Description
A quick and easy crispy chicken fried rice recipe that delivers a perfect balance of savory chicken, crunchy rice, and fresh veggies, all made at home with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old, about 900g)
- 1 lb diced chicken breast or thighs (450g)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (150g)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the diced chicken dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook gently, stirring, until just set but still soft. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and frozen peas and carrots. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until veggies are heated through but still vibrant.
- Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and spread the rice evenly. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes without stirring to develop a golden crust. Then stir and repeat once or twice to get more crispy spots.
- Return chicken and scrambled eggs to the skillet. Pour soy sauce and drizzle sesame oil over the entire mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld and the rice stays crispy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more soy sauce if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions on top.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Use day-old rice refrigerated overnight for best crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to get a good sear. Cook eggs softly to keep them tender. Season gradually with soy sauce to avoid over-salting. Reheat leftovers in a hot skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: crispy chicken fried rice, easy fried rice recipe, homemade fried rice, quick dinner, chicken fried rice, weeknight meal