Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is a beloved dish that combines fragrant rice, tender chicken, and a rainbow of vegetables. This quick and satisfying meal is perfect for busy weeknights, and it offers a delicious way to use up leftover rice and chicken. With its savory soy sauce and the delightful textural contrast of the tender rice and crunchy veggies, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 350
- Protein: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 700 mg
Why Make This Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
Making Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is a rewarding culinary experience. This recipe is not only simple but also highly adaptable. You can easily switch out ingredients based on what’s in your fridge. This dish is a great way to prove that homemade meals can be just as delicious as takeout, allowing you to savor rich flavors while controlling the ingredients. Plus, it’s a wonderful dish for meal prep as it tastes great even when reheated.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
## Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
## Directions:
### Step 1: Heating the Oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
### Step 2: Scrambling the Eggs
Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Once done, remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
### Step 3: Stir-Frying the Chicken and Vegetables
In the same pan, add the chopped chicken and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry everything for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and vibrant.
### Step 4: Combining Ingredients
Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir well to combine with the chicken and vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce and mix everything together until evenly coated.
### Step 5: Mixing in the Scrambled Eggs
Add the scrambled eggs and chopped green onions back into the pan, then mix well to distribute everything evenly.
### Step 6: Seasoning
Season the fried rice with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
### Step 7: Serving Hot
Serve the Chinese Chicken Fried Rice hot, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice can be served on its own or as a side dish alongside your favorite Asian-inspired meals. Consider pairing it with spring rolls, dumplings, or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds to elevate the presentation.
How to Store Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
To store any leftovers, let the fried rice cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the fried rice for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply add a splash of water to the rice before microwaving for moist, fluffy rice again.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
- Use Day-Old Rice: Day-old rice works best as it is drier and less sticky, making it easier to fry.
- High Heat: Cooking over high heat gives the perfect char and texture, which is essential for authentic fried rice.
- Customize with Proteins: Feel free to swap out the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even leftover pork for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetable Variations: Switch up the mixed vegetables based on your preference—broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work wonderfully too.
- Add Spice: If you like it spicy, add some chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick.
Delicious Variations
- Shrimp Fried Rice: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Fried Rice: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: Add some chopped pineapple for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
- Spicy Chicken Fried Rice: Incorporate a tablespoon of sriracha or chili oil for heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old rice or jasmine rice are ideal for fried rice due to their texture and flavor. -
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this recipe as it saves time and enhances flavor. -
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Chinese Chicken Fried Rice can be frozen for up to 2 months. -
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lighter flavor. -
Can I add eggs to fried rice without scrambling them?
Yes, you can make a Japanese-style fried rice by adding the whole beaten egg directly and stirring it in for a creamy texture.
Conclusion
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is not only quick and easy to make, but it’s also a versatile dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a meal prep option, this recipe is sure to please. With delightful flavors, simple ingredients, and a rewarding cooking experience, we hope you give this dish a try. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Print
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and satisfying meal combining fragrant rice, tender chicken, and a rainbow of vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Once done, remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the chopped chicken and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir well to combine. Pour in the soy sauce and mix until evenly coated.
- Add the scrambled eggs and chopped green onions back into the pan, and mix everything evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Use day-old rice for the best texture. This dish is also customizable with different proteins and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
