When it comes to takeout food (or any food for that matter) Chicken fried rice is at the top of my list. But why buy takeout when you can make this classic dish at home?
It’s a lot more affordable and let’s face it – homemade is almost always healthier.
This is one of those classic recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to over and over again. Best of all, you can get this on the table in 30 minutes or less.
For us, it’s one of the few recipes that the whole family can agree on. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and makes great leftovers. Although that rarely happens around our house.
The Secret to Chicken Fried Rice
The secret when it comes to fried rice is to make sure your rice is cold when you cook it. Making it the night before is best so that it can cool completely in the refrigerator.
If you’re in a hurry, you can stick it in the freezer until cooled. But if possible, cook it the night before and refrigerate.
Another option though, if you just don’t feel like cooking rice, is to use ready-made rice in a box. Works like a charm.
For some extra flavor, sprinkle a little soy sauce (you can also use teriyaki sauce or sesame sauce) on the chicken when you cook it. You can also marinate the chicken before cooking.
A lot of people also like to add some sesame oil to the rice at the end. Gives it an Asian flavor that won’t disappoint. You can also add a little red pepper or chili paste to give it some kick.
You can also swap out the chicken with shrimp, ham, or pork. Or leave out altogether if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
Can You Freeze Chicken Fried Rice?
If you’re doing some meal planning, this recipe can easily be made ahead of time and frozen in Ziploc bags. Lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to make it, simply pull it out of the freezer, thaw, and throw into the skillet for 5-10 minutes!
Makes for a quick and easy dinner any day of the week.
One final tip: Have everything chopped and measured before you start cooking. Stir fry cooking goes fast and leaves very little time in between. Prepping all of your ingredients before hand makes this recipe a lot easier.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice – Better Than Takeout
8
servings10
minutes15
minutesIngredients
2 tbsp 2 butter
3 cups 3 cooked white rice (cold)
1 cup 1 frozen sweet peas
1/2 cup 1/2 carrots
2 eggs (beaten)
1 small onion, chopped
2 green onions (chopped)
1 tsp 1 garlic powder
2 tbsp 2 soy sauce
1 pound 1 boneless chicken breast (cooked, chopped into 1/2 inch dices)
Dash of sea salt and black pepper
Directions
- Melt butter in a large non stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions, peas, and carrots and cook until tender.
- Push the vegetables to one side and pour the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs until set.
- Mix the eggs and vegetables together.
- Add garlic powder and soy sauce and stir to mix.
- Add the cooked rice and chicken. Mix well.
- You can top it off with green onions and a dash of salt and pepper.
- Enjoy!
