This Easy Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is a fun and tasty dish that’s perfect for any night! It’s packed with juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice—yummy!
Making fried rice is so satisfying! I love how quick it comes together in just one pan, and it tastes just like takeout. Don’t count on leftovers; they vanish fast! 😂
What I enjoy most is customizing it with my favorite veggies. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice. Just toss everything in the pan and enjoy a delicious meal in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked White Rice: Day-old rice is perfect! It’s dryer and less sticky, making for better fried rice. If you’re in a pinch, you can use freshly cooked rice but spread it out on a plate to cool and dry a bit.
Chicken: I suggest using chicken breasts for leaner meat, but thighs work well too! If you want to keep it vegetarian, tofu or tempeh are great alternatives.
Frozen Peas and Carrots: This mix saves time, but feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli based on what you have. Just make sure they’re chopped small enough to cook quickly.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a healthier option. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead. You can also try coconut aminos for a different flavor!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken properly is key to this dish! Here are some tips to ensure it’s juicy and safe to eat:
- Cut the chicken into small, uniform cubes. This allows for even cooking.
- Heat the pan well before adding the chicken—you want it sizzling!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes, depending on size.
Don’t forget to let it rest for a minute before mixing it back in with the other ingredients. This keeps it tender and flavorful!
Easy Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably chilled or leftover rice)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into small cubes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (more or less to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for flavor)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 30 minutes from start to finish—just enough time to chop, cook, and enjoy your delicious Chicken Fried Rice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they smell fantastic and the onion turns translucent—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Adding Vegetables:
Now, throw in the frozen peas and carrots mix. Cook these together for another 2-3 minutes until everything is nice and warm.
4. Scrambling the Eggs:
Push the veggies to one side of the pan, then pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until they’re cooked through, and then mix everything together in the pan!
5. Combining Ingredients:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the cooked rice. Stir everything together well to combine all the delicious flavors.
6. Seasoning:
Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil (if using) evenly over the rice mixture. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the soy sauce to coat the rice and ensuring everything is heated through.
7. Finishing Touches:
Taste your fried rice and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, salt, or pepper if you like. Then, remove the pan from heat.
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Garnish your fried rice with the thinly sliced green onions to add a fresh crunch. Serve hot and enjoy your wonderful homemade restaurant-style chicken fried rice!
FAQ About Easy Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Can I Use Different Types of Rice?
Absolutely! While white rice is traditional, you can use jasmine or brown rice. If using brown rice, ensure it’s fully cooked and fluffy for the best texture!
What If I Don’t Have Frozen Veggies?
No problem! You can use fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just chop them into small pieces and sauté them until they’re tender before adding to the rice.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. For vegan, simply leave out the eggs or replace them with scrambled tofu dyed yellow with turmeric.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
