Name: Easy Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil (for frying; olive oil can work too); 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced into 1/2-inch pieces); 1.5 cups frozen peas and diced carrots blend (no need to thaw); 3 green onions (trimmed and sliced into thin rounds); 2 to 3 garlic cloves (finely minced); 3 large eggs (lightly beaten); 4 cups cooked rice (white long-grain rice is ideal); 3 to 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (for seasoning; adjust to taste); Salt and pepper (optional, to taste)

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If you’re craving a comforting bowl of fried rice that tastes better than takeout, you’ve landed in the right place! This Easy Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice recipe is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly simple to whip up at home. Say goodbye to greasy takeout containers and hello to a fresh, satisfying meal that you can customize to your heart’s content. With juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite for you and your family.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about fried rice; it’s the ultimate comfort food that never fails to satisfy. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to use whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s also a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rice, making it both economical and eco-friendly. Plus, the quick cooking time means you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try this Easy Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

The Essentials

To create this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons sesame oil – for that signature nutty flavor.
2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil – for frying; olive oil can work too.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts – diced into 1/2-inch pieces for quick cooking.
1 1/2 cups frozen peas and diced carrots blend – no need to thaw; straight from the freezer works wonders.
3 green onions – trimmed and sliced into thin rounds for a fresh crunch.
2 to 3 garlic cloves – finely minced to add depth of flavor.
3 large eggs – lightly beaten for a protein boost.
4 cups cooked rice – white long-grain rice is ideal, but brown rice is a great substitute.
3 to 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce – for seasoning; adjust to taste.
Salt and pepper – optional, to taste.

Hardware & Gadgets

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the following tools:

Large skillet or wok – for frying everything together.
Spatula – to stir and flip the ingredients.
Measuring spoons – for accurate ingredient quantities.
Cutting board and knife – for prepping your chicken and vegetables.
Bowl – to beat the eggs before adding them to the skillet.

Stepwise Method: Easy Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the chicken into 1/2-inch pieces, mince the garlic, and slice the green onions. If you haven’t already, measure out your rice and soy sauce.

Step 2: Heat the Oils

In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and 2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot and shimmering.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the frozen peas and carrots blend. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and heated through.

Step 5: Scramble the Eggs

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until just set, then mix them with the vegetables.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, followed by the cooked rice. Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, and stir everything together until well combined. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Finish with Green Onions

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Scoop the Easy Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and comforting textures!

No-Store Runs Needed

One of the best parts about this recipe is that you likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. Here’s a list of pantry staples you can rely on:

Rice – always a staple in most households.
Eggs – a versatile ingredient for many dishes.
Frozen vegetables – perfect for quick meals and reducing waste.
Chicken – a common protein option in the fridge or freezer.
Soy sauce – a must-have for seasoning in Asian cuisine.

Behind the Recipe

This Easy Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice recipe was inspired by my love for quick and easy meals that don’t compromise on flavor. Growing up, my family often indulged in takeout, but I wanted to create a version that is healthier and just as delicious, if not better! This dish is not only customizable but also a great way to use up leftovers, making it a win-win for busy weeknights.

Storing Tips & Timelines

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help revive the moisture. For longer storage, you can freeze the fried rice in individual portions for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to the freezer.

Questions People Ask

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works well in this recipe, though it may require a longer cooking time. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the skillet.

What other vegetables can I add to the fried rice?

You can add any vegetables you like! Bell peppers, broccoli, or even leftover stir-fried vegetables can be great additions. The key is to keep the texture consistent.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use tofu or additional vegetables as your protein source. You can also substitute the eggs with a plant-based egg alternative if desired.

How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?

Using day-old rice is the best way to prevent mushiness, as it’s drier and firmer. If using freshly cooked rice, make sure to cool it completely before adding it to the skillet.

Desserts to Finish

To round off your meal, consider one of these delightful desserts:

Chocolate Chip Cookies – a classic favorite!
Creamy Cheesecake – rich and indulgent.
Fresh Fruit Salad – light and refreshing.
Vanilla Ice Cream – the perfect scoop to top off any meal.

Time to Try It

Now that you have all the details for this Easy Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal that’s sure to impress. Once you taste this flavorful fried rice, you’ll never want to order takeout again. Happy cooking!