Crockpot Chicken Fried Rice
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, hearty meal after a long day. The aroma that fills your home when dinner is lovingly prepared can bring everyone together, creating moments that linger long after the last bite. One of my favorite go-to recipes embodies that nurturing spirit, making it perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Imagine coming home to the gentle scent of savory chicken mingling with fresh vegetables, all infused with the nutty richness of sesame oil. It feels like a warm embrace after a hectic day.
This easy Crockpot Chicken Fried Rice recipe takes convenience and comfort to the next level. With just a bit of prep, you can set it and forget it, letting your trusty crockpot do the work while you focus on what really matters—spending quality time with loved ones. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken and rice. In about three hours, you’ll have a delicious, wholesome meal ready to be savored.
Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe, gathering a few kitchen essentials will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:
- Crockpot: This is the heart of the recipe, perfect for slow cooking and developing flavors.
- Cutting board and knife: Essential for chopping your onions and mincing garlic.
- Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the soy sauce and sesame oil before adding it to the crockpot.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure you get the right amounts for your ingredients.
These tools not only help with efficiency but also make the cooking experience smoother, allowing you to enjoy the process without stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this Crockpot Chicken Fried Rice truly special is how it brings comfort and ease into one satisfying bowl. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors and textures—think tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crunchy vegetables all coming together in perfect harmony. The warm, savory notes of soy sauce combined with a hint of nuttiness from the sesame oil wrap around the ingredients, creating a dish that feels both hearty and light.
This recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Quick preparation: With minimal chopping and mixing, you can get everything in the crockpot in under 15 minutes.
- Healthy and balanced: You’re getting protein from the chicken, healthy carbs from the rice, and a good serving of veggies all in one meal.
- Versatile: Tailor the recipe to your preferences or dietary needs by adding extra vegetables or switching out the protein.
- Crowd-pleaser: It’s a dish that delights both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.
Every time I serve this dish, I am reminded of the warmth and joy that home-cooked meals bring into our lives.
Crockpot Chicken Fried Rice Ingredients
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup peas and carrots (frozen or fresh)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Gathering these simple ingredients will get you closer to that delightful bowl of comfort food that will warm both hearts and bellies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. In a crockpot, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, peas and carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Make sure to mix them evenly; the colors should be vibrant and inviting.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce and sesame oil. The aroma is nutty and irresistible. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot, ensuring that everything is well-coated with the sauce.
- Give all the ingredients a good stir. You want to make sure that the soy sauce and sesame oil are evenly distributed throughout.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 2-3 hours. As the dish cooks, your home will be filled with mouth-watering aromas that make it hard to resist peeking in.
- About 30 minutes before serving, carefully push the rice mixture to one side of the crockpot. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they’re fully cooked, then mix them back into the rice mixture until well combined. The eggs add a lovely creaminess and a bit of richness to the dish.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh green onions before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Fun Variations You Can Try
While this Crockpot Chicken Fried Rice is already delicious as is, don’t hesitate to play around with the recipe. It’s incredibly versatile, and you can customize it in many delightful ways:
- Add vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers, broccoli, or baby corn for extra color and crunch.
- Spicy twist: Add a splash of sriracha or chili sauce for those who enjoy a kick.
- Different proteins: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even leftover roasted pork for a different flavor profile.
- Extra seasonings: Enhance the dish with ginger, cooked bacon bits, or sesame seeds for added depth.
- Rice varieties: Swap out white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
Experimenting with these variations can keep the dish fresh and exciting meal after meal.
How I Love to Serve It
When it comes to serving this dish, I love to keep it simple yet inviting. A big bowl of Crockpot Chicken Fried Rice is perfect for family-style dining. I usually place it in the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
To elevate the dining experience further, consider these cozy serving ideas:
- Serve it alongside crispy spring rolls or dumplings for a complete meal.
- Pair it with a light salad topped with sesame dressing to balance the richness of the fried rice.
- Garnish each serving generously with green onions and, if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fried shallots for extra texture.
The inviting aroma, combined with the radiant colors of this vibrant dish, creates an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness that is perfect for any mealtime gathering.
Helpful Tips from My Kitchen
Cooking should be a joyful experience, and having a few tips in your back pocket can make all the difference:
- Prep ahead: If you’re short on time, prep the chopped veggies and shredded chicken ahead of time. You can even assemble everything in the crockpot the night before, refrigerating it until ready to cook.
- Don’t skip the seasoning: It might be tempting to add just a pinch of salt and pepper at the end, but be sure to taste as you go. This will enhance the flavors beautifully.
- Cook on low: While it might be tempting to speed things up by using high heat, slow cooking it on low allows the ingredients to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Storage tips: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it a perfect meal prep option. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it from drying out.
Cooking is as much about joy and experimentation as it is about following a recipe. Don’t hesitate to put your spin on it!
Important Cooking Reminders
- Always make sure to cook the poultry safely, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid any foodborne illness.
- When reheating, make sure the food is heated through to at least 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- If storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- Avoid overcrowding the crockpot as it may result in uneven cooking. Stick to the ingredient amounts mentioned for the best results.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
This comforting Crockpot Chicken Fried Rice is not only delicious but also offers a well-rounded profile. While ingredients may vary, here’s an estimated breakdown:
- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
- Carbs: About 45g
- Fat: Roughly 15g
- Protein: Approximately 30g
These estimates will depend on serving sizes and any additional variations you choose, but overall, it makes for a satisfying meal that won’t derail your nutritional goals.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
Common Questions You Might Have
Can I use uncooked rice in this recipe?
Using uncooked rice in the crockpot is not recommended, as it will absorb liquid and may not cook evenly. Always use pre-cooked rice to ensure a fluffy consistency.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely! This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just divide it into individual portions for easy reheating.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be transformed into hearty wraps or stuffed bell peppers, or you can simply stir-fry them with some extra greens for a delicious update.
Conclusion
There’s a unique sense of warmth that comes from sharing a table filled with homemade food. The memories created over a bowl of Crockpot Chicken Fried Rice are sure to stay with you and your loved ones. Imagine the laughter, the conversation, and the joy of enjoying a hearty meal together.
This recipe not only nourishes the body but also provides a delicious opportunity to connect with those around you. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend gathering, this dish guarantees satisfaction, warmth, and comfort—all wrapped up in one hearty bowl. Take the time to relish each bite and savor the moments shared, because food has a magical way of bringing us closer together.
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Crockpot Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting and convenient Crockpot Chicken Fried Rice that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables infused with savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup peas and carrots (frozen or fresh)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients.
- In a crockpot, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, peas and carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce and sesame oil, then pour it over the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Stir to distribute the sauce evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, push the rice mixture to one side and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble eggs until cooked, then mix back into the rice mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
This dish is versatile; feel free to add extra vegetables or switch proteins to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Crockpot, Chicken, Fried Rice, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe