Chicken fried rice is a delightful harmony of flavors that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite. Picture this: tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and colorful vegetables all mingling together in a savory soy sauce embrace, creating an aroma that could make anyone’s mouth water. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
I still remember the first time I tried chicken fried rice; it was at a bustling food market where the air was filled with the sounds of sizzling woks and laughter. I watched in awe as the chef tossed ingredients into the pan like a culinary magician, transforming humble grains into a feast fit for royalty. Now, this dish has become my go-to for celebrations and cozy nights alike because who doesn’t want to impress their friends while keeping things easy?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken fried rice is not just quick to whip up; it’s bursting with flavor that will transport you straight to your favorite takeout spot.
- You can easily adapt it based on what’s hiding in your fridge.
- The beautiful colors make it a showstopper on any dinner table.
- It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, making it as versatile as your wardrobe!
Ingredients for chicken fried rice
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless Chicken Thighs: These are juicy and packed with flavor; feel free to use breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
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Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works best because it’s dryer and won’t turn mushy when stir-fried.
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Carrots: Diced or shredded, carrots add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to your dish.
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Green Peas: Fresh or frozen peas bring a pop of green and are packed with nutrients.
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Eggs: These add richness and help bind everything together in perfect harmony.
For the Sauce:
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Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce for better control over the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
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Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil adds depth and an irresistible nutty aroma.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make chicken fried rice
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking. Chop your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, dice the carrots, and measure out the cooked rice (make sure it’s cold).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add some oil. Once hot, toss in the chicken pieces. Cook until they turn golden brown and are no longer pink inside—this should take about six minutes.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Now it’s time to bring on the veggies! Add diced carrots and peas to the pan. Stir them around for about three minutes until they soften but still retain some crunch.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push everything to one side of the skillet and crack two eggs into the empty space. Stir them quickly until they are scrambled and fluffy, then mix them back into your chicken-veggie medley.
Step 5: Incorporate Rice
Add your cold cooked rice to the skillet along with soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix everything together thoroughly so that each grain of rice gets coated with those delicious flavors—this should take about two minutes.
Step 6: Final Touches
Taste your creation! Adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more soy sauce or sesame oil if desired. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions for added freshness.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra soy sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your homemade chicken fried rice!
You Must Know
- This delightful chicken fried rice recipe is not just about satisfying those late-night cravings; it’s a culinary adventure!
- The colors and textures will make your kitchen feel like a bustling Asian eatery.
- Quick to whip up, it’s perfect for any day of the week!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking your chicken first until it’s golden brown and delicious. While that sizzles away, prep your veggies and rice. Once the chicken is done, toss in the vegetables, followed by the rice and sauce for a quick stir-fry.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a fun twist. Add more veggies like bell peppers or peas to boost nutrition. Don’t forget optional garnishes such as green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover chicken fried rice, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to revive that fresh taste and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect chicken fried rice, use day-old rice for better texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to ensure even cooking.
- Lastly, don’t skip on seasoning; a splash of soy sauce can elevate everything!
After my first attempt at making chicken fried rice, I received an enthusiastic thumbs-up from my kids, who claimed it was “better than takeout!” Their excitement made me realize that homemade meals can indeed compete with restaurant fare.
FAQs :
What ingredients do you need for chicken fried rice?
To make delicious chicken fried rice, gather the following ingredients: cooked rice (preferably day-old), diced chicken breast, mixed vegetables such as peas and carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and green onions. delicious chocolate chip cookies You can also add eggs or other proteins to enhance flavor and texture. Using day-old rice helps to achieve the right consistency, preventing the dish from becoming mushy.
How long does it take to prepare chicken fried rice?
Preparing chicken fried rice takes approximately 30 minutes. This includes about 10 minutes for chopping ingredients and cooking the chicken, followed by another 15-20 minutes for stir-frying everything together. Using pre-cooked rice can significantly speed up the process. Overall, this quick meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe.
Can you customize chicken fried rice?
Absolutely! Chicken fried rice is highly customizable. You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu according to your preference. Additionally, feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand like bell peppers or broccoli. Adjusting the seasonings and sauces also allows you to tailor the dish to your taste. The versatility of this recipe makes it a favorite for many home cooks.
Is chicken fried rice healthy?
Chicken fried rice can be a healthy meal option if prepared with fresh ingredients and controlled portions of oil and soy sauce. By using brown rice instead of white rice and incorporating plenty of vegetables, you increase its nutritional value. no bake cheesecake option Lean protein from chicken provides essential nutrients while keeping calories in check. strawberry cheesecake bites Overall, with mindful preparation, you can enjoy a satisfying and nutritious dish.
Conclusion for chicken fried rice :
In summary, chicken fried rice is a versatile and convenient dish that can be tailored to suit your tastes or dietary needs. By using fresh ingredients like lean chicken and colorful vegetables, you create a flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare. Whether you’re using leftover rice or customizing with various proteins, this dish remains a go-to favorite for many households. Enjoy your homemade chicken fried rice as a delicious weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch option!
Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken fried rice is a quick and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, colorful veggies, and savory soy sauce in a delightful stir-fry. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this adaptable recipe allows you to utilize leftover rice and customize it with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish right at home!
Ingredients
- 2 cups day-old cooked rice
- 1 cup boneless chicken thighs, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (for frying)
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping the chicken and dicing the vegetables.
- Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown, about 6 minutes.
- Add carrots and peas to the skillet, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until softened.
- Push ingredients to one side of the skillet and scramble the eggs in the empty space until fluffy. Mix everything together.
- Stir in cold rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for another 2 minutes until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning if needed, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
