Chicken Fried Rice
A flavorful and versatile dish featuring tender chicken, green onions, scrambled eggs, and cooked rice stir-fried with soy sauce and seasonings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this dish combines savory notes with fresh green onion accents, appealing to both casual and family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the boneless chicken breasts into dice and season with seasoned salt, pepper, and Mrs. Dash.
- Cook the seasoned chicken in a slightly greased frying pan over low heat until done; do not brown the meat. Set aside.
- Chop and cook the green onions in a lightly greased pan, draining any excess oil; set aside.
- Scramble the eggs in a bowl with about 1 tablespoon of cooked green onions; set aside.
- Begin frying the cooked rice in butter over medium heat, ensuring not to boil the rice too long.
- Add the scrambled eggs to the rice and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked chicken and green onions to the rice mixture.
- Stir in soy sauce to taste and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of sesame oil when frying the rice. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. You can also use leftover rice from previous meals to save time. Adjust the soy sauce according to your salt preference, and feel free to incorporate vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken fried rice hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch. It pairs wonderfully with a side of Oriental Brussels Sprouts or a light soup like Chinese Winter Soup. For a complete meal, consider serving with a refreshing cucumber salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of water or oil to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Fried Rice contains roughly 269 calories, with 27g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), protein (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2637mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a great addition to chicken fried rice. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the pan. They can enhance the dish's color and nutrition, making it even more appealing.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old rice is ideal for fried rice, as it dries out slightly, preventing the dish from becoming mushy. However, if you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice and let it cool completely before using it in this recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick to your chicken fried rice, incorporate chili flakes or a dash of sriracha when mixing in the soy sauce. You can also include diced jalapeños or sliced fresh chili peppers during the cooking process for an extra layer of heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).