Growing up in a Chinese-American home, I loved the kitchen’s sizzling and aromas when my mom cooked chicken fried rice. The mix of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies took me to Chinatown’s busy streets. Now, as a busy parent, I’m excited to share this simple recipe that brings back those family meal memories. In just 20 minutes, you can make a Chinese restaurant classic at home.
This chicken fried rice is a mix of savory, umami-rich flavors that come together fast. With soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, you can make a meal that impresses everyone. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner or a satisfying lunch, and it’s loved by all.
What is Chicken Fried Rice?
Chicken fried rice is a beloved dish that mixes stir-fried rice, chicken, and fresh veggies. It’s made with white rice, chicken breasts, and a mix of frozen vegetables. It also includes garlic, sesame oil, eggs, and a bit of soy sauce or tamari.
Key Ingredients
- White rice: Long-grain white rice is the base, letting other flavors stand out.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are common, but you can use other meats too.
- Frozen vegetables: Frozen peas, carrots, and corn add color, texture, and nutrition.
- Garlic: Minced or pressed garlic adds depth and aroma.
- Sesame oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil gives a nutty flavor.
- Eggs: Scrambled eggs add protein and a creamy texture.
- Soy sauce or tamari: These seasonings help balance the flavors.
This dish is easy to make your own by using leftovers. Stir-frying everything quickly over high heat is key to getting the right texture and taste.
Preparing the Rice
To make the best chicken fried rice, start with the right rice. This recipe uses long-grain white rice, like jasmine rice or basmati rice. These types are light and fluffy, perfect for fried rice.
Cook the rice ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before stir-frying. Using fresh rice can make it stickier. Chilling the cooked rice helps it stir-fry better.
| Rice Variety | Characteristics | Recommended for Fried Rice |
|---|---|---|
| Long-grain white rice | Light, fluffy, and less sticky | Yes |
| Jasmine rice | Fragrant, long-grain, and slightly sticky | Yes |
| Basmati rice | Long, slender grains, light and flavorful | Yes |
| Short-grain rice | Sticky and clumpy | No |
Properly preparing the long-grain white rice ensures your chicken fried rice is just right. It lets the other flavors stand out.
Marinating the Chicken
The secret to amazing flavor in this chicken fried rice recipe is the marinade. We’ll mix the chicken breast with a tasty blend of savory, umami-rich ingredients. This will tenderize the meat and add delicious notes.
To make the marinade, mix soy sauce, mirin (or dry sherry), cornstarch, sesame oil, and a bit of white pepper in a bowl. Cut the chicken into small pieces and add them to the marinade. Let it sit for 5 minutes to let the flavors soak into the meat.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 8 oz (225 g) |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Mirin (or dry sherry) | 1 tbsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tsp |
| Sesame oil | 1 tsp |
| White pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Marinating the chicken breast in this flavorful mix ensures each bite is full of savory, umami notes. These flavors will perfectly match the other ingredients in the fried rice.
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is quick to make by stir-frying chicken, veggies, eggs, and rice in a hot wok or skillet. The secret to great fried rice is using high heat and cooking in batches. Adding the sauce at the end caramelizes the flavors.
The best rice for fried rice is day-old long grain white rice. It prevents clumping and keeps the rice light and fluffy. The recipe calls for a simple sauce of soy sauce, mirin, and chicken bouillon powder.
Start with marinating the chicken in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Then, cook the ingredients in batches to keep the heat high. First, cook the vegetable medley of carrots, peas, and onions until tender-crisp.
Next, add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s done. Then, mix in the cooked rice and eggs with the flavorful sauce. This creates a delicious chicken fried rice.
| Ingredient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 10% |
| Canola oil | 5% |
| Cooked rice | 35% |
| Stir-fry vegetable blend | 20% |
| Green onions | 5% |
| Garlic | 3% |
| Chicken | 15% |
| Soy sauce | 4% |
| Chicken broth | 2% |
| Ginger | 1% |
This chicken fried rice is a tasty and fulfilling meal, with a 4.83 out of 5 rating from 23 votes. It can be kept in the fridge for 4-5 days or frozen for 6 months. It’s perfect for busy nights or meal prep.
