Chicken fried rice is a beloved comfort food that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables for a quick and delicious meal. Using frozen mixed vegetables makes this recipe not only convenient but also nutritious, ensuring you get a colorful medley of veggies without the hassle of chopping or prepping fresh produce.
Whether you’re short on time or just craving a satisfying homemade dish, this chicken fried rice recipe with frozen mixed vegetables is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner lineup.
This dish strikes the perfect balance between savory flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s a great way to use leftover rice and add some protein and veggies in one pan.
Plus, it’s easily customizable to your taste, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy solo lunch. Ready to whip up a tasty, no-fuss chicken fried rice?
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken fried rice recipe is a go-to for busy cooks because it’s:
- Fast and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients.
- Nutritious: Packed with lean chicken and colorful frozen mixed vegetables.
- Versatile: Swap out veggies or add your favorite seasonings to suit your palate.
- Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and frozen veggies, reducing waste and cost.
- Perfect for leftovers: Great for using day-old rice and leftover chicken.
It’s a reliable recipe that delivers comforting, homemade flavor without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old for best texture)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Bowl for beating eggs
- Serving plates or bowls
Instructions
- Prepare your rice and chicken: Use leftover cooked rice for best results. Dice or shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Beat the eggs: Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk lightly until combined.
- Heat the skillet: Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to your skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook the eggs: Pour the beaten eggs into the hot skillet, scrambling gently until just cooked through but still moist. Remove eggs from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the frozen mixed vegetables: Add the frozen veggies directly to the skillet, stirring frequently. Cook until they are heated through and slightly tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add chicken: Stir in the diced chicken breast and cook for another 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Incorporate rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with your spatula and mix everything thoroughly.
- Season the fried rice: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir well to evenly coat the rice and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return eggs to skillet: Add the scrambled eggs back into the rice mixture, folding gently to combine without breaking up the eggs too much.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle sliced green onions on top, and add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Tips & Variations
“Day-old rice is key for perfect fried rice—freshly cooked rice can be too moist and clump together.”
- Protein swaps: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for variety.
- Veggie upgrades: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas along with the frozen veggies for extra crunch.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit chicken and use firm tofu or tempeh instead. Use soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Spice it up: Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha for a spicy version.
- Use different rice: Brown rice or quinoa can be used, but cooking times and texture will vary.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 22 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Chicken fried rice with frozen mixed vegetables can be served as a hearty main dish or as a side to complement other Asian-inspired meals. It pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed dumplings or potstickers
- Simple miso soup
- Fresh cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette
- Grilled or stir-fried Asian vegetables
For a balanced meal, consider adding a side of Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or a refreshing appetizer from Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite. For dessert, try the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious to finish your meal on a sweet note.
Conclusion
This chicken fried rice recipe with frozen mixed vegetables is a delicious, quick, and versatile meal that fits perfectly into any busy schedule. Its combination of protein, veggies, and rice makes it a balanced and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Plus, the use of frozen vegetables cuts down prep time while keeping your meal colorful and nutritious.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is approachable and forgiving, allowing you to customize flavors and ingredients to your liking. Give it a try for your next weeknight dinner and enjoy the comforting, savory goodness that homemade fried rice offers.
Don’t forget to explore more exciting recipes on our site to keep your meals fresh and inspiring!
📖 Recipe Card: Chicken Fried Rice with Frozen Mixed Vegetables
Description: A quick and easy chicken fried rice recipe using frozen mixed vegetables for convenience. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Push onion and garlic to the side, pour in beaten eggs and scramble until cooked.
- Add diced chicken and frozen mixed vegetables; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add cooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine all ingredients.
- Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice; mix well.
- Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 40 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chicken Fried Rice with Frozen Mixed Vegetables”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and easy chicken fried rice recipe using frozen mixed vegetables for convenience. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)”, “1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced”, “1 cup frozen mixed vegetables”, “2 tablespoons vegetable oil”, “2 large eggs, beaten”, “3 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 teaspoon sesame oil”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 small onion, diced”, “2 green onions, sliced”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Push onion and garlic to the side, pour in beaten eggs and scramble until cooked.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced chicken and frozen mixed vegetables; cook until vegetables are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine all ingredients.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice; mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “25 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “40 g”}}