Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is a classic dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with colorful vegetables and aromatic seasonings, all stir-fried with fluffy rice. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; you can customize it with your favorite ingredients or leftovers. The blend of soy sauce and sesame oil enhances the flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a dish to impress your friends during a gathering, this Chinese Chicken Fried Rice will not disappoint. It’s wholesome, filling, and brings the taste of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. With just a few simple steps and ingredients that are often found in your pantry, you’ll create an irresistible meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create this delightful dish without stress.
- Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of ingredients delivers outstanding flavor. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the spices to suit your palate.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing leftover rice and vegetables makes this recipe both cost-effective and smart for reducing food waste.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the vegetables, this dish offers a balanced meal in one bowl.
Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts for tenderness; however, you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Cooked Jasmine or Basmati Rice: Day-old rice works best as it prevents clumping; if using freshly cooked rice, let it cool before using.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves for the best flavor; minced garlic adds an aromatic touch to the dish.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide fresh flavor and color; use both the green tops and white parts for added taste.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A mix of peas, carrots, and corn brings vibrant colors and essential nutrients; feel free to use fresh veggies if preferred.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce for better control over saltiness while still achieving that umami flavor.
- Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil adds richness; it’s best to use toasted sesame oil for deeper flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the chicken into small cubes and mince the garlic. If using fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the cubed chicken. Cook until browned and fully cooked through—about 5-7 minutes—then remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet or wok, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Add the frozen mixed vegetables (or fresh) to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are heated through and tender.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with cooked rice. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined and heated through—another couple of minutes should do.
Step 6: Finish with Green Onions
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. Mix gently for an extra pop of flavor.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra soy sauce if desired for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times.
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting; cold ingredients can lower cooking
- Avoid Sticky Rice: If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely before adding it to your stir-fry.
- Add Protein Variety: Consider mixing different proteins like shrimp or tofu along with chicken for added texture and flavor diversity.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
This Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken, vegetables, and rice a day in advance. Chop the veggies and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Cooked rice can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, while cooked chicken lasts about 4 days.
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. The Chinese Chicken Fried Rice will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before sealing.
- Reheating: To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short increments, stirring between, until warm.
FAQs for Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
What ingredients do I need for Chinese Chicken Fried Rice?
To make Chinese Chicken Fried Rice, you will need several key ingredients to ensure authentic flavor. First, you’ll need cooked rice—preferably day-old rice, as it helps achieve the perfect texture. For protein, diced chicken breast or thighs work best. You will also need vegetables like peas, carrots, and green onions for color and nutrients. Soy sauce is essential for seasoning, along with garlic and ginger for depth of flavor. Additionally, sesame oil adds a lovely aroma and richness. Feel free to customize with other veggies or proteins like shrimp or tofu based on your preference.
How long does it take to prepare Chinese Chicken Fried Rice?
Preparing Chinese Chicken Fried Rice takes about 30 minutes in total. The cooking time for the rice varies; if you’re using leftover rice, this step can be skipped. Chopping the vegetables and chicken will take around 10 minutes. Then, you can sauté everything in a large pan or wok over medium heat for another 15-20 minutes until heated through and well combined. This quick cooking method allows the flavors to meld nicely without losing the freshness of the ingredients.
Can I make Chinese Chicken Fried ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Chinese Chicken Fried Rice ahead of time! To do this effectively, cook your fried rice as usual but store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator once cooled. It can last up to three days when properly stored. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until it’s hot throughout. The flavors may even deepen after sitting overnight, making it a great dish for meal prep or leftovers.
Is Chinese Chicken Fried Rice healthy?
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice can be considered a healthy option depending on how you prepare it. You can control the amount of oil used and increase the proportion of vegetables to boost its nutritional value. Using lean chicken provides good protein while incorporating colorful vegetables adds vitamins and minerals. If you’re concerned about sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos as alternatives. Overall, when made with wholesome ingredients, this dish can fit into a balanced diet.
What type of rice is best for Chinese Chicken Fried ?
For optimal results when making Chinese Chicken Fried Rice, use long-grain rice such as Jasmine or Basmati rice. These varieties tend to remain fluffy and separate when cooked, which is ideal for frying. Day-old rice is preferable because it dries out slightly, preventing clumping during stir-frying. If you don’t have leftover rice on hand, cook fresh rice and allow it to cool completely before using it in your recipe.
Can I customize my Chinese Chicken Fried Rice?
Absolutely! One of the beauty aspects of Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding different proteins like shrimp or beef instead of chicken or by including various vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli based on your taste preferences. You may also experiment with additional flavors by incorporating sauces like oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for an extra kick. Personalizing your fried rice allows you to create a dish that perfectly suits your palate.
Conclusion for Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
In summary, Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious and versatile dish that fits well into various meal plans. With simple ingredients such as day-old rice, diced chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings like soy sauce and sesame oil, creating this meal at home becomes easy and enjoyable. The preparation time is minimal, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping sessions. Plus, its customizable nature allows you to experiment with different proteins and vegetables while maintaining its essence as an Asian classic. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with other dishes, Chinese Chicken Fried Rice satisfies both taste buds and appetites alike.
Print
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is a beloved classic that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful meal. This quick and easy dish features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy rice, all harmoniously stir-fried with aromatic soy sauce and sesame oil. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe allows for customization based on your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand. With a cooking time of just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious homemade version of your favorite takeout in no time.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Day-old cooked Jasmine or Basmati rice
- Fresh garlic
- Green onions
- Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Toasted sesame oil
Instructions
1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping chicken into cubes and mincing garlic.
2. Cook chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned; set aside.
3. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant in the same skillet.
4. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
5. Return chicken to the skillet with cooked rice; mix in soy sauce and sesame oil.
6. Finish by stirring in chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation, and adjust vegetables according to preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 20g
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