chicken fried riceSure you could get takeout from your local Chinese restaurant, but why not save a few dollars and make some great Chinese food yourself? Chicken fried rice is a perfect meal any night of the week, and my family loves it.

This recipe from the Food Network is easy, delicious, and you know exactly what's in it. I also like to add extra vegetables -- like peas and carrots -- to it as well for a nutritional boost. For even more fun, get some chopsticks and let the kids practice in the privacy of your home.

Chicken Fried Rice

  • 3 large eggs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into thin strips
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (I use more)
  • 4 cups cold, cooked rice
  • 6 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions

Beat eggs with a whisk in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Heat very little oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat and make an omelette using half the beaten eggs. Turn out onto a plate to cool (do not fold omelette). Repeat process with remaining beaten eggs. Place 1 omelette on top of the other, fold, and coarsely chop. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, toss chicken strips with the sesame oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil over high heat in large frying pan or wok and stir-fry the prepared chicken strips until lightly golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes or until onion has softened.

Add 2 tablespoons more vegetable oil and when hot, stir in the cooked rice and green onions (and any other vegetables you like), tossing and mixing thoroughly until very hot.

Sprinkle with soy sauce and mix evenly. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cooked egg.