Chicken Fried Rice

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This Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for using up leftover rice and veggies. It combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice, all tossed in a savory sauce for a delightful, well-rounded dish.

Ingredients:

Chicken:

  • 2 lbs chicken breast or chicken thigh meat, boneless skinless
  • 2 tbsp peanut oil (canola or vegetable oil will work too)
  • 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce

Vegetables:

  • 2 tbsp peanut oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce

Eggs:

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce

Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 ½ tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1-2 tsp sesame seed oil (optional)

Rice:

  • 5 cups cold cooked rice

Directions:

Prepare Ingredients:

Dice the chicken and vegetables, whisk the eggs with a splash of soy sauce, and mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame seed oil (if using).

Cook Chicken:

Preheat a large wok or a large non-stick cooking pan with tall sides over medium-high heat. Add oil and sauté the chicken with soy sauce until just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Cook Vegetables:

Add a little more oil to the pan if needed and add the onions and carrots. Cook until softened, then add peas and cook for another minute.

Sauté Garlic and Ginger:

Make a well in the middle of the vegetables, add garlic and ginger with a splash of oil. Sauté just until fragrant, then mix it in with the vegetables.

Cook Eggs:

Spread the vegetables to the sides of the pan and pour the whisked eggs into the middle. Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs cook for a couple of minutes, until almost set.

Combine Rice and Eggs:

Fluff the rice and add it to the pan. Stir to combine with the vegetables and eggs.

Add Chicken and Sauce:

Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir to combine. Pour the sauce mixture over the rice and mix well to coat everything evenly. Sauté for a couple of minutes to heat through.

Serve:

Remove from heat and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish: Enhance the flavor and presentation of your Chicken Fried Rice by garnishing with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
  2. Side Dishes: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, egg rolls, or a simple soup like miso or hot and sour to complement the meal.
  3. Customization: Feel free to customize your fried rice by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or baby corn. You can also include protein variations such as shrimp or tofu.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of water or a bit of oil to the rice and microwave it in a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a pan over medium heat, stirring often.
  3. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze Chicken Fried Rice. Place the cooled rice in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  4. Thawing: Thaw frozen fried rice in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also reheat it directly from frozen by adding a bit of water and microwaving it, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Chicken Fried Rice remains fresh and delicious, whether enjoyed immediately or saved for later.

Variations:

1. Vegetable Fried Rice:

  • Ingredients: Replace the chicken with extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, and mushrooms.
  • Preparation: Follow the same steps, omitting the chicken and increasing the quantity of vegetables to make a hearty, vegetarian-friendly dish.

2. Shrimp Fried Rice:

  • Ingredients: Substitute chicken with peeled and deveined shrimp.
  • Preparation: Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, then remove from the pan and proceed with the recipe. Add the shrimp back in when you combine the rice and vegetables.

3. Pork Fried Rice:

  • Ingredients: Use diced pork tenderloin or leftover roasted pork instead of chicken.
  • Preparation: Cook the pork until browned and cooked through, then remove from the pan and continue with the recipe. Add the pork back in when mixing the rice and vegetables.

4. Beef Fried Rice:

  • Ingredients: Replace chicken with thinly sliced beef, such as flank steak or sirloin.
  • Preparation: Cook the beef slices until browned and just cooked through, then set aside. Add back in when combining the rice and vegetables.

5. Tofu Fried Rice:

  • Ingredients: Use firm tofu as a protein substitute.
  • Preparation: Press and cube the tofu, then sauté until golden brown. Remove from the pan and continue with the recipe. Add the tofu back in with the rice and vegetables.

6. Kimchi Fried Rice:

  • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of chopped kimchi and 2 tablespoons of kimchi juice.
  • Preparation: Sauté the kimchi along with the vegetables for a tangy and spicy twist.

7. Pineapple Fried Rice:

  • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of diced pineapple and 1/4 cup of cashews or peanuts.
  • Preparation: Stir in the pineapple and nuts towards the end of cooking for a sweet and savory combination.

8. Thai Basil Fried Rice:

  • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves and 1-2 Thai chilies, finely chopped.
  • Preparation: Stir in the basil leaves and chilies at the end of cooking for a fragrant and spicy flavor.

9. Curry Fried Rice:

  • Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of curry powder.
  • Preparation: Sprinkle curry powder over the vegetables while they cook, stirring well to combine the flavors.

10. Cauliflower Fried Rice:

  • Ingredients: Substitute cooked rice with riced cauliflower for a low-carb option.
  • Preparation: Use riced cauliflower in place of the cold cooked rice. Adjust the cooking time as cauliflower rice cooks faster than regular rice.

Experiment with these variations to create your own signature fried rice dish, tailored to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy the versatility and deliciousness of this adaptable meal!

FAQs:

1. Can I use leftover rice for Chicken Fried Rice?

Yes, using leftover rice is actually preferred for fried rice recipes. Cold, day-old rice has a firmer texture and is less likely to become mushy when stir-fried.

2. What type of rice is best for Chicken Fried Rice?

Long-grain rice such as jasmine or basmati works best for fried rice due to its fluffy texture and ability to separate easily. However, you can also use medium-grain or short-grain rice if that’s what you have on hand.

3. How can I make my Chicken Fried Rice less greasy?

To make your fried rice less greasy, use minimal oil when cooking and opt for healthier oils such as canola or vegetable oil. Ensure you’re not adding too much soy sauce, as this can also add to the greasiness.

4. Can I make Chicken Fried Rice without soy sauce?

Yes, you can make fried rice without soy sauce. Use alternatives like tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos, or liquid aminos to maintain a savory flavor. You can also season with salt and other spices to your taste.

5. Is Chicken Fried Rice gluten-free?

Traditional Chicken Fried Rice is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce. However, you can make it gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

6. How do I prevent my fried rice from becoming mushy?

To prevent mushiness, ensure your rice is cold and dry before cooking. Avoid overcooking the rice initially and do not add too much liquid during the stir-frying process.

7. Can I freeze Chicken Fried Rice?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Fried Rice. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

8. What other proteins can I use in place of chicken?

You can substitute chicken with other proteins such as shrimp, beef, pork, tofu, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different variation of fried rice.

9. How can I make Chicken Fried Rice more flavorful?

Enhance the flavor by adding ingredients like oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, or a splash of rice vinegar. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also add a burst of flavor.

10. Can I make Chicken Fried Rice without a wok?

Yes, you can make Chicken Fried Rice in a large skillet or non-stick frying pan if you don’t have a wok. Ensure the pan is large enough to allow for easy stirring and even cooking.

These FAQs should help you create the perfect Chicken Fried Rice while accommodating various preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile dish!

This Chicken Fried Rice recipe promises a flavorful blend of ingredients, perfect for a quick family dinner or a meal prep option. Enjoy the fusion of chicken, vegetables, and rice in every savory bite!