Chicken and vegetable fried rice is a flavorful and quick dish that transforms leftover rice into a delicious meal. This recipe is loaded with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and seasoned to perfection with soy sauce and a hint of sesame oil. It’s the ultimate comfort food, providing a balanced combination of protein, veggies, and grains in one satisfying bowl. The beauty of fried rice is its versatility—you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it an adaptable dish that works for any meal of the day.
Chicken and Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and cooled rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, more chopped green onions
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Scramble the Eggs: In the same skillet, push the chicken to one side or remove it temporarily, and add a little more oil if necessary. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped vegetables. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add the Rice: Reduce the heat to medium and add the cooled rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir everything together to ensure the rice is evenly mixed with the vegetables.
- Season the Fried Rice: Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the skillet. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to crisp up slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped green onions and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Garnish with sesame seeds and more green onions, if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy this savory, comforting chicken and vegetable fried rice as a main dish or a side. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or for meal prep!