Chicken Fried Rice
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
1/3 cup oyster sauce (see notes)
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, divided (use tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons canola oil, grapeseed oil, or peanut oil, divided
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups chopped fresh vegetables of choice (e.g., 1 red bell pepper, small head of broccoli, or 8 ounces mushrooms)
12 ounces frozen peas and carrots, thawed
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 cups cold cooked brown rice, break up large clumps with your fingers
2/3 cup green onions, chopped (about 4 medium)
Red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or hot sauce of choice (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, stir together the oyster sauce and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Set aside.
Cook the Eggs:
Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot, about 2 minutes. Add 1/2 tablespoon butter and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
Add the eggs and cook without stirring until they barely begin to set, about 20 seconds. Scramble the eggs into bite-sized pieces with a spatula. Cook, stirring constantly, until just cooked through, about 1 additional minute. Transfer eggs to a bowl and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel.
Cook the Chicken:
Return the skillet to the heat and increase the heat to high. Let the skillet warm until hot, about 1 minute.
Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil and swirl to coat. Add the chicken and the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to the bowl with the eggs.
Cook the Vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Add the fresh vegetables and cook until crisp-tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, peas, and carrots. Cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.
Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Combine Ingredients:
Add the cold brown rice and the oyster sauce mixture. Cook, stirring constantly and breaking up any remaining rice clumps, until heated through, about 2 minutes.
Add the reserved eggs, chicken, and green onions. Cook and stir until completely heated through, about 1 minute more.
Serve:
Serve immediately with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce and additional soy sauce as desired.
Notes:
Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce adds a unique flavor and texture. If you need to substitute, use 1 tablespoon sesame oil for added flavor, but note that the taste will differ.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Rewarm in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
Freeze: Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 430
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 175mg
Sodium: 900mg