What is Chicken Fried Rice?
Chicken fried rice is a popular Chinese-inspired dish made with cooked rice, stir-fried with diced chicken, vegetables, eggs, and a flavorful sauce. It’s known for its savory taste and delightful texture, making it a favorite among both children and adults.
Why is it Popular?
One of the main reasons for the popularity of chicken fried rice is its simplicity and versatility. It’s easy to customize based on personal preferences and can be made using leftover ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option for many households.
Ingredients
- Cooked Rice
- Chicken Breast or Thighs
- Eggs
- Vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers)
- Soy Sauce
Optional Ingredients
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green Onions
- Sesame Oil
- Chili Paste
Preparation
Preparing Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prepare all the ingredients. Cook the rice ahead of time and allow it to cool completely. Cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces, beat the eggs, and chop the vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Cooking Rice
Cook the rice according to package instructions until it’s just tender. Spread it out on a baking sheet to cool, which helps prevent it from becoming mushy when stir-fried.
Cooking Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Cooking Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and stir-fry the vegetables until they’re tender yet still crisp. You can use a combination of carrots, peas, bell peppers, or any other vegetables you prefer.
Making the Sauce
Combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and any optional ingredients you like to make the sauce. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Cooking Process
Stir-frying Basics
Stir-frying is a cooking technique that involves quickly cooking ingredients in a hot pan or wok while continuously stirring to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Cooking Chicken and Eggs
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and push it to one side. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the skillet and scramble them until they’re cooked through. Then, mix them with the chicken.
Stir-frying Vegetables
Add the cooked vegetables to the skillet and toss them with the chicken and eggs until everything is heated through.
Adding Rice and Sauce
Finally, add the cooked rice to the skillet and pour the sauce over the top. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Garnishes
Garnish the chicken fried rice with chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Accompaniments
Serve chicken fried rice as a standalone dish or pair it with other Asian-inspired dishes such as egg rolls, spring rolls, or potstickers for a complete meal.
Tips and Tricks
Choosing the Right Rice
Use long-grain rice such as jasmine or basmati for the best texture and flavor. Avoid using freshly cooked rice as it tends to be too moist and can result in a mushy dish.
Properly Seasoning the Dish
Taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, sesame oil for richness, or chili paste for heat.
Cooking Techniques
Keep the heat high and continuously stir the ingredients while stir-frying to ensure that everything cooks evenly and develops a nice caramelized flavor.
Variations
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, and snow peas. You can also add tofu or tempeh for protein.
Seafood Variation
Replace the chicken with shrimp, crab, or a combination of seafood for a delicious seafood fried rice variation. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking the seafood.
Health Benefits
Nutritional Value
Chicken fried rice is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein from the chicken and eggs, carbohydrates from the rice, and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
Balance of Ingredients
By incorporating a variety of vegetables and lean protein, chicken fried rice offers a nutritious and satisfying meal option that can fit into a balanced diet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chicken fried rice is a delicious and versatile dish that is easy to make at home. With simple ingredients and a few basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful meal that will please the whole family. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe. However, keep in mind that brown rice may require a longer cooking time and may result in a slightly chewier texture.
Can I make chicken fried rice ahead of time?
While chicken fried rice is best served fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Is chicken fried rice gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
What other proteins can I use besides chicken?
You can substitute chicken with beef, pork, shrimp, tofu, or a combination of these proteins to create different variations of fried rice.
Can I freeze chicken fried rice?
While you can freeze chicken fried rice, the texture of the rice may change slightly upon reheating. It’s best to consume it fresh or within a few days of making it for the best taste and texture.
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Perfect Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless, skinless and trimmed
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 Tbsp extra light olive oil, or high heat cooking oil
- 4 large eggs
- 5 cups cooked white rice, chilled
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce, (or GF Tamari) or added to taste
- 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil, or to taste
- 12 oz frozen peas and carrots, fully thawed
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients before starting the stove. Trim off excess fat and cut chicken thighs into bite-size pieces. Transfer to a bowl and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat together 4 eggs.
- Bring a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium/high heat and add 1 Tbsp oil. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 Tbsp oil then scrambled eggs and stir and scramble for a minute, breaking up the egg with your spatula. Cook just until no longer wet and immediately transfer to the plate with chicken.
- Use tongs to wipe skillet clean with a paper towel. Swirl in another 1 Tbsp oil then spread 5 cups rice evenly over the pan. Cook 1 to 2 minutes without disturbing then stir and sauté another 1 to 2 minutes. Rice should sizzle.
- Drizzle 2 Tbsp soy sauce and 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil over the rice and stir well. Add fully thawed vegetables and mix well.
- Add cooked chicken and scrambled eggs back to the pan. Add 1/4 cup green onion and mix well. Continue to cook until veggies and rice are hot and rice sizzles, stirring frequently. Add more soy sauce and sesame oil to taste.
Notes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Asian
Keyword: chicken fried rice
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 486