Indulge in a culinary adventure with our Chicken and Bacon Fried Rice recipe, a delightful twist on the beloved classic. This dish marries the rich flavors of savory chicken, crispy bacon, and fluffy rice, seasoned to perfection. Quick and effortless to whip up, it’s an ideal choice for a fulfilling weeknight dinner that promises to tantalize taste buds and leave everyone craving for more.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease or preferred cooking oil, divided
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 5 cups COLD cooked rice
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, plus extra for serving
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ⅔ cup frozen peas
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: kosher salt (to taste)
Directions:
Cooking the Eggs:
- Heat a tablespoon of bacon grease or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet, ensuring even distribution. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional minute. Transfer the cooked egg to a cutting board, let it cool, then chop into small pieces.
Preparing the Rice:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of grease or oil and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the cold cooked rice, stirring to coat it with the oil. Cook for approximately 2 minutes.
- Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring vigorously to ensure the rice is well coated. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is thoroughly heated.
- Introduce the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and frozen peas to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Incorporate the cooked eggs and sliced green onions into the skillet. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and gently combine all ingredients. Taste the rice and add salt if necessary.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish the Chicken and Bacon Fried Rice with additional sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
- Pair this delicious dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to create a well-balanced meal.
- For added heat, serve with a side of chili sauce or Sriracha for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
- Storage Recommendations:
- Store any leftover Chicken and Bacon Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the rice to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, microwave it covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Avoid freezing the fried rice as the texture of the rice may become mushy when thawed and reheated.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 6
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option:
- Replace the chicken and bacon with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking for added flavor.
- Shrimp Fried Rice:
- Substitute the chicken and bacon with cooked shrimp for a seafood twist. Add the shrimp to the skillet along with the frozen peas and cook until heated through.
- Spicy Kick:
- Increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the other ingredients. For an extra punch of spice, drizzle with chili oil before serving.
- Pineapple Fried Rice:
- Add chunks of fresh pineapple to the skillet along with the cooked chicken and bacon for a sweet and savory combination. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Asian-Inspired Stir-Fry:
- Mix in sliced bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli florets to the skillet along with the other ingredients to create a colorful and nutritious stir-fry. Toss with a splash of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for added depth of flavor.
- Egg-Free Option:
- Omit the eggs from the recipe for a lighter version of fried rice. Increase the amount of vegetables or protein to make up for the omitted eggs.
- Cauliflower Fried Rice:
- Replace the traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains, then cook as directed in the recipe.
FAQs:
- Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of cold cooked rice?
- While cold cooked rice works best for fried rice recipes as it’s firmer and less sticky, you can use freshly cooked rice. However, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before using to achieve better results.
- Can I use other types of protein instead of chicken and bacon?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other proteins such as pork, beef, shrimp, or even tofu to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium soy sauce?
- Yes, you can use regular soy sauce, but be mindful that it might result in a saltier dish. Adjust the amount according to your taste and consider reducing the amount of additional salt added to the recipe.
- How can I prevent the rice from sticking to the skillet?
- Make sure the skillet or wok is adequately heated before adding the rice. Also, stir frequently to prevent sticking, and if necessary, add a little extra oil or cooking spray to the skillet.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- While fried rice is best served fresh, you can prepare the individual components (cooked rice, chicken, bacon, etc.) ahead of time and assemble them just before serving. Reheat gently to prevent the rice from becoming too dry.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- The recipe itself is gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. However, always double-check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, especially if you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Can I add more vegetables to the fried rice?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add diced carrots, bell peppers, corn kernels, or any other vegetables you enjoy. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they’re cooked to your liking.
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
- The chicken should no longer be pink in the center and should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Conclusion: Elevate your dinner experience with our Chicken and Bacon Fried Rice recipe, a harmonious blend of succulent chicken, crispy bacon, and fluffy rice infused with savory goodness. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s the perfect solution for a flavorful and satisfying meal that will undoubtedly become a family favorite.
