Easy Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Rice: Day-old rice is best for fried rice as it prevents sticking. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook rice and let it cool completely spread out on a baking sheet. This helps it dry out a bit.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great, but you can use thighs for more flavor. Tofu or shrimp can be nice substitutes if you’re looking for something different.

Vegetables: Peas and carrots are classic, but feel free to mix in bell peppers, corn, or broccoli based on what you have. Frozen veggies are convenient and save prep time!

Stir-fry Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option. Oyster sauce adds depth but can be skipped if you prefer a lighter taste.

How Do You Make Sure Your Fried Rice Isn’t Mushy?

One key to great fried rice is using the right rice and cooking technique. Make sure your rice is cold and firm. Here’s how to keep it from getting mushy:

• Use day-old rice for the best results. Fresh rice can be too sticky.
• Stir-fry on high heat for quick cooking. This lets the moisture evaporate.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. This helps maintain heat and prevents steaming.

With these tips, you’ll have perfectly fried rice every time! Enjoy cooking this quick meal!

Easy Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Fried Rice:

• 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for richer flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 30 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics:

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Put in the white parts of the green onions, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté these for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.

3. Add Vegetables:

Next, toss in the diced carrots and frozen peas. Cook this mixture for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and colorful.

4. Scramble the Eggs:

Now, push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble until they are fully cooked, breaking them up as they cook.

5. Combine Chicken and Rice:

Add the cooked rice and the chicken back into the skillet with the veggies and scrambled eggs. Stir everything together well to combine all the delicious flavors!

6. Flavor It Up:

Drizzle the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) evenly over the rice mixture. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, making sure the rice is heated through and nicely coated with sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions. Serve your chicken fried rice hot and enjoy!

This recipe yields about 4 servings. Feel free to customize it by adding more veggies or your favorite proteins to suit your taste. Happy cooking!

FAQ for Easy Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Can I Use Fresh Rice Instead of Day-Old Rice?

While it’s best to use day-old rice for fried rice, you can use fresh rice if you cool it completely first. Spread it out on a baking sheet to let it cool and dry out a bit. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy during cooking.

What Can I Substitute for Chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose to ensure it cooks thoroughly. Vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even leftover rotisserie chicken also work great!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to moisten it as necessary.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to customize your fried rice by adding any vegetables you like—such as bell peppers, corn, or snap peas. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetables you choose to ensure they are tender but still crisp!