Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

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Cook Time: 15 minutes

This delicious chicken fried rice is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. Here's how to make it!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• cup diced carrots
• cup sliced green onions, white and lighter green parts
• teaspoon garlic powder
• teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 cups cold cooked rice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha mayonnaise, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon sliced green onions, or to taste

Directions

Step 1: Heat the canola and sesame oils in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Add the diced carrots and cup of green onions. Cook while stirring constantly for about 1 minute.

Step 3: Stir in the garlic powder and ground ginger. Continue to cook for 2 more minutes, letting the flavors develop.

Step 4: Add the cold, cooked rice along with the kosher salt and ground black pepper. Stir only once or twice, cooking until the rice is lightly browned, around 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 6: Push the rice mixture to the edges of the skillet, creating a well in the center.

Step 7: Add the butter to the center of the skillet. Once melted, pour the beaten eggs into the well.

Step 8: Cook the eggs, stirring occasionally, until they are nearly set, about 3 minutes. Once cooked, stir the eggs into the rice mixture.

Step 9: Stir in the soy sauce and rice vinegar, cooking for another 2 minutes to combine everything thoroughly.

Step 10: Serve immediately, topping with Sriracha mayonnaise and sliced green onions to taste.

Cooks Notes

• For the best texture, avoid stirring the rice too much in step 4. Let it crisp up a little on the bottom.
• You can substitute the chicken with leftover pork, steak, or shrimp if preferred.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	425
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	142mg
Sodium	940mg
Total Carbohydrate	40g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	17g
Vitamin C	5mg
Calcium	52mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	276mg

The History and Origins of Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice has its roots in Chinese cuisine, specifically as a method to make use of leftover rice and meat. Originating during the Sui Dynasty (581618 AD), it was traditionally cooked in large woks over high heat, combining rice, vegetables, and proteins to create a balanced, flavorful dish. The concept spread across Asia, adapting to local ingredients and tastes, eventually becoming a staple in American Chinese cuisine. The dish embodies practicality and ingenuity, transforming simple leftovers into a satisfying meal.

Regional Variations

While chicken fried rice is universally recognized, its preparation varies by region. In China, soy sauce, scallions, and sesame oil are commonly used, whereas Thai versions may include fish sauce, lime, and chili. In the United States, American-style chicken fried rice often features a sweeter soy sauce, frozen peas, and carrots, and occasionally a dash of Sriracha or mayonnaise for extra flavor. Each variation reflects local ingredients and culinary preferences, giving the dish a unique twist while maintaining its core essence.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Chicken fried rice should not be confused with other rice dishes like pilaf or biryani. Unlike biryani, which is heavily spiced and often slow-cooked, chicken fried rice is stir-fried quickly over high heat, giving it a light, savory taste with a slightly crisp texture. Similarly, pilaf uses broth for cooking rice rather than frying, and typically does not include scrambled eggs incorporated into the mix. The quick-cooking method and combination of vegetables, chicken, and eggs distinguish chicken fried rice from these other rice-based dishes.

Typical Serving Contexts

Chicken fried rice is highly versatile and can be served in many settings. It is commonly found in Chinese restaurants as a side or main dish, at family dinners, and as a convenient meal for busy weeknights. It also features prominently in buffet-style dining, takeout menus, and even lunchboxes, thanks to its ability to be reheated without losing flavor or texture. Its adaptability makes it a favorite for both casual and formal meals.

Interesting Facts

• The first stir-fried rice dishes were developed to reduce food waste, turning leftover rice into a new meal.
• High-heat wok cooking is key to achieving the slightly crispy texture that defines traditional fried rice.
• Chicken fried rice is often used in cooking competitions to test chefs ability to balance flavors and textures quickly.
• In modern cuisine, fusion variations incorporate ingredients like Sriracha, pineapple, or bacon, showing its global versatility.
• The dish is popular worldwide, and every country adapts it to local taste, making it one of the most widely recognized comfort foods globally.

FAQ about Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe