Description
Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful comfort meal combining tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and savory natural sauces. This easy-to-make dish is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with a nutritious and satisfying one-pan recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 cup chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 large eggs, lightly scrambled
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Grains
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Chop the smoked turkey bacon into small strips. Finely dice or slice all fresh vegetables to ensure even cooking. Crack the eggs into a bowl and scramble lightly. Having all ingredients ready before cooking will ensure a smooth workflow.
- Cook the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add the smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp. Combine it back with the chicken to blend the smoky flavor.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: Add a splash of sesame oil to the pan, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds to release their fragrance. Add the chopped carrots, peas, and bell peppers, stir-frying for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender and vibrant.
- Combine Rice and Egg: Add the cooked jasmine rice into the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Push the rice to one side of the pan and pour the lightly scrambled eggs on the other side. Allow the eggs to set slightly before stirring everything together. This coats the rice with the creamy egg texture.
- Season and Finish: Pour in the soy sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar (natural) to enhance umami and balance the flavors. Stir well and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the dish is heated through and evenly flavored. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use day-old rice to prevent clumping and achieve the ideal fried rice texture.
- Prepare and have all ingredients ready before starting to stir-fry, as cooking happens quickly.
- Cook on high heat for slight caramelization and to keep vegetables crisp.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust soy sauce and vinegar seasoning at the end to achieve perfect balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken fried rice, quick dinner, easy recipe, one-pan meal, healthy fried rice, smoked turkey bacon, jasmine rice, stir-fry