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comforting chicken fried rice

Homemade Chicken Fried Rice

This homemade chicken fried rice combines tender chicken, fluffy eggs, and perfectly seasoned brown rice for a dish that's better than takeout. Ready in minutes, this comforting meal features aromatic seasonings and colorful vegetables for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 425
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups brown rice cooked and cold
  • 2 chicken breasts cooked and chopped small
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water for the eggs
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables cooked (peas, carrots, corn work well)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 green onions sliced, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 eggs with 1 tablespoon of water until well combined.
  2. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat until sizzling.
  3. Pour in the egg mixture and let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until set, forming a thin omelet.
  4. Transfer the cooked egg to a cutting board, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the same skillet and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
  6. Add the minced garlic cloves during the last 2 minutes of cooking the onions, stirring to release their aroma without burning.
  7. Add the cold cooked brown rice to the skillet along with soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir-fry continuously for about 5 minutes until the rice is heated through and has absorbed the flavors.
  8. Gently fold in the chopped egg, cooked chicken pieces, mixed vegetables, and green onions.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional soy sauce or black pepper.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with additional sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

Using cold, pre-cooked rice is essential for achieving the perfect texture in fried rice - freshly cooked rice will become mushy. This recipe is extremely versatile - feel free to substitute the protein with shrimp, beef, or tofu, and use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
For meal prep, you can cook the rice a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave.