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The beauty of this Chicken Fried Rice dish lies in its adaptability, making it a perfect go-to meal for any night of the week. Whether you’re using freshly grilled chicken breast, convenient rotisserie chicken, or pre-cooked chicken strips, the result is equally delicious. The chicken adds a satisfying protein punch and soaks up the flavors of the dish, becoming irresistibly savory. Each tender morsel of chicken brings a juicy, flavorful bite that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
For the star of the show, the rice, I recommend using medium to long-grain rice for the perfect balance of fluffiness and structure. When cooked just right, each grain remains distinct, yet soft enough to meld with the other flavors. The rice acts as a canvas, absorbing the delicious sauce and carrying the flavors of the vegetables and chicken in every forkful.
Speaking of vegetables, this Chicken Fried Rice dish is a great way to use up whatever you have on hand. I’ve discovered a nifty trick: whenever I have vegetable scraps, I chop them up and add them to a bag in my freezer. This way, I always have a medley of veggies ready to go, adding both nutrition and a pop of color to my fried rice. From the sweetness of carrots to the earthy richness of peas and the sharp bite of onions, every vegetable contributes to the complex flavor profile. The contrast of textures – from the slight crunch of the veggies to the tender chicken and fluffy rice – makes each bite interesting and satisfying.
The sauce is what ties everything together, creating a perfect balance of salty, umami, and tangy notes. A splash of rice vinegar adds brightness, cutting through the richness and adding a subtle zing. The soy sauce provides depth and a savory punch that enhances all the other flavors. As the sauce coats each grain of rice and piece of chicken, it creates a harmonious blend that’s simply irresistible.
This Chicken Fried Rice is more than just a meal – it’s a great comfort food that’s budget-friendly and incredibly versatile. One of the best parts is that you can prepare much of it way ahead of time. By freezing veggies and rice in advance, you’re setting yourself up for a quick and easy meal whenever you need it. It’s a dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat, allowing you to get creative with ingredients while still following a foolproof formula. So grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a delicious, satisfying meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
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Shortcut Chicken Fried Rice
Fried rice is a staple of take-out establishments and always a top option on the menu. If you’re worried about the time it’d take to prepare all of this at home, we’ve come up with a few simple shortcuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8 1x
- Category: Entrées
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 large chicken breast, grilled and diced (about 1.5 cups)
- 3 cups cooked rice, cold
- 2 cups chopped mixed vegetables (onions, carrots, peas)
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: honey, sriracha, or hot honey
Instructions
- In a wok or large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tsp sesame oil over high heat. Add the frozen vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
- Add remaining 1 tsp sesame oil, heat, and then add rice. Press onto pan and let cook for 1-2 minutes. Toss, and add chicken, and soy sauce, stirring to combine well. Push all the food to the sides, leaving a clear space in the middle of the pan. Crack the eggs into the space and immediately stir. Once the eggs are cooked, stir everything together, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
- Optional: I love a little sweet and/or spice in my rice, so I love to add a tablespoon of honey at the end, or hot honey. On other days I’ll add sriracha – try out different versions for yourself!
If you try this recipe for Shortcut Chicken Fried Rice, leave a comment below!
