Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

A Flavorful Journey into Your Kitchen

Welcome to the delicious world of Chinese Chicken Fried Rice! This delectable dish is not just a mere meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings the aromas and flavors of the East right into your kitchen. Picture this: fluffy, perfectly cooked rice mingled with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a dash of soy sauce, all coming together in a symphony of savory goodness. It’ll leave your taste buds dancing and your senses singing!

Did you know that fried rice actually has roots that can be traced back to ancient China? It was originally created as a way to use up leftover rice and ingredients, making it incredibly adaptable and resourceful. This dish is special because you can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes, throwing in whatever veggies you have on hand. Plus, it takes just about 30 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights. If you love quick, family-friendly recipes as much as we do, you might also want to check out our Chicken Stir Fry recipe. Both dishes are absolutely scrumptious and resonate with the same delightful flavors. So, gather your ingredients, and get ready to discover the joy of creating homemade Chinese Chicken Fried Rice!

What is Chinese Chicken Fried Rice?

Now, you might be wondering, “What’s in a name, anyway?” Well, the term “fried rice” might sound a bit dubious if you’re not familiar with it, but fear not! It describes the process of stir-frying pre-cooked rice with herbs and hearty ingredients. The term “chicken” adds a bit of pizazz, showcasing the dish’s protein-packed prowess! Imagine it this way: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and what better way to capture that affection than with a hearty bowl of Chinese Chicken Fried Rice?

This dish is aptly named as it perfectly embodies the elements of Chinese cuisine while infusing a Western twist with its simplicity. If you haven’t tried frying rice at home yet, you owe it to yourself to join the fried rice revolution! So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Let’s delve into why this dish deserves a place on your dining table. First and foremost, the main highlight of Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is its incredible taste. The fragrant aroma as it cooks can transform any kitchen into a bustling restaurant, and the blend of savory and juicy chicken melds beautifully with perfectly cooked rice. Secondly, making fried rice at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to takeout. With just a few affordable ingredients, you can recreate this Chinese favorite while ensuring it’s tailored to your taste.

Last but not least, the toppings truly elevate this dish. I’m talking about fresh green onions, sweet peas, and even scrambled eggs, all contributing to a colorful, flavor-packed experience. It’s a meal that brings comfort while being versatile enough to swap out ingredients as needed. If you’re curious, our Vegetable Lo Mein is another fabulous dish worth exploring next for a complete Asian dining experience. So why not give this Chinese Chicken Fried Rice a try and let the flavors transport you straight to your favorite Chinese restaurant?

How to Make Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Quick Overview

Making Chinese Chicken Fried Rice at home is easier than you can imagine! This dish is a delicious blend of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds. You can prepare this meal in roughly 30 minutes, making it a weeknight winner for busy families. Trust me, once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be eager to make it a regular part of your dinner rotation!

Key Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to create this tasty dish:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 cup diced chicken breast
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice: If using freshly cooked rice, let it cool for about 15 minutes to avoid clumping.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Scramble the Eggs: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then crack the eggs in. Scramble them until they are just set, then remove and save with the chicken.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Next, add the garlic and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until tender.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the rice, chicken, and scrambled eggs back into the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and mix thoroughly to ensure everything is combined and heated through.
6. Season and Serve: Lastly, add chopped green onions, season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a final stir. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What to Serve Chinese Chicken Fried Rice With

To elevate your meal even further, consider serving your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice with some delicious sides. A fresh cucumber salad or crispy spring rolls can enhance the flavors and add crunch to your plate. For a complete meal, you could pair it with some hot and sour soup, or a refreshing iced tea to wash it down. The combination of flavors will leave you and your family utterly satisfied!

Top Tips for Perfecting Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Here are some essential tips to ensure your fried rice is top-notch:

• Use Day-Old Rice: If possible, using day-old rice is ideal as it’s drier and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry ingredients in batches if you have a lot. This helps them cook evenly.
• Customizable Additions: Switch up the protein by using shrimp or tofu, or throw in other veggies like broccoli or corn to suit your tastes.
• High Heat is Key: Stir-frying on high heat allows for that signature ‘wok hei’ – the smoky, fragrant essence associated with Chinese-style stir-fries.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Chinese Chicken Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When it comes to reheating, simply add a small splash of water and microwave it, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also freeze the dish for longer storage, but for best results, consume it within 2 months. Just ensure you thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

And there you have it – a delectable journey through the flavors and joys of Chinese Chicken Fried Rice! Get cooking, and let your kitchen fill with the delightful aromas of this fantastic dish. Enjoy every bite!

Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

A quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and savory soy sauce mixed with day-old rice, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old) Using day-old rice prevents mushiness.
• 1 cup diced chicken breast
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers) Use frozen or fresh vegetables.
• 2 pieces eggs Scrambled before mixing.
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil Divided for use in cooking.
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 pieces green onions, chopped Added for flavor and garnish.
• to taste salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.

Method

 

Preparation

1. If using freshly cooked rice, let it cool for about 15 minutes to avoid clumping.

Cooking

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then crack in the eggs. Scramble until just set, then remove and reserve with the chicken.
4. Add the minced garlic and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until tender.
5. Add the rice, cooked chicken, and scrambled eggs back to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and mix thoroughly to combine everything and heat it through.
6. Add chopped green onions, season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a final stir. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use day-old rice to avoid mushiness. Customize with various proteins or vegetables according to your taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days.