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- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old) - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 2 eggs, beaten - 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn) - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste - Sesame seeds In this recipe, I focus on using fresh, simple ingredients. The jasmine rice gives a nice texture, and chicken breast adds protein. I recommend using day-old rice. It works better since it’s drier, making it perfect for stir-frying. For the mixed vegetables, I like using peas, carrots, and corn. They add color and nutrients. The soy sauce gives depth to the dish. Don't skip the garlic and ginger; they bring great flavor. If you want a touch of crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This dish is easy to make and fun to eat. Enjoy the process and get creative with your ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heat oil and cook chicken Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. It should be golden and fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside. 2. Sauté garlic and ginger In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Let it heat up for a moment. Now, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Stir them for about 30 seconds until you smell the amazing aroma. 1. Scramble eggs and combine ingredients Next, push the garlic and ginger to one side of the skillet. Pour in 2 beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked. Then, mix them with the garlic and ginger. 2. Add vegetables and mix Now, toss in 1 cup of mixed vegetables, like peas, carrots, and corn. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. This warms the veggies and adds color to your dish. 1. Incorporate rice and chicken Add 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. Mix everything together well. 2. Season and serve Stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes. This ensures the rice heats through and absorbs the flavors. Lastly, add 3 chopped green onions. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like! Using day-old rice is key for great fried rice. Fresh rice is moist and sticky. Day-old rice is drier and separates better. This means each grain stays distinct. If you forget to make rice a day ahead, spread fresh rice on a tray. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes. Stir-frying is an art. You want high heat and quick movements. Heat your oils well before adding ingredients. This helps to lock in flavors. Start with the chicken and let it sear. This adds a nice color. After cooking the chicken, add the garlic and ginger. Keep stirring to avoid burning them. To boost protein, add more chicken or eggs. You can also use shrimp or tofu. Both are great swaps. If you go for tofu, choose firm or extra-firm types. These hold up well during cooking. You can mix in nuts like cashews for extra crunch and protein. They add flavor and texture. Consider using edamame, which is also high in protein. Serving is part of the fun! Use large bowls to show off your fried rice. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice touch. They catch the light and make the dish look fancy. Chop extra green onions and toss them on top. They add color and freshness. For a pop of color, you can add sliced red peppers or a few sprigs of cilantro. This makes the dish even more inviting. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Rice: Using rice that has been cooked and cooled in advance helps to achieve a better texture and prevents the rice from becoming mushy during cooking. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference or what's in season. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can all work well. Perfectly Scrambled Eggs: For fluffy scrambled eggs, make sure to cook them on medium heat and do not over-stir them. Let them set slightly before folding into the mixture. Adjust Soy Sauce to Taste: Start with the recommended amount of soy sauce, but feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences. You can also try low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients in your chicken fried rice. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well and has great texture. If you like seafood, shrimp works too. It cooks fast and adds a nice taste. Changing vegetables can also make your dish fun. Instead of peas and carrots, use bell peppers or broccoli. You can even add spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. Just remember to chop them small so they cook evenly. If you need gluten-free options, choose tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste but is safe for those avoiding gluten. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. It gives you the same texture without the carbs. For a heart-healthy dish, use less oil or switch to a light cooking spray. You can still get the same great flavor with fewer calories. Make your fried rice unique by adding spices. For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or sriracha. If you want a hint of sweetness, try hoisin sauce. Fusion ideas can be fun too. You could add curry powder for an Indian twist or teriyaki sauce for a Japanese flair. Mixing flavors keeps the meal exciting and fresh! To keep your chicken fried rice fresh, refrigerate it right away. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and bacteria out. The rice stays tasty for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to save it for longer, freezing is a great option. - To freeze chicken fried rice, let it cool completely first. - Then, divide it into smaller portions. - Place each portion in a freezer-safe bag or container. - Remove as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You have two easy ways to reheat fried rice: the oven or the microwave. Oven Method: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Spread the rice on a baking sheet. 3. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. 4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Microwave Method: 1. Place rice in a microwave-safe bowl. 2. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. 3. Cover with a damp paper towel. 4. Heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each burst. Both methods help keep the rice fresh and tasty. Chicken fried rice can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. If you freeze it, it stays good for 1 to 2 months. Look for these signs to check if it is spoiled: - Off smell: If it smells bad, throw it out. - Change in texture: If it feels slimy or hard, it’s time to discard it. - Discoloration: If you see strange colors, don’t eat it. Following these tips helps you enjoy your chicken fried rice safely and deliciously! What rice is best for fried rice? For fried rice, day-old jasmine rice works best. It has the right texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky. Day-old rice dries out a bit, making it perfect for stir-frying. Can I use uncooked rice? Using uncooked rice is not recommended. Fried rice needs cooked rice to be tasty. If you only have uncooked rice, cook it first before using it in this dish. How much protein is in this dish? This dish is packed with protein. Each serving contains about 30 grams of protein. The chicken and eggs boost the protein level, making this a great meal for muscle growth. Is this recipe low in calories? This recipe is not low in calories, but it's balanced. Each serving has around 450 calories. The high protein makes it filling, so you feel satisfied without overeating. How to meal prep protein chicken fried rice? To meal prep, cook a large batch and divide it into containers. Allow the rice to cool before sealing. Store in the fridge for up to four days. Can it be frozen for later use? Yes, you can freeze protein chicken fried rice. Place it in airtight containers. It stays good in the freezer for about three months. To reheat, just warm it in the microwave or on the stove. This blog post explored making a tasty chicken fried rice. We covered key ingredients like jasmine rice, chicken breast, eggs, and various vegetables. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and valuable tips for the best outcome. We also discussed variations for dietary needs and flavors. Lastly, we looked at storage tips for leftovers. Now, you have everything you need to create your own delicious fried rice. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make it your own!

Protein-Packed Chicken Fried Rice

A delicious and nutritious fried rice dish loaded with protein from chicken and eggs, combined with colorful vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional sesame seeds for garnish
  • 3 green onions, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the sesame oil and allow it to heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Push the garlic and ginger to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them into the garlic-ginger mixture.
  • Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they are heated through.
  • Add the cooked rice and return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and mix everything together thoroughly. Stir-fry for an additional 3-5 minutes, ensuring that the rice is well combined and heated through.
  • Stir in the chopped green onions, and adjust seasoning with more salt or soy sauce if needed.
  • Remove from heat and serve hot, garnishing with sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Serve in large bowls with a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top and extra green onions for added color.
Keyword chicken, fried rice, protein-packed, quick meal