The secret to restaurant-quality fried rice is using cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture and will turn mushy when stir-fried.
Classic Chicken Fried Rice
- Tiempo Total: 15 minutes
- Preparación: 10 minutes
- Rinde: 4 Porciones
- Easy
Ingredients
The Base & Protein:
-
3 cups cooked white rice (Jasmine or long-grain), chilled in the fridge overnight
-
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
-
1/2 lb (225g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
The Vegetables:
-
1 cup frozen peas and carrots blend (thawed)
-
1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
3 green onions, thinly sliced (separate the white/light green parts from the dark green tops)
The Sauce & Oil:
-
3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
-
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
-
2-3 tbsp vegetable or canola oil (for cooking)
-
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Here is a classic, foolproof recipe for Chicken Fried Rice. It is a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and is easily customizable based on whatever vegetables you have in your fridge.
-
Scramble the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and quickly scramble them until just cooked. Transfer the eggs to a clean plate and set aside.
-
Cook the Chicken: Return the pan to the heat and add another tablespoon of oil. Add the diced chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Transfer the chicken to the plate with the eggs.
-
Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies: If the pan is dry, add a tiny splash of oil. Add the diced yellow onion and the white/light green parts of the green onions. Cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, peas, and carrots, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
-
Fry the Rice: Turn the heat up to high. Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps. Toss and fry the rice with the vegetables for about 3 minutes, letting the rice get slightly toasted.
-
Bring it Together: Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil evenly over the rice. Sprinkle in the black pepper. Toss everything together continuously until the rice takes on a uniform brown color and is heated through.
-
Final Mix: Stir the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs back into the pan, breaking the eggs into smaller pieces with your spatula as you mix.
-
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the remaining dark green parts of the green onions. Serve immediately.