Description
A flavorful and easy Curry Chicken Fried Rice recipe featuring tender chicken thighs, aromatic curry powder, and mixed vegetables all stir-fried with cooked jasmine or basmati rice. This quick one-pan dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal and can be served with fresh scallions and optional fried eggs to enhance the richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup canola or another neutral-tasting oil
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 ½ tablespoons mild curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (such as carrots, green beans, corn, and peas)
- 2 ½ cups cooked rice, such as jasmine or basmati (preferably cold)
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For Serving
- Sliced scallions
- Fried eggs (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Cook Onion: In a nonstick pan over medium-high heat, heat the canola oil. Add the diced red onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Curry Powder and Chicken: Stir in the mild curry powder along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the chicken thigh pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked with no pink remaining, approximately 5 to 6 minutes.
- Incorporate Vegetables and Season: Add the frozen mixed vegetables and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Cook while stirring for about 1 minute to heat the vegetables through.
- Mix in Rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps to ensure even coverage with the oil and spices. Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is heated through, about 4 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Finish with Cilantro and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. Serve the curry chicken fried rice hot, topped with sliced scallions and optional fried eggs for added richness.
Notes
- Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture and to prevent clumping when frying.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs remain tender and juicy; you can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of curry powder to your preferred level of spiciness and flavor intensity.
- Frozen mixed vegetables are a convenient choice, but fresh veggies can be used with a slightly longer cooking time.
- Adding a fried egg on top adds extra protein and richness, making the meal more filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: curry chicken fried rice, chicken fried rice, curry rice, easy dinner, one-pan meal, quick rice recipe
