What ingredients do I need to make chicken fried rice at home?

To make chicken fried rice, you will need cooked rice (day-old brown rice is best), boneless chicken breasts or thighs diced, frozen peas and carrots, green onions, fresh garlic, eggs, low-sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and vegetable or canola oil. These ingredients combine to create the classic savory flavor and texture of chicken fried rice.

How do I cook chicken fried rice step-by-step?

Start by heating sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the diced chicken until fully cooked, then remove it from the pan. Sauté the peas, carrots, green onions, and garlic until tender. Push veggies aside and scramble the eggs in the empty space. Add cooked rice and chicken back into the skillet. Pour in soy sauce, season with salt and pepper, then stir everything together until heated through.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for fried rice?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute and tend to be juicier. Just make sure to cook them a few minutes longer until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. Dice the chicken thighs evenly for uniform cooking.

Is there a healthier version of chicken fried rice I can make?

Using brown rice instead of white rice increases fiber and nutrients, making the dish healthier. Also, choose low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake. Incorporating more vegetables like peas and carrots adds vitamins, and using lean chicken breast cuts down on fat. Avoid adding extra oil beyond the recipe’s amount to keep calories moderate.

How can I adapt chicken fried rice for a low-carb diet?

Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice to cut carbohydrates significantly. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-sized, then cook them briefly in a skillet before adding the chicken and other ingredients. This swap preserves the texture and flavor while making the dish suitable for low-carb diets.

Chicken Fried Rice Recipes For Fast Flavorful Weeknight Meals

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked long-grain brown rice (preferably day-old; white rice works too)

3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1/2 to 3/4-inch pieces

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, divided

1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil, divided

1 1/3 cups frozen peas and carrots blend

3 green onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic recommended)

2 eggs

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Sriracha (optional)

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Instructions

1-Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken, chopping vegetables, and using cooked rice; cold rice works best to prevent clumping and ensures a nice texture.

2-Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant, which takes about 30 seconds.

3-Add diced chicken breast to the pan and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.

4-Push chicken to the side and scramble the beaten eggs in the same pan until fully cooked, which adds a rich element to the dish.

5-Mix in chopped green onions, peas, carrots, and cooked rice; stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and let them heat up together.

6-Pour soy sauce evenly over the mixture and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes to blend flavors and heat through completely.

7-Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; garnish with additional green onions and serve hot for the best experience.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌾 Use day-old rice to prevent soggy fried rice and achieve better texture.
🥚 Scramble eggs separately or in the pan with vegetables for fluffy, evenly distributed egg pieces.
🔥 Adjust soy sauce and heat level (with sriracha) according to taste preferences.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving