Introduction
As far as tasty and fast meals go, the easy chicken fried rice recipe deserves special attention. It is one of the best dishes to eat, as it includes all the necessary ingredients, such as chicken, rice, vegetables, egg, and spices. The dish can be made for lunch, to have a quick dinner, or prepped for the entire week. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
First of all, there is a huge difference between the restaurant’s version of the meal and the homemade one. Take-out and restaurant-fried chicken rice contain many additional ingredients, including oil, salt, and preservatives that may be harmful to your health. Homemade chicken fried rice is fresh and healthier, and it can be customized according to your preferences. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
In addition, it helps you to reduce food waste as the dish is cooked using the rice leftovers. In less than 30 minutes, you can prepare delicious and crispy rice with chicken. Every bite is filled with fresh chicken, tasty and perfectly seasoned rice, crisp vegetables, and fragrant garlic.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Chicken fried rice is one of the most popular Chinese dishes. Nowadays, each country has its own version of the dish. While some use spicy sauce, others use various vegetables, chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu. Despite this variety, all chicken fried rice recipes use the same cooking technique, which includes separate cooking of the ingredients, stir-frying them over high heat, and seasoning with a delicious sauce.
It is important to know how to cook fried rice properly and make it crunchy. For example, the main ingredient of chicken rice is rice, but freshly cooked rice should not be used, as it is too humid and sticky during cooking. That is why you should use cold rice cooked at least a day ago. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Another advantage of the chicken fried rice recipe is that it is flexible and easy to modify. For instance, you can substitute any ingredients according to what you have at home. You don’t have to use peas, so you can replace them with broccoli or include more vegetables of your choice. If you like spicy food, you can add some chili sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
Through this comprehensive guide, you will be able to find out everything that you need to know about how to make the best chicken fried rice from home. With information ranging from the selection of the perfect rice to the right type of marinade for the chicken, this recipe will help you cook the perfect meal each and every time.
Find out how simple it is to make your very own chicken fried rice through this easy recipe.
Ingredients Required
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
The reason behind the easiness of this recipe lies in the usage of common ingredients, which are available in almost every kitchen. Fresh ingredients help in giving you the best-tasting and best-looking fried rice.
For the Chicken
. 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts (cut in small cubes)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Rice
4 cups cooked and cold long-grain rice (preferably day-old rice)
Jasmine rice, basmati rice, or long-grain white rice should be used. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Vegetables
1 cup green peas
1 cup diced carrots
½ cup sweet corn
½ cup diced bell peppers
4 green onions (chopped)
. 4 garlic cloves (minced)
. 1 small onion (finely chopped)
Eggs
2 large eggs
. Pinch of salt
. Pinch of black pepper
Sauces and Seasonings
2 tablespoons soy sauce
. 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Salt to taste
Cooking Oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
. 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for finishing)
Selecting the Right Ingredients
Although chicken fried rice is a very easy recipe, using high-quality ingredients can make a lot of difference.
Right, Chicken.
Fresh boneless chicken breast is most favored by people because it cooks easily and becomes soft. Also, chicken thigh is good in terms of juiciness. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Right Rice
Always use long-grain rice because it stays fluffy after being fried.
Some great choices include:
. Jasmine Rice
. Basmati Rice
. Long-Grain White Rice
Avoid sticky rice or newly cooked rice.
Fresh Vegetables
Fresh vegetables are preferred over canned vegetables as far as flavor and texture are concerned. Frozen peas and corn are absolutely fine.
Preparation Before Cooking
Professional chefs prepare each ingredient before starting the cooking process in order to save time.
This way of cooking is called “mise en place,” which translates into “everything in its place.”
Preparing all the ingredients before cooking saves a lot of time in stir-frying, as the cooking process is very fast.
Before starting to heat the pan:
. Cut chicken in small cubes.
. Chop the onion.
. Mince the garlic.
. Slice green onions.
. Cut the carrots into pieces.
. Measure all the sauces.
. Beat the eggs.
Fluf up the cooked rice using a hand or fork.
Prepare all the ingredients and ensure that nothing gets burnt while you are searching for other ingredients. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
How to Marinate the Chicken
Despite the simplicity of this dish, 15-20 minutes of marinating will make a difference in terms of taste and texture.
In a bowl, mix:
. Chicken cubes
. Soy sauce
. Garlic powder
. Black pepper
. Salt
. Paprika
Make sure everything is well combined so that each piece of chicken is covered.
Cover the bowl and let it stay aside while you’re getting ready with the vegetables.
Marination helps to season chicken before cooking, adding up flavors of your fried rice.
