Chicken and Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe for Quick Meals

Chicken and vegetable fried rice is a classic, beloved dish that combines tender pieces of chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant rice all tossed together in a savory sauce. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something quick, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying.

This recipe brings the comforting flavors of Asian-inspired cuisine right into your kitchen, without the need for takeout. The best part?

It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the veggies and protein to your liking while using pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this chicken and vegetable fried rice recipe is a winner. It’s packed with lean protein, vibrant veggies, and a hint of umami that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and produce. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious dish step-by-step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and satisfying: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil creates a delicious base that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.

Quick and easy: This recipe can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Versatile and customizable: You can use any vegetables you have on hand or swap chicken for tofu or shrimp to suit your dietary preferences.

Perfect for meal prep: Fried rice reheats beautifully, making it a great option for preparing lunches or dinners ahead of time.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large wok or large non-stick skillet
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Serving plate or bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: For the best texture, use rice that was cooked at least a few hours earlier or the day before. This prevents clumping and gives you that perfect fried rice consistency.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Scramble the eggs: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble quickly until just set. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
4. Sauté the aromatics and vegetables: Add the remaining vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic (and grated ginger if using), sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced carrots and cook for 3 minutes until slightly tender. Then add the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Add the rice: Break up any clumps of rice with your hands or a spoon before adding it to the pan. Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables, making sure it gets evenly coated and heated through.
6. Combine all ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir everything together thoroughly.
7. Season the fried rice: Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly. Taste and adjust salt or soy sauce as needed.
8. Finish with green onions: Toss in the chopped green onions and give the rice one last stir. Remove from heat.
9. Serve hot: Plate your delicious homemade chicken and vegetable fried rice immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Using day-old rice is the key to perfect fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which can result in clumpy fried rice. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to dry it out.

Feel free to swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even beef. This recipe is very flexible and can accommodate your favorite proteins or whatever you have available in your fridge.

Customize your vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, or mushrooms make excellent additions to boost flavor and nutrition.

For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes during the final seasoning step.

Looking for more easy and delicious meals? Check out our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious for an exciting fusion twist, or warm up with comforting flavors from our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals.

For a taste of the islands, don’t miss the Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This chicken and vegetable fried rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it alongside some delicious sides to round out the experience.

• Pair with a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds for a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with steamed or stir-fried bok choy or broccoli to add extra greens.
• For a heartier meal, try it with our Baked Chicken Thigh with Vegetable Recipes for Easy Dinner to complement the flavors.
• For a vegetarian or vegan twist, consider our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade wrapped with sautéed vegetables and tofu.

Conclusion

Chicken and vegetable fried rice is a timeless dish that never goes out of style. Its balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients makes it a fantastic option for any meal of the day.

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to personalize it with your favorite ingredients or whatever’s available in your kitchen. Plus, the quick cooking time means you can enjoy a wholesome, homemade dinner even on your busiest days.

Mastering this recipe will not only satisfy your cravings for takeout but also empower you to create countless variations that keep your meals exciting and nourishing. So grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up a delicious plate of chicken and vegetable fried rice that your whole family will love!

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