If your weeknights are packed and you’re craving something quick, comforting, and colorful, Chicken & Veggie Fried Rice – Easy Make Ahead Chicken and Rice Delight is your answer. This recipe turns everyday ingredients into a delicious star dish, making it ideal for busy families who love simple Rice Supper Recipes. It’s also a great way to transform Leftover Chicken With Rice and those extra veggies in your fridge into something vibrant and new. In this article, you’ll discover a bit of personal inspiration, a step-by-step recipe, storage tips, creative variations, and a practical FAQ section—all focused on making dinner prep easier and more enjoyable.
I first stumbled upon Chicken & Veggie Fried Rice on a night when time was short and my fridge was full of odds and ends—half a chicken breast, some peas, a stray carrot, and a container of cold rice. With a splash of soy sauce and a sizzling pan, those leftovers transformed into something magical: a golden, savory mix that filled the kitchen with irresistible aroma. It became more than just a quick fix; it turned into one of our family’s most-requested Rice Supper Recipes.
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Chicken & Veggie Fried Rice – Easy Make Ahead Chicken and Rice Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful stir-fry combining cold rice, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil.
2. Pour in beaten eggs and stir until just cooked, then remove and set aside.
3. Add garlic and ginger to the pan and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Add diced chicken and cook until heated through and lightly browned.
6. Add cold rice, break up any clumps, and stir-fry until evenly coated.
7. Stir in soy sauce, oyster or teriyaki sauce, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
8. Return cooked eggs to the pan, add green onions, and toss to combine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: stir-fry
- Cuisine: asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: chicken and veggie fried rice, leftover chicken with rice, make ahead chicken and rice, rice supper recipes, chicken rice and vegetable recipes, chicken and rice casserole with veggies
Every spoonful brought comfort and satisfaction, proving that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something everyone loves. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday lunch or a midweek rush, this dish easily fits into our Leftover Chicken With Rice rotation. The best part? It feels fresh and hearty every single time—never like reheated leftovers, but rather a brand-new meal made from things you already had.
From Family Dinners to Weeknight Wonders
The beauty of Make Ahead Chicken And Rice recipes lies in their ability to turn planning into pleasure. Cooking a little extra chicken or rice the night before saves you precious minutes and ensures your next meal bursts with flavor. I often set aside a portion of rice from a previous dinner, letting it chill in the fridge. Cold rice fries up beautifully, giving that signature texture every fried rice lover craves. When you think ahead like this, dinner becomes almost effortless. You simply toss your pre-cooked chicken in a wok, add colorful vegetables, and stir everything together for a satisfying one-pan meal. Each bite offers irresistible color from the veggies, wholesome protein from the chicken, and cozy comfort that defines Make Ahead Chicken And Rice dishes—an adaptable, fuss-free favorite that transforms any night into a tasty celebration.
Easy Chicken & Veggie Fried Rice Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Gathering the Ingredients and Kitchen Tools
Before you fire up the stove, it helps to have everything ready to go. Chicken Rice And Vegetable Recipes thrive on preparation—the magic happens when ingredients meet a hot pan at the perfect moment.
- 3 cups cooked rice (cold, day-old works best)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1½ cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola, or sesame)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten (optional)
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster or teriyaki sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 2 sliced green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools: Wok or non‑stick skillet, spatula, bowls for prep, measuring cups, and a cutting board.
Optional additions that blend perfectly with other Chicken Rice And Vegetable Recipes: chopped broccoli or snap peas for crunch, a drizzle of chili oil for spice, pineapple chunks for sweetness, or an extra egg for protein. Preparation keeps this process fast and smooth—like your favorite takeout, only fresher and homemade.
Simple Method for Perfect Fried Rice Every Time
- Heat the Pan: Place your wok over medium‑high heat and let the oil heat until shimmering.
- Scramble the Eggs (optional): Add beaten eggs, cook lightly, and remove. These create those fluffy ribbons classic in Chicken Rice And Vegetable Recipes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Veggies: Stir in vegetables for 2–3 minutes until tender yet crisp.
