Okay, can we talk about weeknight dinners for a sec? Sometimes, after a long day, the last thing I want to do is spend an hour in the kitchen. That’s exactly why I fell in love with this Delicious Chicken Fried Rice Simple Dinner. It’s ridiculously easy, super quick, and tastes like you ordered takeout, but it’s made right in your own home! Seriously, it’s my go-to when that “what’s for dinner?” question hits hard. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can come together for such a satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Chicken Fried Rice Simple Dinner
It’s SO fast – seriously, dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!
Super simple ingredients you probably already have.
Incredibly flavorful and satisfying – tastes way better than takeout!
Customizable so you can add your favorite veggies or protein.
Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, hearty meal.
You get that amazing homemade taste with zero fuss.
Ingredients for Your Delicious Chicken Fried Rice Simple Dinner
Gathering your ingredients is super straightforward for this dish, making the prep even quicker. Trust me, having everything ready to go before you start cooking is key to a smooth process.
- 2 cups cooked rice, make sure it’s cold! Day-old rice works best.
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken – rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here!
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix – so easy, no chopping needed.
- 2 large eggs, given a good whisking.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – you can always add more later if you like.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – or any neutral oil you have on hand.
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced for that fresh pop.
See? Simple stuff that makes an amazing dinner. Keep these basics in mind, and you’re already halfway there!
Essential Equipment for Making Chicken Fried Rice
To whip up this amazing chicken fried rice, you don’t need a whole lot of fancy gadgets. Just a good old large skillet or a wok is perfect for getting that nice sizzle. You’ll also want a sturdy spatula for all that stirring and tossing. Having these two things means you’re pretty much set to make this delicious, simple dinner happen!
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Delicious Chicken Fried Rice Simple Dinner
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness cooking! Making your own chicken fried rice is way easier than you think. Grab your skillet, and let’s do this!
Prep and Sautéing the Aromatics and Eggs
First things first, get that large skillet or wok nice and hot over medium-high heat. Pour in your tablespoon of vegetable oil. While it’s heating up, give your eggs a quick whisk in a small bowl. Once the oil is shimmering, pour in the beaten eggs. Cook them up like you’re making scrambled eggs, but break them up into smaller pieces as they cook. Once they’re done, just scoop them out and set them aside for later. Easy peasy!
Adding Chicken and Vegetables for Flavor
Now, toss your diced cooked chicken and that handy frozen peas and carrots mix right into the same hot skillet. Stir it all around for about 2 to 3 minutes. You just want everything to heat through nicely and maybe get a little bit of color on the chicken. No need to cook anything from scratch here since it’s all already cooked – we’re just warming it up and bringing those flavors together.
Incorporating Rice and Seasoning
Here comes the star: the cold, cooked rice! Add it into the skillet with the chicken and veggies. Take your spatula and break up any clumps of rice you see; nobody likes a sticky rice clump! Now, evenly pour the soy sauce all over everything. This is where the magic starts happening. Stir it all up really well, making sure every bit of rice gets coated in that savory soy sauce. For extra flavor, you can even peek at this savory chicken fried rice for inspiration on seasoning. That’s how you get that classic fried rice flavor in every single bite!
Final Touches and Serving Your Simple Dinner
Almost there! Now, gently add your cooked scrambled eggs back into the skillet, along with that fresh, chopped green onion. Give it another quick stir-fry for just a minute or two. You’re just looking to combine everything and make sure it’s all heated through perfectly. Once it’s all mixed and looks amazing, take it off the heat immediately. Serve it up hot and enjoy your incredible, homemade meal. This is what a truly delicious chicken fried rice simple dinner is all about!
Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Rice
Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but we can totally make this even *better*. A few little tricks can really make your homemade fried rice sing. My number one tip? Day-old, cold rice is your absolute best friend here. Seriously, fresh, warm rice is just way too mushy and will make your fried rice sticky. Cold rice, straight from the fridge, holds its shape and gets that perfect slightly crisp texture when it hits the hot pan. It’s all about that contrast!
Also, don’t crowd the pan! If you’re making a bigger batch than this recipe calls for, cook things in stages. Overcrowding steams everything instead of frying it, and we definitely don’t want that. And while we used peas and carrots, feel free to toss in other veggies! Broccoli florets, chopped bell peppers, or even a little corn are fantastic additions. This is where you can really make it your own. For an extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha at the end is always a good move. You can even get fancy with homemade egg noodles for a twist, like in this recipe, or pair a noodle dish alongside.
Remember, the high heat is your friend for getting that authentic stir-fry flavor. For more ideas on stir-frying, check out this chicken stir-fry noodle recipe; it’s packed with tips!
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is super flexible, which is one of my favorite things about it! Don’t have chicken? No problem! Cooked pork, shrimp, or even tofu work like a charm. Just make sure whatever protein you use is already cooked, and toss it in during step 3 with the veggies. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you could even try a different sauce. A splash of oyster sauce or a bit of toasted sesame oil mixed in with the soy sauce adds a whole new layer of flavor. As for veggies, the frozen peas and carrots are great for ease, but feel free to chop up some broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, or even some mushrooms! Just make sure to sauté them a bit longer if they’re fresh.
Nutritional Information
Just to give you a ballpark idea, here’s what you can expect per serving of this delicious chicken fried rice. Keep in mind these numbers are estimates and can change based on the exact ingredients and brands you use. It’s a pretty balanced meal, packed with protein and carbs to keep you going!
Frequently Asked Questions about Delicious Chicken Fried Rice
Got questions about making this easy chicken fried rice? I’ve got answers! It’s super simple, but sometimes a little clarification makes all the difference.
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
While I *highly* recommend using cold, day-old rice for the best texture, you *can* technically use fresh rice. Just make sure it’s cooled down significantly before adding it to the pan. The main thing is to avoid hot, steamy rice, as it’ll turn mushy. Cold rice holds its shape and gets wonderfully slightly crispy in the pan, which is key for that great fried rice feel.
What kind of oil is best for frying rice?
You want a neutral oil with a high smoke point for stir-frying, so vegetable oil, canola oil, or even a light olive oil (not extra virgin, that’s too low smoke) works perfectly. You could also use peanut oil for a little extra flavor. Avoid oils like butter, which can burn easily at high heat. The key is getting the pan hot!
How can I make my chicken fried rice spicier?
Oh, if you like it hot, I’ve got you covered! The easiest way is to add some heat right at the end. Stir in a spoonful of sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the soy sauce in step 5. You can also add some fresh sliced jalapeños or a touch of minced fresh chili to the pan when you sauté the chicken and veggies. It’s all about adding that fiery punch you crave!
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for using up whatever veggies you have hanging around. Chopped broccoli florets, bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, onions, or even a handful of spinach would be delicious additions. Just toss them in during step 3 with the chicken and peas/carrots, and stir-fry until they’re tender-crisp. My mom always threw in whatever she had, and it turned out great, kind of like in this chop suey recipe.
Print
Simple Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy recipe for delicious chicken fried rice, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice, cold
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add beaten eggs and scramble until cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add cooked chicken and frozen peas and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Add cooked rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps.
- Pour soy sauce over the rice and stir to combine.
- Add scrambled eggs and chopped green onion. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old rice.
- You can add other vegetables like corn, broccoli, or bell peppers.
- Adjust soy sauce to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chicken fried rice, simple dinner, easy recipe, quick meal, asian food