Homemade chicken fried rice easy and mouthwatering recipe. Made with tender diced chicken, mixed vegetables, eggs, and savory seasonings, this dish is a perfect combination of taste and comfort. Enjoy a quick and satisfying meal that’s sure to please the entire family. Try our delicious chicken fried rice recipe today and elevate your dining experience!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice (day-old rice works best)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup diced mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers, etc.)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions (scallions), sliced for garnish
Instructions
1/ Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (or sesame oil) and let it heat up.
2/ Add the diced chicken to the skillet and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3/ In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil (or sesame oil) and sauté the diced onions for about 2 minutes until they become translucent.
4/ Push the onions to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked.
5/ Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
6/ Add the diced mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender.
7/ Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with the cooked white rice. Break up any clumps of rice with a spatula and mix everything together.
8/ Drizzle the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over the rice and chicken mixture. Toss everything together until the sauces are evenly distributed.
9/ Season the chicken fried rice with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
10/ Once the fried rice is heated through and well combined, remove the skillet from the heat.
11/ Garnish the chicken fried rice with sliced green onions (scallions) for added freshness and presentation.
Serving Chicken Fried Rice
Before serving sprinkle chopped green onions or cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and added visual appeal
Your delicious homemade chicken fried rice is now ready to be served! Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal as a main dish or as a side to complement your Asian inspired menu.
Tips and Tricks to Make the Perfect Chicken Fried Rice
Prep Ahead: Use cooked rice or cook the rice a few hours before making the fried rice. Cold rice separates easily, preventing it from turning mushy during stir frying.
Evenly Cooked Chicken: Dice the chicken into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and a bit of cornstarch for added flavor and tenderness.
High Heat Cooking: Stir fry the chicken on high heat to quickly cook it and achieve a slight char for that desirable wok flavor.
Wok or Large Skillet: Use a wok if possible, as it allows for better heat distribution and more space for stir-frying. If a wok is not available use a large skillet with high sides.
Cook in Batches: If your wok or skillet is not large enough cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the pan will lead to steaming instead of stir frying.
Vegetable Order: Stir fry the vegetables in the order of their cooking times. Start with harder vegetables like carrots and bell peppers and add quicker cooking ones like peas and corn later.
Avoid Overcooking Vegetables: Cook the vegetables until they are slightly tender but still retain some crispness. Overcooking will result in a soggy texture.
Scramble Eggs Separately: Scramble the eggs in a separate pan and then add them to the fried rice. This ensures the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Sauce Gradually: Add soy sauce and other sauces gradually while stirring constantly. This allows for better control of the flavor and prevents the rice from becoming too salty.
Customize Flavors: Feel free to add other seasonings like garlic powder ginger or chili flakes for additional flavor. Tailor the seasoning to your preference.
Fresh Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions or cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and added visual appeal.
Don’t Overload: Avoid adding too many ingredients to the fried rice. Keep it simple and balanced for the best results.
With these tips and tricks you’ll create a delicious and satisfying chicken fried rice that’s restaurant quality right in your own kitchen!
Enjoy your flavorful homemade meal!
Nutrition Facts
Here are the approximate nutrition facts for a typical serving of chicken fried rice, which can vary depending on the recipe and portion size.
Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200-250 grams)
Calories: Around 300-400 calories per serving
Protein: Approximately 15-20 grams
Carbohydrates: About 40-50 grams
Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
Sugars: 2-3 grams
Total Fat: Approximately 8-15 grams
Saturated Fat: 1-3 grams
Cholesterol: Around 30-60 milligrams
Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 milligrams
Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken fried rice may provide varying amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. The specific content can depend on the ingredients used and the cooking method.
Please keep in mind that these values are rough estimates and can vary significantly based on the recipe, ingredients, and portion size. To get the most accurate nutrition information, it’s recommended to refer to the nutrition label on a packaged product or calculate the values based on the specific ingredients and quantities you use when preparing chicken fried rice at home.
FAQs About Chicken Fried Rice
1. What is chicken fried rice?
Chicken fried rice is a popular dish made with cooked rice, diced chicken, vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers), eggs, and a combination of soy sauce and other seasonings. It’s stir-fried in a wok or skillet to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
2. How do you make chicken fried rice?
- Start by cooking rice and letting it cool completely (leftover rice works well).
- In a hot wok or skillet, cook diced chicken until it’s no longer pink. Remove it from the pan.
- Add a bit of oil to the pan and stir-fry chopped vegetables until they’re slightly tender.
- Push the vegetables to the side and scramble eggs in the same pan.
- Mix everything together in the pan, adding the cooked rice, chicken, and a combination of soy sauce and other desired seasonings.
- Stir-fry until everything is heated through and well combined.
3. Can I use other meats or protein instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with other proteins like beef, shrimp, pork, or tofu to make different variations of fried rice.
4. How can I make chicken fried rice healthier?
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added nutrients and fiber.
- Add more vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra vitamins and minerals.
- Use less oil and opt for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce sodium content.
5. How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Use day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that has been cooled completely. Hot or freshly cooked rice tends to be more moist and can become mushy when stir-frying.
6. Can I make chicken fried rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare chicken fried rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.
7. Is chicken fried rice gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free.
8. What are some variations or additions to chicken fried rice?
You can add ingredients like diced pineapple, cashews, water chestnuts, or different herbs and spices to customize the flavors of your chicken fried rice.
9. Can I freeze chicken fried rice?
Yes, you can freeze chicken fried rice in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
10. Is chicken fried rice a complete meal?
Chicken fried rice is a balanced meal with carbohydrates from the rice, protein from the chicken, and nutrients from the vegetables. However, you can serve it alongside other dishes for a more extensive meal.
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