- Add Chicken: Toss in chicken so it heats and browns slightly. Leftover Chicken With Rice makes this step effortless.
- Add Rice: Break apart clumps, stir‑fry until each grain is coated evenly.
- Season: Pour in soy and oyster or teriyaki sauces; stir until glossy.
- Combine: Return eggs to the pan, add green onions, stir lightly, and serve.
Pro Tips: Use cold rice, maintain high heat, avoid crowding, and adapt flavors for your perfect Make Ahead Chicken And Rice Delight.
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 generous portions |
| Main Ingredients | Rice, chicken, vegetables |
| Best For | Weeknight dinners, Make Ahead Chicken And Rice meals |
Creative Twists and Smart Storage Tips
Flavor Variations for Every Palate
One of the joys of Chicken & Veggie Fried Rice is its flexibility. Treat it as a blank canvas for any of your favorite Chicken Rice And Vegetable Recipes. Add red bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas for extra crunch and color. Sweet corn or diced pineapple offers contrast against the savory soy base, while teriyaki or garlic‑soy sauce gives depth. Spice fans can drizzle chili oil for heat.
For a comforting twist, try baking it into a variation that resembles a Chicken And Rice Casserole With Veggies. Add a creamy sauce and sprinkle cheese over the top for a cozy dinner bake. Lighter preference? Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or swap chicken for tofu. Each version keeps the balance of vibrant color, protein, and texture that defines great comfort food.
How to Store, Reheat, and Make Ahead Like a Pro
- In the fridge: Cool completely, then store in airtight containers. Lasts up to 4 days; reheat in a skillet or microwave for a quick meal.
- In the freezer: Portion into freezer bags, label, and store for 3 months. Reheat from frozen with a splash of soy sauce or water to restore texture.
Meal Prep Tips: Cook extra rice and chicken during the week, pre‑chop vegetables, and store them for fast assembly. These habits make Make Ahead Chicken And Rice recipes a time‑saving lifesaver for busy nights. You’ll always have something tasty and satisfying ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Just ensure the cooked rice is completely cool before frying—it fits perfectly in hearty Chicken Rice And Vegetable Recipes.
How do I keep fried rice from being mushy?
Always use cold, day‑old rice. Spread freshly cooked rice on a tray to cool quickly if needed. High heat and space in the pan prevent sogginess, giving your Make Ahead Chicken And Rice Delight its ideal light texture.
What’s the best way to store Leftover Chicken With Rice?
Cool the rice and chicken mixture, store in airtight containers, and refrigerate within two hours. It remains fresh for up to four days—reheat gently with a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back moisture and flavor.
Can I freeze Chicken & Veggie Fried Rice?
Definitely. Freeze portions in sealed bags up to three months. Reheat straight from frozen. It’s among the most reliable Rice Supper Recipes to keep on hand for stress‑free meals.
How do I make this more kid‑friendly?
Go lighter on sauces and add favorites like corn, eggs, or small diced carrots. The veggie mix in this Chicken And Rice Casserole With Veggies-style dish makes it colorful and appealing—let kids help choose ingredients to make it fun.
Bringing Comfort and Flavor to Every Meal
Chicken & Veggie Fried Rice – Easy Make Ahead Chicken and Rice Delight shows that comfort food can be simple. With a handful of everyday ingredients and a hint of planning, you’ll enjoy a dish that’s warm, colorful, and satisfying—ideal for any Rice Supper Recipes lineup.
This Make Ahead Chicken And Rice Delight captures what cooking at home is all about: wholesome ingredients, easy prep, and joy at the table. Whether you’re using Leftover Chicken With Rice, creating new Chicken Rice And Vegetable Recipes, or even adapting it into your own unique twist, it’s a meal that always delivers comfort and flexibility.
So grab your wok and bring vibrant flavor to your next dinner. Chicken & Veggie Fried Rice is ready to satisfy—quick, hearty, and perfect for any night of the week.
