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Easy Budget-Friendly Chicken Fried Rice Recipe for Perfect Quick Meals

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A quick, easy, and budget-friendly chicken fried rice recipe using simple pantry staples and day-old rice for the perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked white rice (about 600g), preferably day-old or chilled
  • 1 large chicken breast (about 8 oz / 225g), diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or sunflower oil as options)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, or preferred mix)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced thin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: splash of rice vinegar or pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Dice the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces (about ½-inch cubes) and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and slightly golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add beaten eggs to the skillet and scramble gently until just set but still soft, about 1-2 minutes. Remove eggs and set aside with chicken.
  4. Add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and slightly tender.
  5. Add chilled cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry rice and vegetables for 3-4 minutes until evenly mixed and heated through.
  6. Return cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan and stir to combine.
  7. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Add sliced green onions and stir for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat and serve hot.

Notes

Use day-old or chilled rice to prevent sogginess. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper frying. Medium-high heat is ideal to get a slightly crispy texture. Sesame oil adds authentic aroma but is optional. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Fresh garlic and firm chicken breasts are recommended but frozen or pre-minced alternatives work fine.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fried rice, quick dinner, budget-friendly, easy recipe, weeknight meal, fried rice, chicken recipe

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/easy-budget-friendly-chicken-fried-rice-recipe-for-perfect-quick-meals/