Chicken Fried Rice is the essence of quick, flavorful cuisine. This dish, a stir-fry staple, combines succulent boneless chicken, vibrant vegetables, and tender rice, creating a delightful interplay of flavors and textures. Ready in a mere 30 minutes, it's the ideal solution for a fast and fulfilling meal.
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Elevating the humble rice dish, this homemade recipe is perfect for any meal, be it a leisurely lunch or a speedy dinner. Its versatility is its charm, allowing for an array of vegetables and proteins - a splendid way to repurpose leftovers.
The recipe's standout feature is its marinade, infusing the chicken with a deep umami essence and a gentle hint of spice. Skillfully stir-fried, the chicken, alongside fragrant vegetables and fluffy scrambled eggs, blends seamlessly with the rice, resulting in a satisfying and aromatic dish.
Experience the joys of a restaurant-quality meal with this Chicken Fried Rice. It's not just a dish; it's a celebration of simplicity and taste, ready to brighten your weeknight dinners.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For this delightful Chicken Fried Rice, the essentials are simple and easily accessible. Most ingredients are likely already in your pantry or available at a nearby grocery store. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need:
Ingredients for Marination:
- Chicken Choice: Opt for boneless chicken breasts or thighs, ideal for stir-fry. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for quicker and even cooking.
- Seasoning Powders: Utilize basic seasonings like onion, garlic, and black pepper powders. These add depth with their warm, garlicky, and earthy notes.
- Sauces for Depth: Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, red chili sauce, and soy sauce. These lend an authentic Chinese flair to your marinade, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Ingredients for Stir-Frying:
- Aromatics: Incorporate onion and garlic for their warm, sweet, and savory notes. Garnish with green onions to enhance the dish's flavor.
- Vegetables: Use green peas and carrots as the primary veggies. Feel free to swap in mushrooms, broccoli, or cauliflower for variety.
- Rice: Opt for leftover or cold rice such as white, brown, basmati, or jasmine, known for their firmer texture. If using freshly cooked rice, allow it to cool for 2-3 hours to achieve a similar consistency.
- Vinegar: Add a dash of vinegar for a subtle sour and tangy accent.
- Oil: Sesame oil is ideal for its distinctive, earthy taste, but peanut or canola oil are suitable alternatives.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice at Home?
Get ready to bring this Chicken Fried Rice recipe to life! Follow along with our step-by-step photos and video to master this flavorful dish with ease. Let's get cooking!
Explore a Variety of Flavored Rice Dishes:
- Fried Rice
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Schezwan Fried Rice
- Egg Fried Rice
- Nasi Goreng
- Chicken Biryani
- Baked Chicken and Rice
- Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Mexican Rice
Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
For Marination
- 0.75 lb Boneless Chicken, bite size pieces
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce, low sodium
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Chili Sauce
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Onion Powder, optional
For Stir Frying
- 4 cups White Rice
- 3 tbsp Onion, chopped
- 2 tsp Garlic, chopped
- 3 tsp Green Onion, chopped
- ¼ cup Green Peas
- ¼ cup Carrot, chopped
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Rice Vinegar
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce, low sodium
- Salt, as needed
- 3 tbsp Sesame Oil, 2 tbsp for chicken + 1 tbsp for Stir frying
- Green Onions, to garnish
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
- Begin your Chicken Fried Rice by marinating boneless chicken in a blend of garlic powder, black pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, chili, and soy sauce. Let it sit for about 10 minutes as you get the vegetables ready.
To Make Chicken Fried Rice
- Start by heating sesame oil in a wok on high heat. Lay the marinated chicken in an even layer and fry for about 45 to 60 seconds.
- Stir-fry the chicken until it turns pale and golden, then remove it and set it aside.
- In the same wok, add a bit more oil. Sauté onions, garlic, and green onions until they release their fragrance.
- Add the green peas and carrots, sprinkle a pinch of salt, and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until they're just right - crisp yet tender.
- Make room in the wok by pushing the veggies to the edges, creating a central space. Crack the eggs into this space and gently scramble them, blending them with the veggies.
- Next, add the rice, fried chicken, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, a sprinkle of black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the wok. Stir everything together thoroughly and fry for 1 minute on high heat, ensuring all the flavors meld beautifully.
- Finally, garnish your Chicken Fried Rice with fresh green onions for an added burst of flavor. Then, remove the wok from the heat, and your dish is ready to serve.
To Serve
- Serve the Chicken Fried Rice as is for a satisfying meal, or pair it with your favorite chicken dishes, appetizers, and even some ketchup for added flavor. It's perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Marinate the Chicken: Enhance the chicken with basic seasonings and sauces for that umami-rich, restaurant-style flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh produce to elevate the overall taste and quality of your dish.
- Rice Texture: Day-old rice is ideal for its firmer, less moist texture. If using fresh rice, let it rest for 2-3 hours to avoid sogginess when stir-fried.
- Preparation: Have all ingredients ready before you begin, as stir-frying is a quick process.
- Cooking Temperature: Maintain high heat in your wok or pan and use a high-quality wok or non-stick pan for optimal results.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Discover a variety of rice and stir-fry dishes, from fragrant biryanis to colorful Asian dishes. Our collection, rich in herbs and spices, is perfect for culinary explorers seeking to tantalize their taste buds with global tastes.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your meal with these delightful and popular side dishes, each a crowd-pleaser in its own right. Discover the perfect companions for your Chicken Fried Rice with these pairing suggestions.
- Egg Drop Soup: A light, flavorful soup that complements the rich flavors of the fried rice.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls add a delightful crunch and are a popular choice with fried rice.
- Sautéed Green Beans: A simple, healthy side dish that adds freshness to the meal.
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: For those who enjoy a mix of flavors, this dish pairs wonderfully with the savory rice.
- Stir-Fried Broccoli in Garlic Sauce: Adds a nutritious and flavorful veggie side that's easy to make.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, tangy salad that offers a crisp contrast to the fried rice.
- Steamed Dumplings or Gyoza: These are a great appetizer to start the meal, complementing the rice's texture and flavor.
- Tofu Stir-Fry: A perfect option for vegetarians, adding variety to the meal.
- Beef and Broccoli: A classic Chinese dish that pairs well with chicken fried rice for a more substantial meal.
- Mango Pudding or Fortune Cookies: End the meal with a light, sweet dessert like mango pudding or traditional fortune cookies.
- Indo-Chinese Favorites: Elevate your Chicken Fried Rice by pairing it with beloved Indo-Chinese delights such as chilli chicken, chicken manchurian, chicken lollipop and chilli paneer. These flavorful dishes add a vibrant and diverse touch to your meal.
Storage Suggestions
For optimal taste, enjoy Chicken Fried Rice fresh and warm. For storage, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay good for up to two days.
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