Preparation of the Rice
Rice is the soul of this recipe, so its proper preparation is one of the main stages of this meal.
If you’re cooking rice, especially for the fried rice, then prepare it several hours before cooking time or the day before.
Spread the cooked rice on a wide tray and leave it to cool down completely. After that, put it in the fridge.
Colder air will help to reduce the moisture from the rice; thus, you will have dry, fluffy grains that fry perfectly without sticking to each other.
Before cooking, carefully separate any clots using your hands or a fork. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
You shouldn’t use hot rice, and especially moistened rice, as in this case, your fried rice won’t turn out dry enough.
How to Cook
Step 1: Cooking of the Chicken
Warm up one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over the stove. Add the pieces of marinated chicken once the oil is heated to medium-high temperature, in a single layer.
Don’t overcrowd the pan because it is a medium-high; your chicken won’t fry but will only steam. Fry it for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, till it gets a nice golden color and becomes thoroughly cooked.
It should have an inner temperature of 75°C (165°F). Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and place on a separate plate. In this way, you’ll preserve its juices while being able to cook other ingredients apart.
Step 2: Scrambling the Eggs
Use the same pan, and if needed, add a little bit of oil. Fry the eggs seasoned with salt and pepper till soft curds appear.
Don’t overcook the eggs since they will cook a little bit while being mixed with the rice.
Transfer the scrambled eggs to the plate with chicken.
Step 3: Sautéing the Aromatics
Put one more tablespoon of vegetable oil in the wok. As soon as the oil gets heated, put finely chopped onions and sauté for about 2 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
Now put the finely minced garlic in the mixture and sauté it while stirring it for about 30 seconds. Garlic will get burnt easily, so you need to stir it continuously. This is when the flavor starts developing.
Step 4: Cooking the Vegetables
First put in the diced carrots because they require a little bit longer time to cook. After 2-3 minutes, add the rest of the vegetables—the peas, corn, and bell peppers. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Keep cooking them for 3-4 minutes over high heat and do not let them turn soft.
Step 5: Adding the Rice
Before adding the rice, turn the heat to high. High heat is another key point of how to cook restaurant-style fried rice. It removes excess moisture from the rice and gives it an unusual smoky taste.
Pour the rice into the pan in several portions, if necessary. Use a spatula to disassemble the lumps of rice. Keep tossing rice constantly to ensure it heats evenly.
Do not press the rice down in the pan, which can make it sticky. Instead, use fast stirring motions to keep the grains loose and separated.
Step 6: Seasoning the Fried Rice with the Sauces
Now it’s time to season your rice. Pour the sauce in a circle along the sides of the wok, rather than right onto the rice. In this way, you will let the sauce caramelize slightly.
Add:
. 2 tbsp soy sauce
. 1 tbsp oyster sauce
. 1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp white pepper
. 1 tsp sugar (optional)
Stir everything to coat each grain with the sauces. It should be nicely golden brown without being wet.
Step 7: Returning the Chicken and Eggs
Add the fried chicken pieces into the pan, along with scrambled eggs, and stir all for 2-3 minutes.
Test your fried rice for seasoning. You can add more soy sauce if you need a more intense flavor, but do it carefully to avoid over-salting.
Step 8: Garnishing the Dish
Turn off the heat and stir in finely chopped green onions. Their fresh flavor makes the dish even brighter and tastier.
If you like more aromatic dishes, drizzle a few drops of sesame oil over the rice.
Now you know how to cook chicken fried rice at home.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Tips from a Chef to Make the Best Chicken Fried Rice
The best fried rice depends on the right technique, and following the steps below will ensure success.
- Always Use Cold Rice
Cold rice is the most important secret for making perfect fried rice since refrigerated rice loses the excess moisture and does not get glued together during the cooking process.
Fried rice made with freshly cooked rice often turns into sticky mush.
- Cook Using High Heat
Chefs cook fried rice in large woks using high heat, as it allows them to cook the ingredients quickly and keep vegetables crunchy and add the light smoky flavor.
- Don’t Crowd the Wok
Overcrowding of the wok with the ingredients leads to lowering its temperature and steaming instead of frying the ingredients. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
In case you have a lot of ingredients, it is better to cook in two batches.
- Prepare the Ingredients in Advance
Cooking of the fried rice takes place very fast, and it is essential to have everything prepared in advance in order to avoid overcooking and to make cooking smooth.
- Do Not Add Too Much Sauce
It is believed that more sauce gives more flavor, but this is wrong since too much sauce can ruin the fried rice, making it too soft and salty.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe.
