Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with perfectly seasoned rice, vegetables, and a hint of soy sauce. Perfect meal for busy weeknights or a tasty side to complement any Asian-inspired feast.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
What makes Chicken Fried Rice stand out from other fried rice recipes? For starters, it’s a complete one-pan meal that combines protein, vegetables, and carbs into a harmonious dish. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can make this dish your own by adding different vegetables, proteins, and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover rice, making it both an affordable and sustainable meal option.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Fried Rice
- Use Day-Old Rice: The key to perfect fried rice lies in the rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and mushy when stir-fried. It’s best to use cold, day-old rice that’s been stored in the fridge. The grains will be firmer, allowing them to absorb the flavors better and prevent clumping.
- Pre-Cut Ingredients: To make your cooking process smoother, pre-cut your chicken, vegetables, and any other ingredients before you start cooking. This helps you avoid overcooking any of the ingredients while ensuring a more even stir-fry.
- High Heat is Key: Stir-frying is all about high heat. Make sure your pan or wok is hot enough before adding the oil and other ingredients. This will give you the crispy, smoky flavor that’s characteristic of good fried rice.
- Use the Right Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil works best for stir-frying. If you want an extra boost of flavor, sesame oil can be added later for a more authentic taste.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, it’s better to cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures everything gets a nice, crispy texture and is cooked evenly.
- Season in Layers: Instead of dumping all the soy sauce and other seasonings at once, add them in stages. Start with the chicken, then the vegetables, and finally the rice. This allows the flavors to develop and coat each ingredient evenly.
Variations of Chicken Fried Rice
While the classic Chicken Fried Rice recipe is delicious on its own, it’s also very flexible. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Spicy Chicken Fried Rice: Add some heat by incorporating chili flakes, fresh chili peppers, or a dash of sriracha sauce. This will give your fried rice a nice spicy kick.
- Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice: For a sweet and savory twist, toss in some diced pineapple. The sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and soy sauce.
- Healthy Chicken Fried Rice: Opt for brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor. You can also add extra veggies like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for a boost of vitamins.
- Chicken Fried Rice with Egg: Traditional fried rice recipes often include scrambled eggs, and this version is no different. Simply add whisked eggs to the pan at the right moment, and stir until cooked through.
- Vegan Chicken Fried Rice: For a plant-based version, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. You can also use a soy-based egg substitute to mimic the scrambled egg texture.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with some tasty sides to elevate the meal. Here are some ideas:
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls are a great side dish that complements the soft, flavorful fried rice.
- Chinese Soup: Pair your fried rice with a light Chinese-style soup like hot and sour soup or egg drop soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
- Pickled Vegetables: For a tangy contrast, serve your fried rice with a side of pickled vegetables, such as pickled cucumbers or kimchi.
How to Store Chicken Fried Rice
If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), storing your Chicken Fried Rice is simple:
- In the Refrigerator: Allow the fried rice to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back the moisture.
- In the Freezer: Chicken Fried Rice can also be frozen for up to 1 month. To do this, spread it out on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pan or microwave.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice? While fresh rice works in a pinch, day-old rice is ideal. Fresh rice tends to be too moist, resulting in clumps rather than the separate, fluffy grains you’re looking for.
Can I add other proteins to the fried rice? Yes! You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or pork. For a vegetarian option, tofu is an excellent protein choice.
What vegetables work best in Chicken Fried Rice? The classic vegetables in Chicken Fried Rice include peas, carrots, and onions, but you can add bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, or even spinach to customize it to your liking.
How can I make Chicken Fried Rice more flavorful? To enhance the flavor, add extra seasonings such as garlic, ginger, or oyster sauce. For a more intense umami taste, a splash of fish sauce or hoisin sauce works wonders.
Can I make Chicken Fried Rice ahead of time? Yes! Chicken Fried Rice is a great meal prep option. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with perfectly seasoned rice, vegetables, and a hint of soy sauce. Perfect meal for busy weeknights or a tasty side to complement any Asian-inspired feast.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked brown rice (leftover works best, but white is fine)
- 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided
- 1 Tbsp canola oil, divided
- 1 1/3 cups frozen peas and carrots blend
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sriracha, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil and 1 1/2 tsp canola oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same pan, add the remaining sesame and canola oil. Toss in the peas and carrots, and green onions, and sauté for 1 minute. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push veggies to the side, crack the eggs into the center, and scramble until cooked through.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken and rice to the pan. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm with a drizzle of Sriracha if you like it spicy.
Nutrition Information
Yield
3Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 587Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 220mgSodium 840mgCarbohydrates 56gFiber 6gSugar 4gProtein 48g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Chicken Fried Rice is a perfect weeknight dinner that brings together savory flavors and simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal after a busy day or a way to use up leftover rice, this recipe will not disappoint. By following these tips and tricks, you can create a restaurant-quality fried rice right at home. Customize it to your taste, try some fun variations, and serve it with your favorite sides for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Happy cooking!
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