The smell of garlic, the crunch of fresh veggies, and the soft chicken – these are what make chicken fried rice special. As a kid, my family loved ordering this Chinese dish every week. It was a treat with its fluffy rice, tasty sauces, and comforting feel.
Now, I love cooking at home. It’s amazing to make the flavours you want in your own kitchen. So, I’m excited to share my simple chicken fried rice recipe. It brings the taste of Cantonese streets to your home.
A vibrant plate of this recipe , golden grains of rice mixed with tender pieces of chicken, colorful vegetables like peas and carrots, a garnish of green onions, and a drizzle of soy sauce, all presented on a rustic wooden table with chopsticks beside it.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Discover the delicious fusion of flavours and cultures in chicken-fried rice.
- Learn how to make this takeaway favourite at home for maximum freshness and customisation.
- Explore the key ingredients and step-by-step guide to cooking the perfect chicken-fried rice.
- Uncover tips and variations to elevate your homemade chicken-fried rice.
- Enjoy the comforting and satisfying experience of a classic Chinese dish, made with love in your own kitchen.
What is Chicken Fried Rice?
Chicken fried-rice is a favourite in Chinese cuisine and loved worldwide. It comes from the Cantonese style of cooking. This dish mixes tender chicken, fragrant rice, and fresh vegetables with seasonings.
A Beloved Takeaway Favourite
Looking for a tasty Asian food or a comforting comfort food? Chicken-fried rice is a top pick. Its popularity as a takeaway dish comes from its delicious taste and appeal to many.
A Fusion of Flavours and Cultures
The recipe for chicken-fried rice has changed over time. It combines Chinese and Western cooking styles. This mix of flavours and techniques makes it a favourite everywhere.
A vibrant bowl of chicken fried rice, featuring fluffy grains of rice mixed with tender, golden-brown chicken pieces, colorful vegetables like peas, carrots, and bell peppers, garnished with green onions, all beautifully presented in a traditional Asian-style bowl against a warm, inviting background.
“Chicken fried rice is a true comfort food that brings together the best of Asian and Western cuisines.”
Why Make Chicken Fried Rice at Home?
Making homemade chicken fried-rice lets you enjoy the freshness and flavours of this favourite dish easily. You can choose the ingredients yourself, making it just how you like it.
Freshness and Flavour at Your Fingertips
By cooking chicken fried rice at home, you get the freshest ingredients. This means a more vibrant and real flavour compared to takeaways.
Customise to Your Taste
Creating your own homemade chicken fried rice lets you customise it perfectly. You can change the spice, add your favourite veggies, or try different proteins. This way, you get a meal that’s just right for you.
A vibrant bowl of homemade chicken fried rice, filled with colorful vegetables like peas and carrots, tender pieces of chicken, and fluffy rice, garnished with green onions and a drizzle of soy sauce, set on a rustic wooden table with a pair of chopsticks beside it, accompanied by a small bowl of hot sauce.
“The joy of making chicken fried rice at home is the ability to create a dish that is tailored to your unique tastes and preferences.”
Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Fried Rice
To make a delicious chicken fried rice at home, you need a few key ingredients. Long-grain rice is the base, giving the dish a great texture and soaking up flavours. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts add juicy protein. Fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and spring onions add colour, crunch, and nutrients.
Soy sauce and sesame oil are crucial for the dish’s savoury and nutty flavours. Aromatics like garlic, ginger, and white pepper enhance the taste. Scrambled eggs add a nice contrast in texture and a touch of richness. With these ingredients, you can make a tasty chicken fried rice in your kitchen.
A vibrant arrangement of fresh ingredients for chicken fried rice, featuring golden cooked rice, tender pieces of grilled chicken, bright green peas, diced carrots, sliced green onions, garlic cloves, and soy sauce bottles. Utilize a wooden cutting board as the base, with a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables scattered around, beautifully presented in natural lighting.
“The secret to the perfect chicken fried rice lies in the balance of flavours and textures – a harmony of tender chicken, fragrant vegetables, and the comforting warmth of freshly cooked rice.”
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Delicious Chicken Fried Rice
Want to make tasty chicken fried rice at home? Follow this guide to serve a dish as good as your favourite takeaway.
Preparing the Ingredients
First, prepare all your ingredients. Cook the rice as the package says, making it fluffy. Cut the chicken into small pieces for even cooking. Chop your veggies like carrots, peas, and spring onions into small pieces for quick cooking.
The Stir-Fry Process
Now, start cooking. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add oil, then the chicken. Stir-fry until it’s cooked through.
Next, add the chopped veggies and stir-fry until they’re tender-crisp. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and seasonings. Stir well to mix all the flavours and textures.
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Delicious Chicken Fried Rice: Easy Homemade Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This chicken fried rice recipe brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and rich seasonings like soy sauce and sesame oil, creating a comforting dish with Cantonese roots. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this dish offers great customization options, allowing you to adjust the flavors and ingredients to your taste.
Ingredients
- Rice: 3 cups cooked long-grain rice (preferably day-old)
- Substitution: Jasmine or basmati rice can be used.
