Chicken fried rice is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that is beloved in many households and restaurants worldwide. This Chinese-style fried rice is a great way to turn leftover rice into a flavorful meal, and it can be customized to suit your preferences. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making chicken fried rice the Chinese way, with tips on selecting the right ingredients and techniques for perfect results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Chinese-style chicken fried rice, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked white rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for more depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Chicken
The first step is to prepare the chicken. If you are using boneless chicken breasts or thighs, here’s how you can do it:
Cut the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into small, bite-sized cubes. You can also slice it thinly across the grain if you prefer.
Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. If you want, you can marinate the chicken for 10-15 minutes with a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch to make it tender and flavorful.
Cook the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pieces are cooked through and lightly browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Cooking the Eggs
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly with a fork. The eggs add richness and texture to your fried rice. Here’s how to cook them:
Heat a bit of oil: In the same wok or frying pan, add a small amount of oil. Heat it over medium heat.
Scramble the eggs: Pour the beaten eggs into the pan. Let them sit for a few seconds before stirring them with a spatula. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked but still soft. Remove them from the pan and set them aside with the cooked chicken.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
Now, let’s prepare the vegetables. The most common vegetables for Chinese-style fried rice are peas and carrots, but you can add others, such as bell peppers or corn, depending on your taste.
Prepare the vegetables: If you’re using frozen peas and carrots, make sure they are thawed. If you’re using fresh vegetables, chop them into small, uniform pieces.
Stir-fry the vegetables: Heat another tablespoon of vegetable oil in the wok or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then, add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add peas and carrots: Add the frozen peas and carrots to the pan, stirring frequently, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are tender and heated through.
Frying the Rice
At this stage, we are ready to combine everything. Use day-old rice if possible, as it will have dried out a bit and is less likely to become mushy when frying. Here’s how to do it:
Add the rice: Add the cold, day-old rice to the pan. Use your spatula to break up any clumps of rice, so it cooks evenly.
Stir-fry the rice: Stir the rice constantly to ensure that it gets evenly fried and doesn’t stick to the pan. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, turning golden brown in some areas. This adds flavor and texture to the dish.
Season the rice: Once the rice is heated through, pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir everything to coat the rice evenly with the sauces. You can adjust the soy sauce to your liking for more saltiness.
Add sugar: If you like a hint of sweetness, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Stir it in well.
Combining Everything
Now, it’s time to put everything together into a delicious chicken fried rice dish.
Add chicken and eggs: Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan with the rice and vegetables. Stir everything together so that the chicken and eggs are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
Season with sesame oil: Drizzle in the sesame oil, which adds a wonderful, aromatic flavor. Stir well to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste your fried rice and add more soy sauce, salt, or pepper if needed. If you like a bit of spice, you can also add some chili paste or hot sauce at this point.
Garnishing and Serving
Once everything is well-mixed and cooked through, it’s time to serve your chicken fried rice.
Garnish with green onions: Sprinkle the sliced green onions on top of the fried rice for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Serve: Serve your chicken fried rice hot, either as a main dish or as a side to your favorite Chinese dishes. It pairs wonderfully with dishes like sweet and sour chicken, beef and broccoli, or egg rolls.
Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Rice
Use cold rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky for fried rice. Day-old rice that has been stored in the fridge is ideal because it’s drier and won’t turn mushy when stir-fried.
High heat: Stir-fry over medium-high to high heat to get a nice crispy texture on the rice and prevent it from becoming too soft.
Use a wok: A wok is the best tool for making fried rice because it allows for high heat and even distribution of ingredients. However, a large frying pan will also work if you don’t have one.
Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, baby corn, or mushrooms to suit your taste.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a large batch of fried rice, it’s best to cook it in batches. Overcrowding the pan can cause the rice to steam rather than fry.
Add some protein variety: For a different flavor, try mixing in other proteins like shrimp, pork, or beef instead of chicken, or combine multiple proteins for a richer dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice for chicken fried rice? Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it has a firmer texture and will need a bit longer to cook. Be sure to use day-old brown rice for the best results.
What if I don’t have soy sauce? If you don’t have soy sauce, you can use tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative), coconut aminos, or make a homemade substitute using a combination of beef broth and salt.
How can I make chicken fried rice spicier? To make your fried rice spicier, you can add chili paste, Sriracha, or chopped fresh chilies while cooking. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Conclusion
Making Chinese-style chicken fried rice at home is a simple yet rewarding process that brings delicious, restaurant-quality food to your table. By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re using up leftovers or preparing a fresh batch, this chicken fried rice recipe is versatile, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Related Topics:
