Chicken Fried Rice: Easy & Delicious Recipe!

Alright, my mom tribe, let’s talk about one of my ultimate sanity-savers: Chicken Fried Rice. This isn’t just any Chicken Fried Rice; it’s the kind that gets devoured by even the pickiest eaters and keeps mama happy because it’s quick, easy, and uses up those leftovers lurking in the fridge. I can’t wait to share my easy chicken fried rice recipe with you all.

I remember the first time I tried to make Chicken Fried Rice. It was a Tuesday, which meant it was soccer practice night. The sky was that weird shade of orange that screams, “I’m going to rain in five minutes,” and I was already running 30 minutes behind. I thought, “Chicken Fried Rice! Quick, easy, everyone loves it!” Famous last words, right?

I pulled up a recipe online, grabbed what I thought were the right ingredients, and dove in. Fast forward 20 minutes, and I had a sticky, clumpy mess that tasted suspiciously like burnt soy sauce. The kids took one look and declared they were “suddenly not hungry.” Cue the mom guilt and the frantic search for a backup dinner.

But, like any good kitchen warrior, I didn’t give up. I tweaked, I experimented, and I learned from my mistakes. Now, Chicken Fried Rice is a regular on our dinner rotation, and it’s a far cry from that first disaster. This homemade chicken fried rice has become a family favorite!

Now, this is my version of Chicken Fried Rice, and I know everyone has their own. This best chicken fried rice recipe is definitely worth a try! I’m here to share what works for my family and to encourage you to find what works for yours. Let’s dive in and create some mealtime magic together!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Okay, fellow kitchen warriors, let’s gather our troops! Here’s what you need to whip up this Chicken Fried Rice masterpiece. Trust me, this ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

• 2 cups cooked rice (day-old is best!)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon!)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn – the usual suspects)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium is my go-to)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (adds that authentic flavor!)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 green onion, chopped (for a pop of freshness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ginger powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ cup chopped cooked shrimp or ham (for extra protein!)

No worries if you don’t have sesame oil – I use olive oil all the time in my Chicken Fried Rice, and it’s still delicious. You can grab everything you need at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run.

Here’s a Chicken Fried Rice trick that saved my sanity: I always cook extra rice when I’m making it for another meal. That way, I have it ready to go for Chicken Fried Rice later in the week.

This Chicken Fried Rice doesn’t have to break the bank. Frozen veggies are your friend! They’re just as nutritious as fresh and way more budget-friendly. My family loves when I add extra green onions. It adds a little extra freshness to the chicken fried rice.

For leftovers, store the Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s good for about 3-4 days. Perfect for a quick lunch or another easy dinner!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious Chicken Fried Rice on the table in no time. I promise it’s easier than folding a fitted sheet (and almost as satisfying!).

1. First, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil. If you’re like me and sometimes forget to thaw your chicken, this is a great way to get it heated up without ruining the dish.
2. Pour the beaten egg into the skillet and swirl it around to create a thin omelet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until set. Remove the egg from the skillet and chop it into small pieces. This step adds a lovely texture to the Chicken Fried Rice.
3. Add the diced chicken and frozen vegetables to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is heated through. While this is happening, it’s the perfect time to fold that laundry pile that’s been staring at you all day.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and stir it into the chicken and vegetables. Here’s where I used to mess up my Chicken Fried Rice – don’t make my mistake! Make sure the rice is evenly distributed.
5. Pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture and stir well to combine. Add the garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Your Chicken Fried Rice should smell amazing by now!
6. Stir in the chopped egg and green onion. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until everything is heated through and well combined.
7. Serve immediately and watch your family devour it!

In my chaotic kitchen, this Chicken Fried Rice usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table ASAP. Don’t panic if your Chicken Fried Rice looks a little clumpy at first. Just keep stirring, and it will all come together! This easy chicken fried rice recipe is a game changer for those busy weeknights.

While your Chicken Fried Rice is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee or glass of wine! You deserve it! I learned this Chicken Fried Rice recipe from Easy Chicken Fried Rice – Iowa Girl Eats. It definitely helped with our weeknight meals.

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so you’ve made this delicious Chicken Fried Rice, now what? Here’s how we love to eat it in my house, plus some ideas to make it a complete meal that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

The kids devour this Chicken Fried Rice when I serve it with some steamed broccoli or a side of fruit salad. The sweetness of the fruit balances out the savory flavors of the Chicken Fried Rice. This Chicken Fried Rice is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and satisfying.

