Easy Healthy Chicken Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Clean Eating Favorites
I love making Easy Healthy Chicken Fried Rice because it’s a quick and nutritious way to enjoy a family favorite. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip up a delicious meal that’s packed with flavor and healthy proteins. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, and I often use leftover chicken and vegetables to save time. It's satisfying, and I can easily customize it to suit my family's taste preferences.
While experimenting with different fried rice recipes, I discovered that using brown rice not only adds a nutty flavor but also increases the fiber content. I typically cook a larger batch of rice ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight, which helps to keep the rice from becoming mushy when fried.
One of my favorite tips is to add a splash of soy sauce at the end. This enhances the umami of the dish without overpowering the fresh vegetables. I also enjoy adding a sprinkle of sesame oil for a fragrant finishing touch.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights
- Easily customizable with your choice of vegetables and proteins
- Rich flavor from simple ingredients, without any guilt
Ingredient Insights
Using cooked brown rice not only adds a nutty flavor but also increases the fiber content, making this dish a healthier choice. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice or even leftover rice works well here. Just ensure it’s cooled so it doesn’t become mushy when fried.
The frozen mixed vegetables are a convenient option that adds color and nutrients to your fried rice. However, you can easily swap them for fresh vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just make sure to sauté them until they're just tender to maintain some crunch.
Cooking Techniques
One of the keys to achieving perfect fried rice is to use high heat. This helps in creating a slightly crispy texture as the rice sautés. Keep your skillet or wok heated to medium-high, and work quickly when adding the ingredients to prevent steaming instead of frying.
When adding the soy sauce and sesame oil, consider starting with a smaller amount and adjusting to taste. Start with one tablespoon of soy sauce and increase it if you prefer a bolder flavor. Always toss the rice until it’s evenly coated – this prevents clumps and ensures the ingredients meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a delicious and healthy meal:
For the Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to prep all ingredients before starting the cooking process.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Easy Healthy Chicken Fried Rice:
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and faster.
Cook the Eggs
In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, add a teaspoon of oil and scramble the beaten eggs until fully cooked. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked chicken and brown rice to the skillet. Stir well to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
Season the Dish
Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir everything together, ensuring the sauce is evenly distributed.
Finish with Eggs and Green Onions
Add the scrambled eggs back into the skillet along with the chopped green onions. Mix everything together, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
Remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy your healthy fried rice!
It's best served warm and can be garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Pro Tips
- For a more vibrant dish, consider adding bell peppers or broccoli. Cook them with the mixed vegetables for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Healthy Chicken Fried Rice is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal with some fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a dash of chili flakes adds a nice crunch and a touch of heat. Pair it with a side of soy sauce for those who like an extra kick.
For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light cucumber salad or some steamed broccoli. These sides complement the flavors of the fried rice while adding freshness and additional nutrition to your dinner.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can prepare the chicken fried rice in advance, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Cook and store the fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent it from getting dry.
If you want to freeze the fried rice, place it in a freezer-safe container after it cools completely. Freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it through in a skillet until heated evenly. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it taste even better!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, white rice can be used, but brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients.
→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze fried rice in airtight containers for up to a month. Just reheat before serving.
→ What other proteins can I use?
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef, depending on your preference.
→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the chicken and use scrambled tofu instead of eggs for a complete vegetarian option.
Easy Healthy Chicken Fried Rice
I love making Easy Healthy Chicken Fried Rice because it’s a quick and nutritious way to enjoy a family favorite. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip up a delicious meal that’s packed with flavor and healthy proteins. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, and I often use leftover chicken and vegetables to save time. It's satisfying, and I can easily customize it to suit my family's taste preferences.
Created by: Freya Cooper
Recipe Type: Clean Eating Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Start by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and faster.
In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, add a teaspoon of oil and scramble the beaten eggs until fully cooked. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
Add the cooked chicken and brown rice to the skillet. Stir well to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir everything together, ensuring the sauce is evenly distributed.
Add the scrambled eggs back into the skillet along with the chopped green onions. Mix everything together, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy your healthy fried rice!
Extra Tips
- For a more vibrant dish, consider adding bell peppers or broccoli. Cook them with the mixed vegetables for added color and nutrition.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 730mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g