Stir-frying Technique
Making delicious chicken fried rice needs the right technique. Stir-frying is key, and a wok is the best pan for it. Its shape cooks food quickly and evenly. The Calphalon Signature Hard-Anodized Nonstick Wok and the Kenmore Hammond Flat Bottom Carbon Steel Wok are great choices.
High Heat and Proper Wok
High heat is vital for the smoky flavor in chicken fried rice. Ingredients are cooked in batches, and sauce is added last. This way, chicken, veggies, and rice get seared perfectly, keeping their natural flavors.
Mastering stir-frying needs a wok that can handle high heat. The Calphalon Signature Hard-Anodized Nonstick Wok and the Kenmore Hammond Flat Bottom Carbon Steel Wok are perfect. They conduct heat well, letting ingredients sizzle and char beautifully.
Customizing Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is a dish you can make your own. You can change it up by adding different vegetable substitutions like broccoli or mushrooms. For protein substitutions, try using shrimp or tofu for a meat-free option.
Vegetable Variations
Chicken fried rice is all about being customizable. You can add veggies like broccoli or bell peppers. It’s a great way to use up what you have in the fridge.
- Broccoli florets
- Sliced bell peppers
- Baby spinach or kale
- Diced mushrooms
- Shredded cabbage
- Chopped scallions or green onions
Protein Options
While chicken is common, you can try other protein substitutions. Options include shrimp, beef, or tofu for a veggie choice.
- Shrimp
- Beef or pork
- Tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option
- Diced ham or bacon
- Mixed seafood like shrimp, scallops, and calamari
Experiment with different vegetable substitutions and protein substitutions. Find the perfect mix for your taste.
| Ingredient | Serving Size | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 4 oz | 165 | 0g | 31g | 3.5g |
| Jasmine Rice | 1 cup | 204 | 45g | 4g | 0.4g |
| Peas & Carrots | 1 cup | 80 | 12g | 4g | 0g |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tbsp | 20 | 1g | 2g | 0g |
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover chicken fried rice is a tasty and easy meal. But, it’s key to store and reheat it right to keep it fresh and safe. Follow these easy tips to enjoy your leftovers without losing flavor or texture.
Refrigerating and Freezing Leftovers
To refrigerate leftover chicken fried rice, put it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating Fried Rice
Ready to enjoy your leftover chicken fried rice? You have a few ways to reheat it. The microwave is quick – just put the rice in a microwave-safe dish, add a bit of water or oil, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Or, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often until hot.
It’s important to reheat the fried rice gently. Adding a little liquid and heating slowly helps keep the rice’s texture and taste.
| Reheating Method | Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave | 30-second intervals | Add a splash of water or oil to prevent drying |
| Stovetop | Medium heat, stirring frequently | Reheat gently to prevent texture issues |
By following these tips for refrigerating, freezing, and reheating your leftover chicken fried rice, you can enjoy it for a long time.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Rice
To make the best chicken fried rice at home, follow a few important tips. Start with long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati. Their slightly sticky texture keeps the grains fluffy and separate. For better texture, chill the rice in the fridge for at least 30 minutes after cooking.
Choosing the right cooking method is also key. Use a wok and cook over high heat to get that smoky flavor. Marinating the chicken in a savory sauce makes it tender and adds flavor to the dish.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast | 1 pound |
| Frozen peas and carrots | 12 ounces |
| Fresh vegetables, chopped | 3 cups |
| Garlic cloves | 3 |
| Cooked brown rice | 2 ½ cups |
| Green onions, chopped | ⅔ cup |
By following these tips and using quality long-grain rice, freshly cooked rice, a wok, and high heat for marinating the chicken, you’ll make a delicious chicken fried rice dish at home.
Conclusion
This homemade easy homemade chicken fried rice recipe is perfect for enjoying a Chinese-inspired meal at home. It combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and a savory sauce. You can make a dish that’s even better than takeout in just 20 minutes.
The secret to a great customizable recipe is using the right rice, marinating the chicken, and stir-frying over high heat. Whether you use a wok or a large skillet, you’ll get the authentic taste of your favorite fried rice. This makes it a quick and delicious meal option.
Feeling like having classic chicken fried rice or trying something new? This recipe is perfect for any craving. Why settle for better than takeout when you can make something just as tasty at home? Try this easy chicken fried rice and enjoy a delicious Chinese-inspired dish.