Sometimes, I’ll add a little sriracha or chili garlic sauce to my Chicken Fried Rice for a little kick. But I keep it separate so the kids can have theirs plain. For a fun presentation, I like to serve the Chicken Fried Rice in small bowls or even ramekins. It makes it feel a little more special.

Leftovers? No problem! Chicken Fried Rice is fantastic for lunch the next day. Pack it in a thermos for the kids or heat it up in the microwave for yourself. You can even add a fried egg on top for extra protein. One time, my daughter’s friend tried my Chicken Fried Rice and said it was better than takeout. That’s a mom win right there! I was so excited to hear it!

In the summertime, I love to grill some pineapple and serve it alongside the Chicken Fried Rice. The smoky sweetness of the grilled pineapple is a perfect complement.

If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my Pretzel Crusted Chicken! Another simple recipe that the family loves. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my White Chicken Chili Recipe!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about making Chicken Fried Rice. I’ve been there, done that, and learned a few things along the way!

• Can my picky eater handle this Chicken Fried Rice? Absolutely! The great thing about Chicken Fried Rice is that you can customize it to your picky eater’s preferences. Leave out the vegetables they don’t like, or add in some extra chicken. My son used to only eat the rice and chicken, but now he’ll eat the peas and carrots too!
• What if I burn my Chicken Fried Rice? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! If you burn your Chicken Fried Rice, try to salvage what you can by scraping off the unburnt parts. Then, start fresh in a new skillet. A little char can add flavor, but burnt is burnt.
• Can I make this Chicken Fried Rice ahead for meal prep? Yes, you can! Chicken Fried Rice is a great meal prep option. Just cook everything according to the recipe, let it cool completely, and then store it in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat it in the microwave or skillet when you’re ready to eat. I typically make it on Sunday to save time throughout the week.
• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Absolutely! Brown rice is a great healthy alternative. Just keep in mind that it may take a little longer to cook and may have a slightly different texture. It’s a great way to get some extra fiber into your family’s diet.
• What other vegetables can I add to Chicken Fried Rice? The possibilities are endless! Try adding broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some shredded cabbage. Get creative and use what you have on hand! My friend uses all sorts of veggies in her Chicken Fried Rice.
• Can I freeze Chicken Fried Rice? Yes, you can freeze Chicken Fried Rice. Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe bags or containers. It’s best to use it within 2-3 months for the best quality. It’s a lifesaver on those nights when you have absolutely no time to cook.
• What’s the secret to getting the rice just right? Day-old rice is key! It’s drier and less likely to clump together. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice out on a baking sheet and let it cool slightly before using it in the Chicken Fried Rice. This chicken fried rice calories are worth it for the satisfaction!

Final Thoughts:

So, there you have it – my go-to Chicken Fried Rice recipe that’s saved me from countless 5 PM panics. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a symbol of those nights when we need something quick, easy, and comforting. This homemade chicken fried rice has saved our family so much time!

My Chicken Fried Rice Mom Hacks:

• Rotisserie Chicken Power: Always have a rotisserie chicken on hand. It’s perfect for Chicken Fried Rice, salads, or even just a quick snack.
• Frozen Veggie Mix-Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different frozen vegetable mixes. Sometimes I’ll add a bag of stir-fry vegetables for extra flavor.
• Soy Sauce Substitute: If you’re out of soy sauce, try using tamari or coconut aminos. They both have a similar flavor profile.

Here are a few family-tested Chicken Fried Rice variations:

• Spicy Chicken Fried Rice: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a little kick. My husband loves this version.
• Shrimp Chicken Fried Rice: Add a cup of cooked shrimp for extra protein and flavor. My daughter is a big fan of this.
• Vegetarian Fried Rice: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables, like tofu or edamame. This is a great option for Meatless Monday.

Remember, this is just a starting point. Feel free to make it your own. Add your favorite vegetables, swap out the protein, or adjust the seasonings to your liking. I linked Chicken Fried Rice Recipe above if you need more ideas. The chicken fried rice ingredients don’t have to be set in stone, mix it up!

I hope this Chicken Fried Rice recipe brings as much joy (and sanity!) to your kitchen as it has to mine. It’s one of the family favorites, and I’m sure it will become yours! Give it a try, and let me know what you think! You might even call it the best chicken fried rice. You’ve got this, mama! Chicken Fried Rice (Quick Flavorful Recipe) – Cooking Classy might have even more ideas you can add to this already delicious recipe!

 

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