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Quick 20-Minute Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy chicken fried rice recipe ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected dinner guests. This flavorful dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies with savory seasonings for a satisfying homemade meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 8 oz / 225 g), cut into small bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cups cooked white rice (about 600 g), preferably chilled or day-old for best texture
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (150 g), thawed
  • 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup diced onion (about 75 g)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, adds depth)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (adds nuttiness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil (for cooking)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • Optional garnishes: extra chopped green onions, sesame seeds, drizzle of sriracha or chili sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. Thaw the frozen peas and carrots. Chop green onions, mince garlic, dice the onion, and grate fresh ginger if using.
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat until shimmering.
  3. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear without moving for about 2 minutes. Stir and cook until no longer pink, about 2-3 more minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add diced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger if using. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add peas, carrots, and the white parts of the green onions. Cook until tender but still slightly crisp, about 2 minutes.
  6. Break up any clumps of rice and add to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, letting the rice get lightly toasted and heated through.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and black pepper. Stir quickly to combine and coat the rice evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  8. Drizzle toasted sesame oil over the rice and stir in the green parts of the green onions. Mix well.
  9. Serve immediately, adding optional garnishes like extra green onions, sesame seeds, or sriracha if desired.

Notes

Use day-old rice for best texture to avoid mushy fried rice. If using fresh rice, spread it out and chill for 10-15 minutes before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure ingredients sear properly. Add soy and oyster sauce gradually to control saltiness. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari and omit oyster sauce if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fried rice, quick dinner, easy recipe, stir-fry, weeknight meal, homemade fried rice, chicken recipe

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