Easy One-Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Easy One-Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Who doesn’t love a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make meal after a long day? One-pot chicken fried rice is a simple and satisfying dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with the aromatic flavors of soy sauce and fresh vegetables, all in one pot. This quick recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped for garnishing

Cooking Method

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables and Garlic: In the same pot, add the garlic and frozen vegetables. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add Rice and Soy Sauce: Stir in the cooked rice, making sure to break up any clumps. Pour in the soy sauce, mixing well to coat the rice evenly.
5. Add Eggs: Push the rice to one side of the pot and pour in the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked and then stir them into the rice.
6. Combine Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pot, mix everything well, and drizzle with sesame oil.
7. Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Nutritious Value and Pairings

Chicken fried rice provides a balanced nutritional profile, offering protein from the chicken and eggs, carbohydrates from the rice, and essential vitamins and minerals from the mixed vegetables. The dish is relatively low in fat, especially when using lean chicken breast and minimal oil, and it can be adapted to include brown rice for added fiber.

To complement your one-pot chicken fried rice, consider pairing it with a refreshing cucumber salad or a light Asian-style slaw to enhance the meal with crisp textures and fresh flavors. For a complete dining experience, serve with a chilled glass of iced green tea or a light-bodied white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, to cleanse the palate and elevate the dining experience.