Simple Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice

Life gets busy, but delicious and healthy meals don’t have to be complicated. This Simple Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice recipe is your ultimate answer to a quick, flavorful dinner. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s a healthier alternative to takeout and ready faster than delivery. Get ready to make this easy chicken and vegetable fried rice your family’s new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice

You’ll quickly fall in love with making this Simple Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice at home. It’s incredibly adaptable and so much better than anything from a restaurant. This easy chicken fried rice dish perfectly fits into any busy weeknight, offering comfort and robust flavor without the fuss.

• Quick and easy preparation: Whip up a satisfying meal in less than 30 minutes.
• Hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor: Enjoy a complete meal that truly satisfies your cravings.
• Uses common pantry ingredients: Most items are probably already in your kitchen.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, making lunch a breeze.
• Customizable with various proteins and vegetables: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
• A healthier alternative to traditional fried rice: Control ingredients for a lighter, more nutritious option.

Simple Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice

This simple and delicious chicken and veggie fried rice is a perfect weeknight meal, combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory rice.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Wok
• Skillet

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked long-grain brown rice
• 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp canola oil
• 1 1/3 cups frozen peas and carrots blend
• 3 green onions chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 large eggs
• 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Sriracha to taste

Instructions

 

Cooking Steps

• Heat 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil and 1 1/2 tsp canola oil in a large non-stick wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken pieces and sauté for 5-6 minutes until cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
• Return skillet to medium-high heat, add remaining sesame and canola oils. Sauté peas, carrots, and green onions for 1 minute, then add garlic and sauté for another minute. Push vegetables to the sides, add eggs to the center, and cook until scrambled.
• Return chicken to the skillet with rice, add soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, optionally with Sriracha.

Notes

This recipe is adapted from Rachel Schultz. For best results, ensure your rice is cooked and chilled before starting. Adjust Sriracha and seasoning to your liking.

Keyword chicken and veggie fried rice, healthy chicken fried rice, simple chicken fried rice

Ingredients

Crafting a delicious Simple Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice starts with fresh ingredients. This recipe combines everyday staples to create a wonderfully balanced and tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Each component plays a vital role in building the authentic flavor profile you expect from fried rice.

• 3 cups cooked long-grain brown rice (day-old preferred)
• 3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil (divided)
• 1 Tbsp canola oil (divided)
• 1 1/3 cups frozen peas and carrots blend
• 3 green onions (chopped)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
• 2 large eggs
• 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Sriracha (optional, for serving)

Notes & Substitutions

For the best texture in your fried rice, always opt for cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture, which can make your fried rice soggy instead of light and fluffy. If you’re using fresh vegetables instead of frozen, briefly blanch harder vegetables like carrots or broccoli before stir-frying to ensure they cook evenly. Feel free to use regular soy sauce if sodium content isn’t a concern, or choose tamari for a gluten-free option. Beyond chicken, diced chicken thigh, shrimp, pork, or even ham are excellent protein alternatives.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes preparing this simple chicken fried rice even easier. You don’t need fancy gadgets, just a few kitchen essentials. This ensures you can achieve that perfect stir-fry texture and flavor every time.

• Large non-stick wok or skillet: Essential for even cooking and preventing sticking.
• Spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients and scrambling eggs effectively.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions and consistent results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect Simple Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and quick, making it ideal for beginners or busy weeknights. Pay attention to each stage to build layers of flavor and achieve the best texture.

1. 
   

   Prep Chicken: Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons of sesame oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the canola oil in a large non-stick wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken pieces to the pan. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink, which usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set it aside to use later.

   
   

   According to the USDA, all poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) as measured with a food thermometer.

   
   
2. 
   

   Sauté Vegetables: Return the same skillet to medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of sesame oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons of canola oil to the pan. Introduce the frozen peas and carrots blend and the chopped green onions. Sauté these vegetables for about 1 minute, allowing them to start softening and releasing their aromas. Then, add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for 1 minute longer, being careful not to burn the garlic.

   
   
3. 
   

   Scramble Eggs: Once the vegetables are fragrant and slightly tender, push them to the edges of the pan, creating a clear space in the center. Crack the two large eggs directly into this empty space. Allow them to cook undisturbed for a few seconds until the edges start to set. Then, using your spatula, gently scramble the eggs in the center until they are just set but still moist. This technique keeps the eggs separate from the vegetables initially, ensuring proper cooking.

   
   
4. 
   

   Combine & Season: Return the cooked chicken pieces from the plate back into the skillet with the vegetables and eggs. Add the cold, day-old rice to the mixture. Pour in the 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce evenly over the ingredients. Using your spatula, toss everything together vigorously. Make sure the soy sauce is well distributed and coats all the rice and other ingredients for your simple chicken fried rice.

   
   
5. 
   

   Finish & Serve: Continue to toss and stir-fry the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and lightly crisp up. Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired. Serve the Simple Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice warm immediately. For those who enjoy a little extra kick, offer Sriracha on the side to drizzle over each serving.

   
   

Pro Tips for the Best Fried Rice

Mastering Simple Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice means paying attention to a few details. These professional tips will elevate your homemade version, making it truly irresistible. Follow them for restaurant-quality results every time you cook.

• Use cold, day-old rice for best texture: This is crucial for preventing soggy fried rice and achieving individual, fluffy grains.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan for proper frying: Cook in batches if necessary, allowing ingredients to fry instead of steam.
• Ensure high heat for authentic fried rice flavor: A hot wok or skillet creates that coveted smoky “wok hei” taste.
• Adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, soy sauce) to taste: Taste as you go, and remember that soy sauce adds significant sodium.
• Cook chicken fully before combining with rice: This ensures safe consumption and prevents the dish from becoming watery.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This Simple Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice is incredibly versatile, not just in its preparation but also in how you serve and adapt it. Explore these ideas to make the most of your delicious creation. From simple sides to creative twists, there are endless possibilities.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your piping hot Simple Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice as a satisfying meal on its own, perfect for a busy weeknight. For an extra layer of flavor and heat, pair it with additional sriracha, a dash of chili oil, or your favorite Asian dipping sauces. Complement this wholesome dish with a side of crispy egg rolls, delicate steamed dumplings, or a light cucumber salad for a complete feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chicken and vegetable fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It makes a fantastic meal prep option for lunches throughout the week. To reheat, you can warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil until thoroughly hot. Alternatively, use a microwave, stirring halfway through, for a quicker reheat.

Variations

• Protein Swaps: Easily substitute the chicken with diced pork, tender beef strips, succulent shrimp, or pan-fried tofu cubes for a vegetarian option.
• Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by adding other vegetables like corn kernels, vibrant bell peppers, crisp broccoli florets, or sliced mushrooms.
• Flavor Boosts: Introduce thinly sliced fresh ginger for warmth, a hint of fish sauce for umami depth, or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce for an extra kick.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, swap out the regular rice for cauliflower rice. This creates a delicious and healthy cauliflower chicken fried “rice” that retains much of the original’s essence.

Nutrition Information

This Simple Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice offers a balanced and nutritious meal option. Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. The values below are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used and is for informational purposes only.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries about making the perfect Simple Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice. These tips will help you master this delicious and easy weeknight meal.

Conclusion

This homemade Simple Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice proves that healthy, flavorful meals can be quick and effortless. You now have a fantastic recipe that rivals your favorite takeout, made right in your own kitchen. Embrace the ease and deliciousness of this versatile dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply enjoying a satisfying meal. Give this simple chicken and veggie fried rice a try tonight and taste the difference!