- Fry the Rice
Mix the rice with the sauces and let it cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds in order to get the crispy texture and enhanced flavor.
- Taste the Food Before Serving
Tasting of the fried rice before serving is always required since small changes in the amount of salt, pepper, and soy sauce will make a difference. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Mix the rice with the sauces and let it cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds in order to get the crispy texture and enhanced flavor. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Tasty Modifications
Another good feature of chicken fried rice is that you can modify this dish according to your preferences.
Spicy Chicken Fried Rice
For those who love spicy food, it will be great to add some of the following ingredients:
. Chili flakes
. Chopped fresh chilies
. Sriracha sauce
. Chili-garlic sauce
. Crushed red pepper
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
With the addition of these ingredients, this chicken fried rice becomes spicy without changing the cooking process.
Healthy Chicken Fried Rice
In order to prepare healthy chicken fried rice:
. Use brown rice instead of white rice.
. Add additional vegetables: broccoli, spinach, and zucchini.
. Use less oil.
. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
. More lean chicken breast should be used.
It means that in this case you have a dish, which contains more fiber and fewer calories.
Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
If you prefer garlic, then you may double the amount of minced garlic in this recipe.
Also, roasted garlic is able to enhance the taste of your dish.
Extra-Vegetable Chicken Fried Rice
Additional vegetables, which can be added, include the following:
. Mushrooms
. Broccoli
. Bell peppers
. Cabbage
. Baby corn
. Snap peas
. Green beans
. Edamame
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
The additional vegetables provide additional nutrients and texture to your dish.
Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
To make a takeout version of your dish:
. Use high heat.
. Use sesame oil sparingly.
. Oyster sauce is required.
. Also add green onions at the end.
Serve it hot.
Nutritional Value
There are different ingredients in this dish, which influence its nutritional value. However, here are some estimates per one serving:
Per Serving
. Calories: 450-500
. Protein: 30 g
. Carbohydrates: 42 g
. Fat: 17 g
. Saturated Fat: 3 g
. Fiber: 4 g
. Sugar: 5 g
. Sodium: 700-800 mg
. Cholesterol: 120 mg
Health Benefits
Chicken fried rice is able to become a component of a healthy diet due to the following reasons.
Chicken provides lean protein for the development and maintenance of muscles.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Rice provides carbohydrates, which are necessary for providing energy.
Vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which are necessary for digestion.
Eggs contain high-quality protein as well as vitamin D and vitamin B12.
Homemade chicken fried rice is much healthier than restaurant takeout.
Side Dishes to Pair With Chicken Fried Rice
While chicken fried rice is a meal in itself, it becomes all the more tasty when paired with side dishes.
Some great side dishes are
Side Dishes to Pair With Chicken Fried Rice
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
While chicken fried rice is a meal in itself, it becomes all the more tasty when paired with side dishes.
. Vegetable spring rolls
. Hot and sour soup
. Sweet corn soup
. Garlic bread
. Chicken wings
. Chicken kebabs
. Stir-fried broccoli
. Cucumber salad
. Asian coleslaw
. Steam vegetables.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
For dips, you can go for:
. Sweet chili sauce
. Soy sauce
. Garlic chili sauce
. Spicy mayonnaise
. Teriyaki sauce
Storing Your Chicken Fried Rice
Another great advantage of chicken fried rice is its storability, which makes it perfect for meal prep.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Storing in the Fridge
Let the dish cool down completely before storing it. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Then transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Make sure you do not leave any cooked rice standing at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as bacteria will grow fast.
Storing in the Freezer
Chicken fried rice freezes quite well.
Divide the dish into single-serving portions and store them in either a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag.
Store the portions for up to 2 months.
Mark the date on every container to know when it was made.
Instructions for Reheating
Reheating on a Stove
Warm a non-stick frying pan over medium heat, and add some oil or some water. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Then put the fried rice into the pan and stir it constantly for about 4-5 minutes until the dish is heated.
Reheating in a Microwave
Put the rice in a microwave-safe container.
Pour a tablespoon of water onto the rice in order to refresh the dish.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Cover the bowl lightly and heat the rice for about 2-3 minutes, stirring the rice half way through the heating period.
Never forget to check if the chicken in your rice is thoroughly heated before eating.
Meal Prep Hints
Chicken fried rice is an excellent meal prep choice.
Make a big portion of the dish and split it into single servings for quick meals during the week.
Keep fresh garnishes separate—add them only when it is time to eat your meal.
If you like having something different for lunch, make extra portions of vegetables or sauce to diversify your dish. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is it possible to use freshly cooked rice instead of leftover rice?
