Zesty Chicken Fried Rice

Name: Zesty Chicken Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green); 1/2 cup diced red onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, cooled; 1 cup frozen peas; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free); 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp lime zest; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; Optional: lime wedges for serving

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 15 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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If you’re craving something quick, yet bursting with flavor, this Zesty Chicken Fried Rice might just hit the spot. It's a wonderful blend of savory and citrusy notes, perfect for a weeknight dinner that doesn't skimp on taste.

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Ingredients for Zesty Chicken Fried Rice

Olive oil is our go-to for cooking the chicken and veggies; it adds a subtle richness without overpowering flavors. The chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, cook quickly and soak up all those wonderful spices. For a pop of color and sweetness, diced bell peppers do the trick. The red onion adds a hint of sharpness, while garlic brings depth to the dish. Jasmine rice is ideal here; its fragrance and texture make it a perfect base. Frozen peas are not only convenient but add a sweet and satisfying bite. Don’t skip the fresh cilantro; it adds a fresh, herbal note to the dish. Soy sauce ties everything together with its savory, umami flavor, and the lime juice and zest introduce a bright, tangy kick. Finally, a sprinkle of black pepper and salt enhances all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

Use day-old rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky.
If you’re short on time, pre-chopped vegetables from the grocery store can be a lifesaver.
Adjust the soy sauce to taste if you prefer a lighter or saltier dish.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the veggies.

Serving Suggestions

This zesty chicken fried rice pairs beautifully with a simple green salad on the side. If you're in the mood for more, try serving it with spring rolls or a light soup for a complete meal. A chilled white wine or a light beer can complement the citrusy notes perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead?: Absolutely! Brown rice works well, just note it will have a slightly nuttier flavor and firmer texture.
What if I don't have fresh cilantro?: You can substitute with fresh parsley or leave it out altogether if you’re not a fan.
Is there a vegetarian version?: Yes, simply skip the chicken and add more vegetables like broccoli or tofu for protein.

Zesty Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add in the chicken pieces. Cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.

In the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and their aromas fill your kitchen.

Now, it’s time to add the cooked rice and frozen peas. Stir them into the vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is well combined. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and drizzle the soy sauce, lime juice, and zest over the mix. Don’t forget to season with black pepper and salt.

Give it all a good stir and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. You want everything to be evenly heated and for the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once it’s all sizzling and steaming, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh cilantro.

Serve the fried rice hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, add some lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, ready in under 30 minutes.
Packed with vibrant colors and fresh flavors.
Gluten-free adaptable with simple swaps.
Uses pantry staples with a twist of lime for extra zing.
Perfect for using up leftover rice.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)

1/2 cup diced red onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups cooked jasmine rice, cooled

1 cup frozen peas

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tsp lime zest

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/4 tsp salt

Optional: lime wedges for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

4. Add the diced bell peppers, red onion, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

5. Stir in the cooked rice and peas, mixing well with the vegetables.

6. Return the chicken to the skillet, and add soy sauce, lime juice, lime zest, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.

7. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is evenly heated.