Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice is a classic comfort food that can be both satisfying and quick to prepare. This dish combines cooked chicken with leftover rice, eggs, vegetables, and spices for an easy yet flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something hearty but simple.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups cooked rice (leftover or instant)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small carrot, grated
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Start by whisking the eggs in a bowl until well combined. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper and grated carrot, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes or until they start to soften.

Add the cooked chicken and continue cooking for another few minutes, breaking up any lumps of meat with a spoon if necessary.

When the vegetables are soft, push them to one side of the pan. Pour in the eggs into the other part of the pan where there is no food. Scramble until the eggs are just cooked through but still slightly runny on top.

Mix everything together and add soy sauce, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Add frozen peas and carrots towards the end so they don't overcook or lose their color.

Nutritional Information

The calorie content of this dish might vary depending on exact measurements used but here is a rough estimate:

• Calories per serving: Approximately 300 kcal
• Fat Content: About 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: Around 40 grams
• Protein: Roughly 25 grams
• Sodium: Depending on soy sauce added, approximately 800 mg of sodium per serving.

Tips and Variations

To add extra flavor, consider adding garlic or ginger when sautéing vegetables. For a vegan version, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock while cooking the rice earlier in advance. Alternatively, if you want to reduce sodium intake, omit soy sauce altogether.

Storage

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For optimal taste and texture, reheat gently using a microwave or stove top without adding additional water unless preferred consistency changes are desired.

Conclusion

Chicken fried rice is not only delightful when served hot straight from the pan but also makes an excellent candidate for packed lunches. Its versatility allows endless customization options to suit individual tastes and dietary requirements. With its rich flavor profile, it serves as a reminder of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something delicious through careful preparation.

Enjoy your homemade chicken fried rice! Whether you're looking for a quick dinner or want to impress friends with an easy yet impressive meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.