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Easy One-Pot Crispy Chicken Fried Rice

one-pot crispy chicken fried rice - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot crispy chicken fried rice recipe that delivers tender chicken, crunchy rice, and flavorful veggies with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably day-old
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (or fresh diced carrots and peas)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or grapeseed)
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced thinly
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice: Use 3 cups (about 600g) of day-old jasmine rice. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a tray and let it cool completely to dry out a bit.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in your skillet. Add the diced chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics and veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in peas and carrots, cooking until just tender, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Push veggies to one side: Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the skillet. Allow them to set for about 30 seconds, then scramble gently until just cooked.
  5. Add rice and chicken: Combine the cooked rice and chicken with the veggies and eggs. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
  6. Season: Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture. Stir to coat all ingredients. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Create the crispy layer: Spread the rice mixture evenly across the skillet. Let it cook undisturbed on medium heat for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the bottom.
  8. Finish and garnish: Once the bottom layer is crispy, gently toss the rice to mix in those crusty bits. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh burst.

Notes

Use day-old rice for best crispy texture. If using fresh rice, dry it out before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Use medium heat and be patient to develop the crispy rice crust. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Variations include swapping chicken for tofu or shrimp, adding spices for heat, or using cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, crispy chicken fried rice, quick meals, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, fried rice, chicken recipe, gluten-free option