Description
This Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish that combines tender cooked chicken, savory scrambled eggs, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice. Stir-fried with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this classic Asian-inspired meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Eggs
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup cooked chopped chicken (optional; can substitute with pork or shrimp)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 4 green onions (thinly sliced, green and white parts separated)
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
Rice and Oils
- 4 cups cooked white rice (cold)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or peanut oil, divided)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the eggs: Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a 12-inch wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs along with ¼ teaspoon salt and cook while breaking up the eggs until just set but still soft. Transfer the scrambled eggs to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook vegetables: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they are heated through but still slightly crisp.
- Brown the rice: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil along with the cold cooked white rice to the skillet. Cook the rice for around 7 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly and develop a crisp texture. Avoid stirring too frequently so the rice can properly crisp up.
- Combine all ingredients: Once the rice has browned, stir in the cooked scrambled eggs, cooked chopped chicken, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and half of the green parts of the sliced green onions. Mix everything thoroughly to combine and warm through.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the fried rice to serving plates and garnish with the remaining green onions and optional sesame seeds for a final touch of flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use cold leftover rice to prevent clumping and to achieve a better fried rice texture.
- You can substitute the chicken with pork or shrimp, or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version, adjusting soy sauce to taste.
- Adjust soy sauce amounts according to your preferred saltiness.
- To add more flavor and texture, feel free to include chopped bell peppers or carrots with the mixed vegetables.
- Use vegetable or peanut oil for a neutral frying oil; sesame oil is used only for flavoring at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Chicken Fried Rice, Fried Rice Recipe, Easy Dinner, Asian Cuisine, Stir Fry Rice
