If you have leftover rice hanging out in your fridge, then classic fried rice is a no-brainer. There are countless ways to bulk up this staple dinner, from beef fried rice to kimchi fried rice to pineapple fried rice. One of our favorite variations? Classic chicken fried rice. Shake up your weeknight chicken dinner by recreating the take-out staple right at home. With our easy recipe, it’s easy to make craveable fried rice at home—just how you like it.
The best rice for fried rice:
You’ll often see fried rice made with medium or short grain rice—both are great options. Brown rice is also a great nutty alternative if you’re not a fan of white rice.
What else can I add or substitute to the rice?
The best part of this recipe? It’s completely versatile! Add in all your favorite mix-ins: broccoli florets, red onion, spinach, and even a nut like cashews or almonds will give your fried rice variety.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp.neutral oil, divided
- 3chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb.)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1medium onion, chopped
- 2carrots, peeled and diced
- 3cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp.freshly minced ginger
- 4 c.cooked white rice (preferably leftover)
- 3/4 c.frozen peas
- 3large eggs, beaten
- 3 Tbsp.low-sodium soy sauce
- 2green onions, thinly sliced
Directions
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- Step 1In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons neutral oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides, then add to skillet, and cook until golden and no longer pink, 8 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2To the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add onion and carrots and cook until soft, 5 minutes, Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Stir in rice and peas and cook until warmed through, 2 minutes.
- Step 3Push rice to one side of skillet and add remaining tablespoon oil to other side. Add egg and stir until almost fully cooked, then fold eggs into rice. Add chicken back to skillet with soy sauce and green onions and stir to combine.