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Garlic & Zest

Gourmet Cooking at Home!

Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Easy Chicken Fried Rice
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There are some dishes that have been around forever.  So long that many of us don’t even think about them as a delicious weeknight option — even when we have all the ingredients on hand. Even though it’s something we love, and is super simple to make. I think we should give those classic standbys some love and this Easy Chicken Fried Rice is one that deserves some attention.

 

chopped vegetables and peasFried rice is a favorite here because it uses common, everyday ingredients and comes together lickety-split.  I generally start mine with ingredients like bell peppers, onions and carrots, then I scavenge for whatever other veg I have on hand.  In this case, I was using up some frozen peas, but you could use mushrooms or broccoli — and certainly water chestnuts if you’ve got a can hanging out in the pantry.

 

garlic, ginger, cilantro

The key to flavorful fried rice is the aromatics and sauce.  Ginger and garlic are a must, as is soy sauce and sesame oil.  Garlic-chili paste adds flavor and heat!

 

sautéed vegetables in a pan

Start by stir-frying the onions, bell pepper and carrots.

 

stages of making fried rice

Then add the rice and cook for several minutes before adding the chicken (or pork, shrimp, beef etc.) and the sauce mixture.  Finally add the egg and the last of the vegetables, green onion and cilantro.

 

Easy Chicken Fried Rice in a pan with spoon

This whole dish takes about 15 minutes to put together and it’s a great way to use up leftovers.  So next time you make rice — make a little extra with this quick and easy dinner in mind for later in the week.

 

Easy Chicken Fried Rice with chopsticks Easy Chicken Fried Rice on a plate with napkin

 

Print Pin
5 from 4 votes

Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Put your leftover rice to good use with this easy, delicious fried rice...  
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian Inspired
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 457kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 1/2 cup onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper chopped
  • 1 large carrot finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 cups leftover white rice chilled overnight - do not use freshly cooked rice -- it will be too sticky
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken diced (can substitute pork, beef or shrimp)
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 3 scallions thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped

Instructions

  • Chop the vegetables and chicken before you begin cooking and have them ready to go
  • In a small bowl combine the soy sauce, sesame oil and chili garlic sauce, stir to combine and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium high heat.  When the oil starts to slick across the pan, add the onion, pepper and carrot, stir,  cooking until the vegetables become tender 3-5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Add the rice, stirring occasionally to break up clumps and heat through 1-2 minutes.  
  • Add the chicken (or other protein) and soy sauce mixture, stirring until well combined.  Add the egg and toss well to combine with the rice mixture.  Add the peas, scallions and cilantro, cooking just until the peas are thawed.  Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 457kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 501mg | Potassium: 501mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 7965IU | Vitamin C: 72.7mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 4.9mg

More Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals:

 

Grilled Chicken with Herb Dry-Rub
Grilled Chicken with Herb Dry-Rub
One Pan Mediterranean Chicken
Knife and Fork Grilled Cheese

 

Don’t Forget To “Pin It” For Later!

This easy fried rice recipe uses up your leftovers in a quick, tasty 20-minute one-pan dinner! Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a weeknight favorite!

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Chicken/Poultry// Entrees// Grains16 Comments

« Spicy Sausage, Tomato and Avocado Salad
Smoked Gouda Omelette Cups »

Comments

  1. Victoria says

    March 28, 2020 at 11:19 AM

    I have all these ingredients during my covid-19 lockdown. I’m gonna make this tonight! Thank you!!!!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      March 28, 2020 at 12:55 PM

      Oh Good! Hope you enjoy it, Victoria!

      Reply
  2. Rachel Roszmann says

    May 8, 2019 at 3:49 PM

    Are you supposed to cook the egg before you add it to the rice?

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      May 8, 2019 at 6:25 PM

      No, whisk the egg and add it to the rice — it will cook with the rest of the ingredients.

      Reply
  3. Mona says

    September 15, 2017 at 1:48 PM

    Awesome recipe! Love how you molded the rice. Pinned to my Nice Rice Board! Also just pinned your fish tacos to my seafood delights board!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      September 15, 2017 at 3:17 PM

      Thanks, Mona! I’m glad you like the rice – I just put it into a bowl and pressed down, then inverted it on a plate.

      Reply
  4. Tara says

    September 15, 2017 at 12:32 PM

    Yum! You are right. This has been a childhood favorite and I don’t make it nearly enough anymore. Love the styling of your first photo.

    Reply
  5. Jeni @ Biscuits & Booze says

    September 15, 2017 at 11:12 AM

    I ove fried rice and am especially fond of green peas in mine :). We honestly don’t make it that often but now your post has me wondering – why? And now I have all the cravings for it!

    Reply
  6. Michele Hall says

    September 15, 2017 at 11:11 AM

    I love fried rice… and so much better when its with veggies that I already have! We make it when we are just too tired to cook a lot, and have no desire to go out to eat! Im going to try your recipe because its flavored a little bit different that ours… I mean IM LOVING the addition of the chili garlic! Brilliant!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      September 15, 2017 at 11:34 AM

      Fried rice is one of those often forgotten standards, don’t you think, Michele! Hope you like it!

      Reply
  7. Kavey Favelle says

    September 15, 2017 at 11:01 AM

    I love fried rice, and chicken fried rice is a favourite. The colours of your ingredients make it look super delicious and I love that you serve it in the domed bowl-shape, makes it look even better.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      September 15, 2017 at 11:35 AM

      That’s my super-fancy food styling – LOL!

      Reply
  8. Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says

    September 15, 2017 at 10:55 AM

    This is my absolute favorite and what a neat way to clean out the fridge!!!!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      September 15, 2017 at 11:35 AM

      And usually, you’ve got everything you need on hand!

      Reply
  9. All That I'm Eating says

    September 15, 2017 at 9:07 AM

    Fried rice is one of my favourite go to recipes, I like adding a little scrambled egg to mine too!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      September 15, 2017 at 10:25 AM

      There’s scrambled egg in this one too!

      Reply

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Meet Lisa

Lisa

Calling all cooks! You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to get a delicious, healthy meal on the table! At Garlic & Zest, I’ll show you how to make hundreds of seasonal, fresh recipes and indulgent comfort foods with easy step-by-step instructions and photos to help you master the dish.

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