Are you looking for a delicious, budget-friendly meal that’s quick and easy to prepare? This delectable Chicken Fry Rice recipe is packed with flavor and loaded with colorful veggies; this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can feed a family of Six. The best part is you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy it! Under $40 USD.
Ingredients:
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a quick look at the budget-friendly ingredients you’ll need:
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: 2 lbs ($6)
- Shrimp: $5.50
- Assorted or Mixed Vegetables: Assorted ($2.50) or Mixed ($1)
- Soy Sauce: $2
- White Rice: 2 lbs ($3)
- Garlic: $.75
- Ginger: $1
- Olive Oil: $3
- Green Onions (for garnish): $1
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: $1
- Eggs (for fried rice, optional): $2
Sides
- Steamed Dumplings: $5 or
- Chicken Drummettes: $7
- Fresh Fruit
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get cooking!
Instructions:
- Cook Rice: Start by preparing your rice as per the package instructions, substituting half the water needed with broth. Once rice is cooked, put into a bowl and allow to cool (place in refrigerator or freezer). Fluffy, perfectly cooked rice is the foundation of any great stir fry.
- Prepare Chicken and Shrimp: Cut boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Cut shrimp into two pieces; if using small shrimp – no need.
- Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, teaspoon soy sauce, and paprika.
- Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Heat some oil in a large saucepan, add the chicken, and cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. The aroma alone will have your taste buds dancing! Remove from pan and set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: Dice Vegetables if using fresh vegetables. Keeping the temperature on medium
- In the same saucepan, add a touch more oil and throw in your assorted veggies.
- Saute them lightly – until they’re tender-crisp (2-3 mins), preserving their vibrant colors.
- Remove from heat, add your Chicken and Shrimp. Set to the side. The Bell peppers, broccoli, Snap peas, and carrots not only add color but also a delightful crunch to your stir fry.
- Fry Rice: Now that rice has had some time to cool.
- Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a saucepan and crack 3 eggs
- Season to taste
- Add a dash more oil to the pan, then add rice
- fry the rice and egg mixture for about 3-7 mins
- Make Sauce: It’s time to infuse your stir fry with mouthwatering flavor.
- Mix together soy sauce, ginger, garlic, 1/4 chicken broth, and Paprika to create a savory sauce.
- Pour this delectable mixture into the pan with your chicken, shrimp, and veggies,
- Allowing it to thicken into a luscious glaze that coats everything with a burst of flavor.
- Mix in Rice: Finally, Turn the heat up, then mix in your rice, and let it fry for about 10 mins, adding a little extra soy sauce and hot sauce/sriracha if needed.
- Top it off with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkling of sesame seeds (if you have any) for that extra layer of texture and taste. Now, you’re ready to savor the fruits of your labor!
- Making your Sides
- Warm up your Dumplings and Serve
- For those looking to balance out their meal, consider serving some fresh fruit.
This easy Chicken Fry Rice recipe lets you enjoy a quality meal without straining your wallet. Bursting with vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors, this dish is a testament to the fact that delicious meals can be both affordable and easy to prepare. So, why wait? Get cooking and treat yourself to a budget-friendly feast that your taste buds will thank you for!
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