Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice is a dish that has been enjoyed for generations across various cultures around the world. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to meal when you're craving something warm and comforting but don't want to spend much time in the kitchen. This popular recipe combines cooked chicken with leftover rice, vegetables, and an array of spices to create a satisfying dish that's packed full of flavor.

Preparation for this dish requires minimal time; about 30 minutes to prepare everything and cook it together, yielding approximately four servings of delicious fried rice. If you're looking for something simple yet impressive, chicken fried rice is the perfect choice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter for frying
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or to taste)
• Pinch of salt and pepper (adjust according to your taste preference)

Instructions

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped carrots along with minced garlic. Stir-fry until the carrots are slightly tender but not overly cooked.

Add in the green onions and chicken pieces. Continue stir-frying for another 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Once the mixture is well combined, gradually incorporate the cooked rice into the skillet. Gently mix everything using a spatula or wooden spoon until all components are evenly distributed. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper as per your taste. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure that none of the ingredients stick to the bottom.

After cooking, remove it from heat and serve immediately. Serve alongside a side salad or steamed vegetables if desired!

Tips For A Perfect Chicken Fried Rice

• Safety Tip: Always ensure that your chicken is fully cooked to prevent any bacterial contamination.
• Toasting the rice first before adding it to the stir-fry can help bring out its natural flavors and give you a more delicious result. Just spread raw rice evenly on a dry pan, then toast until golden brown. However, for this recipe, using already-cooked rice is sufficient as it has absorbed enough moisture during cooking.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your liking – more soy sauce for extra umami, less if you prefer milder flavors.

The dish pairs wonderfully well with various side dishes and beverages. For instance, a cold glass of iced tea complements its richness nicely, while steamed broccoli or snap peas add color and nutrition to your plate.

Chicken fried rice can also be adapted into different variations based on personal preferences. Adding eggs at the beginning of cooking will turn this classic dish into egg fried rice; substituting chicken with shrimp gives you a seafood twist; adding mushrooms increases its nutritional value without altering the overall taste significantly.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 460 kcal

• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 350mg
• Protein: 27g

Cooking up a batch of chicken fried rice is not just about enjoying a delicious meal; it's also about taking pride in creating something yourself. It’s an affordable yet fulfilling dish that everyone in the family can appreciate, whether as a weekday dinner or a weekend treat.