This Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a classic Asian dish that is both delicious and easy to make. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and transform it into a quick, yet satisfying meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch.
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is a beloved Asian-inspired dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken, fragrant jasmine rice, and an array of colorful vegetables in a harmonious fusion of flavors and textures. It's a crowd-pleasing favorite known for its delicious simplicity.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked Rice (preferably day-old rice)
- 2 Chicken Breast cut into small pieces
- 2 Eggs beaten
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Carrots finely diced
- 1/2 cups Green Peas
- 3 Green Onions chopped
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Rice: If you're using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray and let it cool. This helps to dry out the rice so it doesn't become mushy when stir-frying.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs: In the same pan, add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté Veggies: Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions become translucent. Add the carrots and peas, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked rice, cooked chicken, and scrambled eggs back into the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together, making sure the soy sauce is evenly distributed.
- Finish with Green Onions: Add the chopped green onions and toss everything together for another minute.
- Serve: Serve the chicken fried rice hot, optionally garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds.
Tips and Information
Preparation and Cooking: Chicken Fried Rice is known for its quick and straightforward preparation, making it a convenient option for weeknight dinners or when you’re short on time. The key steps involve stir-frying chicken, vegetables, and rice with a combination of seasonings, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Serving Suggestions: This dish is often served as a standalone meal but can also be paired with other Asian favorites like egg rolls, spring rolls, or potstickers. Additionally, it can be customized with your choice of protein, such as shrimp, tofu, or pork, to suit your preferences.
Nutritional Notes: Chicken Fried Rice is a balanced meal that provides a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients from the vegetables. It’s relatively low in fat, especially when cooked with minimal oil, and offers a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Experience the Fusion of Flavors: Chicken Fried Rice embodies the art of combining diverse ingredients to create a harmonious culinary experience. Whether enjoyed as a quick dinner option or shared with family and friends during gatherings, it’s a dish that transcends cultural boundaries. The medley of flavors and textures in each bite invites you to savor the delicious synergy that makes Chicken Fried Rice a timeless favorite in Asian cuisine.
Tips and Overview
- Rice Texture: Using day-old rice is key for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can become too sticky.
- Protein Variation: You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different twist.
- Vegetable Choices: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or bean sprouts.
- Soy Sauce: Adjust the amount of soy sauce to your taste. For a gluten-free option, use tamari.
- Heat Level: If you like it spicy, add a bit of Sriracha or chili flakes.