Hello, food lovers! Today we’re diving into a classic comfort food favorite: Chicken Fried Rice. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it as a weeknight dinner or as part of a special meal, this dish delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Let’s explore how to make this delectable dish at home.
Introduction
Chicken Fried Rice is a globally loved dish, with roots in Chinese cuisine and adaptations from every corner of the world. It’s the ultimate one-pan meal, combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, fluffy rice, and savory seasonings into a single, satisfying dish. Perfect for using up leftovers or whipping up something fresh, Chicken Fried Rice offers endless possibilities for customization. With this recipe, you’ll master the art of creating restaurant-quality fried rice right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Fried Rice:
- Protein: 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces) or chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Oil and Butter: 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying, 2 tablespoons butter for richness.
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 large carrots (peeled and finely chopped), 3/4 cup frozen peas, 2 green onions (chopped).
- Seasonings: 3-5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, salt and pepper to taste (optional).
- Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic (minced).
- Eggs: 3 large eggs, whisked.
- Rice: 4 cups long-grain white rice, cooked and chilled.
Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli for added variety.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect Chicken Fried Rice:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, ensuring it’s golden and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet and heat over medium to medium-high. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and peas. Stir-fry until the vegetables are crisp-tender, ensuring they retain a slight crunch. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the garlic’s fragrance. Transfer the vegetables to the same plate as the chicken and cover to keep warm.
In the same skillet, whisk 3 large eggs with a fork. Add 1/2 tablespoon of butter and reduce the heat to low. Pour in the whisked eggs and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until just set. Remove the eggs from the skillet and add them to the plate with the vegetables. Cover to keep warm.
Melt the remaining butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the chilled rice to the skillet and drizzle with soy sauce. Increase the heat to medium-high and fry the rice, stirring occasionally. Allow the rice to sit undisturbed for a few moments between stirs to achieve a slightly crispy texture. Work in batches if your skillet is too crowded to ensure even frying.
Drizzle the sesame oil over the rice and sprinkle with green onions. Stir to combine, ensuring every grain of rice is evenly coated with the seasonings. Return the chicken, vegetables, and eggs to the skillet and stir to combine. Heat everything through for a few minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the Rice: Always use cooked and chilled rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky for fried rice. For best results, cook the rice the day before and refrigerate it overnight.
- Cut Everything Uniformly: Ensure the chicken, vegetables, and rice are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking and a balanced bite.
- High Heat: Cooking at high heat gives the fried rice its characteristic slightly crispy texture and smoky flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. Adjust to your taste preference.
Cooking Tips
- Substitutions: Swap chicken with shrimp, pork, or tofu for a different protein option. You can also add cashews or peanuts for a crunch.
- Boosting Flavor: For a more authentic flavor, add a splash of oyster sauce or fish sauce along with the soy sauce.
- Wok or Skillet: A wok works best for frying rice due to its high heat capacity and ample space for stirring. If you don’t have one, a large skillet will do.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Fried Rice pairs beautifully with egg rolls, dumplings, or a light vegetable soup. Serve it as a standalone meal for a casual dinner or alongside other Asian-inspired dishes for a complete feast. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds for a polished presentation.
Nutritional Information
This dish offers a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Here’s a breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Potassium: 520mg
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it may make the rice mushy.
Leftovers can also be transformed into a fresh meal by adding new vegetables or a different protein like shrimp or tofu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works wonderfully and adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the dish.
What if I don’t have sesame oil?
Sesame oil adds a signature nutty flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it or substitute with a neutral oil.
How do I make it spicier?
Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a drizzle of chili oil to give your fried rice a kick.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also use scrambled tofu as a protein substitute.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, try these delicious dishes next:
Conclusion
There you have it—a delicious and easy recipe for Chicken Fried Rice! Whether you’re a fried rice enthusiast or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and endlessly customizable. Try it today and share your experience. We’d love to hear how you made it your own!