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15-Minute Chicken Fried Rice


  • Author: David

Ingredients

  • Cooked Chicken Breast (1 cup, diced):ย The star protein of our dish! Using pre-cooked chicken, whether leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken from meal prep, or even canned chicken, is the key to achieving that 15-minute magic. Dicing it into bite-sized pieces ensures it heats through quickly and blends seamlessly into the fried rice.
  • Cooked Rice (3 cups, cold):ย Day-old cooked rice is essential for perfect fried rice. Cold rice has less moisture, preventing it from becoming mushy and allowing it to fry up beautifully, creating that delightful slightly chewy texture we all crave in fried rice. Long-grain rice, like Jasmine or Basmati, works particularly well.
  • Frozen Mixed Vegetables (1 cup):ย A time-saving powerhouse! Frozen mixed vegetables, like peas, carrots, and corn, are pre-chopped and ready to go. They add vibrant color, essential nutrients, and a touch of sweetness to the dish. No need to thaw them beforehand โ€“ they cook perfectly right from frozen.
  • Soy Sauce (3 tablespoons, low sodium):ย The umami backbone of our fried rice. Low sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness and still achieve that classic savory flavor. It adds depth and richness that elevates the entire dish.
  • Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon):ย A touch of aromatic magic! Sesame oil brings that authentic Asian flavor to fried rice. Its nutty and fragrant notes are essential for creating that signature fried rice taste. A little goes a long way, so just a tablespoon is perfect.
  • Eggs (2 large, lightly beaten):ย Adds richness, protein, and helps bind the fried rice together. Scrambled eggs are a classic component of fried rice, adding a soft and fluffy texture that complements the other ingredients. Beating them lightly ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
  • Onion (ยฝ medium, diced):ย A foundational aromatic. Diced onion provides a savory base flavor that builds depth and complexity. It softens and sweetens as it cooks, adding a subtle sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced):ย Another aromatic powerhouse! Minced garlic brings a pungent and savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the fried rice. Itโ€™s a key ingredient in many Asian cuisines and adds that irresistible garlicky fragrance.
  • Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):ย For cooking and stir-frying. Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it ideal for stir-frying. It helps prevent sticking and allows the ingredients to cook quickly and evenly.
  • Optional Garnishes (Green onions, sesame seeds, sriracha): To customize and add a final flourish. Garnishes are completely optional but highly recommended! Chopped green onions add a fresh, mild oniony bite and a pop of color. Sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and visual appeal. Sriracha provides a spicy kick for those who like a bit of heat.

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients (The Key to Speed):ย Before you even turn on the stove, ensure all your ingredients are ready to go. Dice the cooked chicken, chop the onion and mince the garlic. Lightly beat the eggs in a small bowl. Measure out the soy sauce and sesame oil. Having everything prepped and within armโ€™s reach is crucial for achieving that 15-minute cook time. This is the foundation for a truly fast and efficient cooking process.
  2. Heat the Wok or Large Skillet:ย Place a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat up for a minute or two until itโ€™s nice and hot. The hot surface is essential for stir-frying and preventing the ingredients from steaming instead of frying. You should be able to feel the heat radiating from the pan if you hold your hand a few inches above it.
  3. Add Vegetable Oil and Aromatics:ย Once the pan is hot, add the vegetable oil. Let it heat for a few seconds until it shimmers. Then, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, or until the onion becomes softened and fragrant. Donโ€™t let the garlic burn; you want it to be fragrant and slightly golden but not bitter. Stirring constantly prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
  4. Push Aromatics Aside and Scramble Eggs:ย Push the onion and garlic to one side of the pan, creating a clear space in the center. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Let them cook undisturbed for a few seconds until they start to set around the edges. Then, scramble them quickly with a spatula until they are cooked through but still slightly soft. Breaking the eggs into smaller pieces as you scramble makes them easier to incorporate into the fried rice later.
  5. Add Chicken and Frozen Vegetables:ย Add the diced cooked chicken and frozen mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry everything together with the eggs, onion, and garlic for about 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through and the chicken is warmed up. Stirring frequently ensures even heating and prevents sticking. The frozen vegetables will release some moisture, which will help steam them slightly before they fry.
  6. Add Cooked Rice and Seasonings:ย Add the cold cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the soy sauce and sesame oil. Continue to stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and slightly toasted, and all the ingredients are well combined. The key here is to keep stirring and tossing the rice to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You want the rice to get slightly heated and take on the flavors of the sauce and aromatics.
  7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:ย Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more soy sauce for saltiness, a dash of black pepper for a bit of spice, or even a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Remember that soy sauce can be quite salty, so taste before adding more.
  8. Serve Immediately: Remove the 15-Minute Chicken Fried Rice from the heat and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha, if desired. Enjoy your quick, delicious, and satisfying homemade meal! Serving it hot ensures the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 450
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Protein: 25g