Certainly, you may use freshly cooked rice. However, for getting the right texture, it is necessary to cool it down completely prior to frying. Fresh rice contains more moisture, hence making the fried rice sticky. In case there is no leftover rice, spread it on a baking tray and refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours.
- Which rice is the best one for chicken fried rice?
It is better to use long-grain varieties of rice such as Jasmine Rice, Basmati Rice, and Long-Grain White Rice, since the grains stay fluffy and separate after frying. Sticky rice and overcooked rice will give you a mushy texture of the dish.
- Is it possible to prepare chicken fried rice without eggs?
Of course, eggs provide additional proteins, yet they are optional. If you want to have a meal without eggs, you can just omit them or substitute them with more veggies such as mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, or tofu. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Can I make my chicken fried rice healthier?
Certainly, your home-made chicken fried rice is already healthier than that prepared in restaurants, since you control its components. If you want it to become healthier, then follow these simple steps:
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Use brown rice instead of white rice.
Go for lean chicken breast.
Include more vegetables.
Apply low-sodium soy sauce.
Cut back on the use of oil.
Exclude sugar in case you do not need it.
- How long can my chicken fried rice stay fresh?
In case you store it in an airtight container, chicken fried rice keeps fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. However, in case you put it in the freezer, it will keep fresh for about 2 months. Always heat it up properly before serving.
- Is it possible to freeze chicken fried rice?
Sure. Chicken fried rice freezes excellently. You should only portion it and put it in the freezer-safe containers, labeling them with the date. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Why is restaurant fried rice so tasty?
Most restaurants have strong gas ovens and can cook their food at a high temperature. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe provides a slightly smoky flavor called “wok hei. “Even if your stove doesn’t provide such a temperature, you can still achieve the same effect by using a large wok, cooking in small portions, and frying at the maximum temperature possible.
- Which veggies can I add?
There is a very wide variety of delicious vegetables that can be used to prepare chicken fried rice. Here are some examples: Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Carrots
Green peas
Sweet corn
Bell peppers
Mushrooms
Broccoli
Baby corn
Cabbage
Spinach
Green beans
Snap peas
Edamame
Adding different-colored vegetables makes the dish more nutritious and eye-catching.
- Can I use the cooked chicken leftovers?
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe: Absolutely! Chicken fried rice is one of the most useful dishes for utilizing all sorts of leftover chicken. Just cut the chicken into small pieces and add it in the last step of preparation.
- Is chicken fried rice suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This dish is very suitable for preparing lunch portions ahead.
Chef’s Secrets
If you want to make restaurant-grade fried rice at home, all you have to do is use some cooking secrets of professional chefs. Here is how to fry delicious rice properly. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Use High Heat.
Never use low heat because the rice becomes mushy. It should be crispy, which requires medium-high to high heat.
Pre-cook everything.
The stir-frying process takes minutes, so chop all vegetables, measure seasonings, beat eggs, and cut chicken into strips before starting to cook.
Do Not Add Too Much Sauce
Beginners add lots of sauce thinking that more seasoning means more flavor. This mistake leads to overly salty and soggy fried rice. Start from a small amount of soy sauce and increase it when needed.
Cook Each Ingredient Separately
Chicken, eggs, and vegetables should be cooked separately. Only then do they need to be added to the rice.
Keep Stirring
Frequent stirring prevents burning and distributes seasonings through rice better.
Add chopped green onions.
They can be added only a few seconds before serving and give fresh aroma and taste to the rice.
Taste Your Rice
It’s important to taste your dish right before serving and add some more seasoning if needed.
Conclusion
The Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is the ideal combination of comfort food and healthy nutrition. Cooked with tasty chicken, fragrant rice, fresh vegetables, eggs, and savory seasonings, it makes a wholesome meal easy to prepare. Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe The most convenient feature of this recipe is its versatility. You can use leftovers of any rice, experiment with vegetables, and try out new flavors of seasonings and sauces. It’s also a good way to pre-cook a meal, which will allow you to eat home-cooked food without spending much time.
By following the recipe, tips of chefs, and using expert techniques in this article, you’ll be able to cook restaurant-quality chicken fried rice in your kitchen. Just remember to chill rice, use high heat, add not too much sauce, and keep fresh ingredients.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Whatever the occasion is—be it a hectic weekday mealtime or an entertaining one—this tasty homemade fried rice recipe will surely win hearts. Enjoy it piping hot and garnished with green onions with any accompaniment of your choice.
Happy Cooking! 🍚🍗