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into small pieces
- Substitution: Use tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: 1/2 cup peas, 1/2 cup diced carrots, 2 spring onions (sliced)
- Substitution: Add bell peppers or broccoli.
- Soy Sauce: 2-3 tbsp
- Substitution: Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp
- Substitution: Olive oil for a milder flavor.
- Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp ginger (minced), white pepper (to taste)
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, scrambled
- Garnish: Chopped spring onions, toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: If using freshly cooked rice, allow it to cool or use day-old rice for better texture.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice the carrots and slice the spring onions. Set all ingredients aside.
- Scramble the Eggs: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and scramble the eggs until just set. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Chicken: Increase the heat to high. Add oil to the wok and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same wok, add the carrots and peas, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until they become tender-crisp. Add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Soy Sauce: Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the wok, mixing well to coat the rice evenly. Stir-fry on high heat to ensure all ingredients combine nicely.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken, scrambled eggs, and spring onions to the wok. Stir everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and well-mixed.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped spring onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with optional soy sauce or sweet chili sauce on the side.
Notes
This chicken fried rice recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Using day-old rice ensures the best texture, while high heat and constant stirring help create a perfectly crispy yet tender dish. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or proteins for a new twist on this classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese (Cantonese)
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 28g
“The key to a perfect chicken fried rice is all in the stir-fry technique. Keeping the wok or pan blazing hot and constantly stirring ensures every morsel is cooked to perfection.”
With this guide, you’ll make delicious chicken fried rice quickly. You’ll learn the cooking process and techniques to impress everyone.
Chicken Fried Rice
Your homemade chicken fried rice should look vibrant and smell great. The rice should be lightly separated. Chicken, vegetables, and seasonings should be spread out evenly. This makes the dish look good and taste amazing.
The chicken fried rice should have a mix of colours. You’ll see golden rice, tender chicken, and bright veggies. The smell should make your mouth water, promising a burst of flavours with every bite.
When presenting your chicken fried rice, pay attention to the details. Use a clean, white plate to make the colours stand out. Add some chopped spring onions, sesame oil, or toasted sesame seeds for extra taste and looks.
There are many ways to serve your chicken fried rice. It goes well with steamed or roasted veggies, a green salad, or even with soy sauce or sweet chilli sauce. This dish is great as a main or a side to other Asian dishes.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Chicken fried rice is a favourite dish, but you can make it your own. You can change it to fit your diet and taste. It’s easy to add new flavours and ingredients.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Vegetarians and vegans can swap chicken for tofu, mushrooms, or veggies. These options work well with the rice, soy sauce, and eggs. They make a tasty, healthy dish for everyone.
Pairing with Complementary Dishes
Chicken fried rice goes well with many Asian dishes. Try it with steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or a fresh salad. The rice’s rich flavour balances out these light dishes, making a great meal.
Chicken fried rice is all about being flexible and making it your own. With a bit of creativity, you can turn it into a special homemade dish.
“The beauty of chicken fried rice lies in its ability to be endlessly customised. Get creative and make it your own!”
Tips for Perfectly Fried Rice Every Time
Achieving the Ideal Texture
To make your chicken fried rice perfect every time, follow these expert tips. First, use day-old rice. This drier rice prevents grains from sticking together. It’s a simple trick that greatly improves your fried rice’s texture.
Stir-frying at high heat is key for that wok-charred flavour and crisp texture. High heat evaporates excess moisture, making the rice separate and lightly caramelised. Keep an eye on the temperature to avoid overcooking or drying out the rice.
The right equipment also matters a lot. Choose a well-seasoned wok or large skillet for that restaurant-style texture. A wok’s unique shape and heat distribution are especially good for achieving perfect crisp edges and fluffy centres.
FAQ
What is chicken fried rice?
Chicken fried rice is a tasty Asian dish. It mixes tender chicken, fragrant rice, and various vegetables. It’s a favourite in Chinese takeaways and loved worldwide.
Why should I make chicken fried rice at home?
Making chicken fried rice at home lets you enjoy fresh flavours. You can choose your ingredients, making it just how you like it.
What ingredients do I need for the perfect chicken fried rice?
For perfect chicken fried rice, you need long-grain rice and chicken. Add fresh veggies like carrots, peas, and spring onions. Don’t forget soy sauce, sesame oil, eggs, and spices like garlic and ginger.
How do I cook delicious chicken fried rice?
Start by cooking the rice and preparing the chicken and veggies. Then, in a hot wok or skillet, cook the chicken until it’s done. Add the veggies and stir-fry until they’re just right.
Next, mix in the cooked rice, soy sauce, and spices. This creates a delicious mix of flavours and textures.
Can I make vegetarian or vegan chicken fried rice?
Yes, you can make chicken fried rice without chicken. Use tofu, mushrooms, or your favourite veggies instead.
What are some tips for perfectly fried rice every time?
For perfect fried rice, use day-old rice and keep the heat high. Choose a good wok or skillet for the best results.
by Liam Parker.