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Easy Crispy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Under $3 Perfect for Quick Meals

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A quick, affordable, and flavorful chicken fried rice recipe with crispy chicken edges and perfectly toasted rice, ideal for busy weeknights and budget-friendly meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice, preferably day-old and chilled
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced thinly for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make sure your rice is cooked and cooled, ideally made the day before. If short on time, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to dry out.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add remaining oil. Add minced garlic and chopped onion (if using). Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Add frozen peas and carrots, cooking for 2–3 minutes until heated through and slightly tender.
  5. Push veggies to one side of the pan. Pour in beaten eggs on the empty side and scramble gently until just set but still soft. Mix eggs with veggies.
  6. Add chilled rice to the pan. Break up clumps and spread rice evenly. Let cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to crisp the bottom, then stir and repeat once or twice more to get crispy pockets throughout.
  7. Return cooked chicken to the pan. Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir well to coat evenly. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
  8. Toss in sliced green onions and give a final stir. Remove from heat and serve immediately while rice is crispy and warm.

Notes

Use day-old rice or chill freshly cooked rice to achieve crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Cook chicken in small pieces for better crispiness. Swap soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free option. Variations include tofu for vegetarian, shrimp for seafood twist, or cauliflower rice for low-carb.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/easy-crispy-chicken-fried-rice-recipe-under-3-perfect-for-quick-meals/