice is fluffy, the vegetables are vibrant, and the chicken is tender and juicy. As you take a bite, the combination of flavors and textures creates a moment of pure comfort. This dish brings the classic flavors of fried rice to your table in a quick and convenient way.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a casual dinner, or simply craving a comforting meal, this Chicken Fried Rice is a versatile choice. It’s quick to prepare and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and protein. Serve it with a side of soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Notes
Oyster Sauce & Rice Vinegar: A rich, savory base with a hint of tanginess to enhance the dish’s umami flavor.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a mild heat to balance the richness.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender, juicy protein cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
Vegetable Oil (divided): Used for sautéing and stir-frying, ensuring everything cooks evenly.
Small Onion, Diced: A sweet and aromatic base that enhances depth.
Shiitake Mushrooms, Stemmed & Chopped: Earthy, meaty mushrooms that add a robust umami punch.
Medium Carrots, Diced: Adds a hint of sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Garlic & Freshly Grated Ginger: Fragrant and spicy notes that elevate the dish.
Frozen Green Peas: Sweet pops of color and texture.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Nutty, aromatic, and a must for authentic flavor.
Leftover White or Brown Rice: The perfect base, with each grain soaking up all the flavors.
Large Eggs, Beaten: Scrambled into the rice for extra richness.
Green Onions, Thinly Sliced: A fresh and mild oniony finish.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: A final garnish for a nutty crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Chicken Fried Rice with:
A side of steamed dumplings or egg rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
A drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
A bowl of miso soup or a fresh salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
Tips for Cooking Perfection
Use day-old rice: Day-old rice is drier and less sticky, making it perfect for fried rice.
Cook the chicken first: Searing the chicken adds extra flavor and ensures it’s cooked through.
Scramble the eggs separately: This keeps the eggs fluffy and evenly distributed in the rice.
Use high heat: Cooking on high heat helps achieve the classic fried rice texture and flavor.
Season generously: Soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings bring out the best flavors in the dish.
A Comforting Dish Worth Sharing
This Chicken Fried Rice is a testament to the ease and flavor of homemade meals. With its tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and well-seasoned rice, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. One bite, and you’ll understand why this classic is perfect for any occasion.
Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- ⅓ cup oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil divided
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 3.5-ounce package shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and choppped
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup frozen green peas
- 4 cups leftover white or brown rice
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Sprinkle the chicken with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper for seasoning.
- Warm 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, arrange the chicken in a single layer and sear until golden brown, about 7–8 minutes. Set aside.
- Add onion, mushrooms, and carrots to the skillet, stirring occasionally, and cook until they soften, about 3–4 minutes.
- Mix in garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Toss in the green peas and cook just until heated through, about 1–2 minutes, then set everything aside.
- Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil and sesame oil into the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Spread the rice out evenly and let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. Flip, spread it out again, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Move the rice to one side of the skillet, then crack the eggs onto the empty side. Stir constantly until the eggs are thickened and fully cooked, about 2–3 minutes.
- Return the chicken, vegetables, and sauce to the skillet, stirring everything together until well combined. Keep cooking, stirring continuously, for another 3–5 minutes until the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve right away, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy!
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