Delicious Chicken Fried Rice Recipe and Tips for Perfection

It’s wild how chicken fried rice went from a way to use up leftover bits in old China to a dinner fave around the world. It blends rice, veggies, chicken and sauce into a mix that’s one of the best easy dinner recipes and comfort food at the same time. cooks love how you can switch any thing in it, and it never gets boring.

What Is Chicken Fried Rice?

Chicken Fried Rice is simple dish where cooked rice meets diced chicken and a mix of veggies in a hot pan or wok. You stir fry them with soy sauce and other stuff to make it both salty and tasty.

• Rice: Day old rice keeps it from getting mushy.
• Chicken: Diced chicken breast is usual, but you can use leftover chicken too.
• Vegatables: Like peas, carrots and bell peppers add color and nutriation.
• Soy sauce: Gives it a salty, umami taste.
• Seasonings: You can add garlic, sesame oil and herbs for extra flavour.

Common twists include using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken, or throwing in scrambled eggs for more protein.

Nutritional Value of Chicken Fried Rice

A typical bowl of Chicken Fried Rice has about 300-400 calroies, but it depends on how much oil and meat you add. It give carbs from rice, protein from chicken and eggs, and fat from the oil.

It also has some vitamins and minerals like:

• Vitamin C: From bell peppers.
• Iron: From the chicken.

To make it healthier, try low-sodium soy sauce and swap white rice for cilantro lime rice. It add more fiber and cut down salt.

Detailed Recipe for Chicken Fried Rice

Makeing this dish is easy and quick if you follow these steps.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of cooked rice: Preferably day-old for the best texture.
• 1 lb. of chicken breast: Diced into small pieces.
• 2 eggs: Beaten.
• 1 cup of mixed vegatables: Such as peas, carrots, and bell peppers.
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce: Adjust according to taste.
• 2 tablespoons of vegatable oil: For stir-frying.
• 2 cloves of garlic: Minced.
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil: Optional for added flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Green onions: Chopped, for garnish.

Directions

Preparation

Make sure your rice is cooked and cooled in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This make the grains firmer. Next, dice the chicken and chop your vegatables into small pieces so they cook evenly.

Cooking Process

1. Heat vegetable oil: In a large pan or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the chicken: Add the chicken and stir fry till it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Scramble the eggs: Push the chicken to the edge and pour in the eggs. Stir till they’re cooked, then mix them with the chicken.
4. Add garlic and vegatables: Stir in garlic and vegatables, cooking till they’re tender (3-4 minutes).
5. Combine rice and sauces: Add the rice, soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix well and stir fry for another 5 minutes so it’s all hot.

Final Touches

Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle green onions on top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fried Rice

• Use day-old rice: This stops the rice from clumping and makes it less mushy.
• Cook on high heat: Stir-frying fast on high temp gives a slight char and more flavor.
• Adjust soy sauce: Start with less, then add more so it’s not too salty.

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Chicken Fried Rice

Clumpy rice?

Use day-old rice or spread fresh rice on a tray to cool and dry before cooking.

Too salty?

Add more cooked rice to balance it or a pinch of sugar to cut the salt.

Overcooked chicken?

Cook fast on high heat and watch the time so it stay tender.

Variations of Chicken Fried Rice

Cultural Influences

• Thai-style: Often has lime, cilantro and chili for a zesty kick.
• Chinese-style: May use extra soy sauce, oyster sauce or even Chinese sausage.

Dietary Adjustments

• Vegetarian/vegan: Swap chicken for tofu and skip eggs, or use silken tofu.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Fried Rice

• Spring rolls or egg rolls for a crunchy side.
• Hot and sour soup for a strong flavor contrast.
• Salad with sesame dressing for something fresh.

For drinks, iced tea, lemonade or a soft soda pair well.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Put leftover rice in an airtight container and chill up to three days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water so it doesn’t dry out.

FAQs: Chicken Fried Rice

Can I use uncooked rice?

No, you should use pre-cooked and chilled rice for the right texture.

How to make it spicy?

Add chopped chili peppers or a dash of chili sauce when cooking.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, in a sealed container for up to one month.

What rice is best?

Jasmine or long-grain rice work best because they stay fluffy.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Rice is a tasty, easy dish you can make at home. It’s super flexible and always satisfying.

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious and quick dish, perfect for using leftover rice and chicken. It combines the savory flavors of chicken, vegetables, and eggs, all tossed together with soy sauce. Ideal for lunch or dinner!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 People

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large skillet or wok
• 1 cutting board
• 1 spatula
• 1 measuring cups and spoons
• 1 bowls for ingredients

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked rice Preferably day-old.
• 1 cup cooked chicken Diced.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup mixed vegetables Peas, carrots, corn.
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 pieces green onions Sliced.
• 2 cloves garlic Minced.
• to taste none salt
• to taste none pepper

Instructions

 

• Begin by preparing all ingredients: dice the cooked chicken, mince the garlic, and slice the green onions.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Push the garlic to one side of the skillet. Pour the eggs into the pan and scramble them until fully cooked. Once done, mix them with the garlic.
• Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Then, add the mixed vegetables and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
• Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Add the diced chicken and mix well.
• Pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture and stir to combine everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Finally, fold in the sliced green onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
• Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, use day-old rice that has been properly chilled.

You can customize the recipe by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, or replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.

To add more spice, consider including a dash of chili sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.