Alright, let me tell you about my absolute go-to comfort food: Chinese chicken fried rice! It’s one of those magical dishes that’s not just super easy to whip up, but it’s also incredibly delicious. I mean, who doesn’t love that sizzling sound of rice hitting a hot pan? The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can customize it with whatever veggies you have hanging around in your fridge, and it’s a great way to use leftover rice! Trust me, once you get the hang of this, you’ll be making it on the regular. Plus, it brings back fond memories of my family gatherings where we’d all gather around the table, sharing stories over bowls of this savory goodness. Let’s get started on making your kitchen smell heavenly!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best Chinese chicken fried rice! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked rice: Leftover rice works best, as it’s drier and won’t clump together. If you’re cooking fresh, try to cool it down first!
- 1 cup diced chicken breast: Make sure it’s bite-sized for even cooking. I love using chicken thighs for extra flavor, but breasts work just fine!
- 1 cup mixed vegetables: This can be a frozen mix of peas, carrots, and corn, or fresh veggies if you have them on hand. Don’t be shy—add your favorites!
- 2 eggs: These bring a lovely richness to the dish. Scramble them right in the pan for that authentic flavor.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Use low-sodium if you prefer. This adds that classic umami flavor that makes it sing!
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: This is what gets that pan nice and hot. You can use sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor—yum!
- 2 green onions, chopped: These add freshness and a pop of color. Save some for garnish if you want to impress!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your liking! Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
That’s it! Simple, right? Now you’re all set to create some deliciousness in your kitchen.
How to Prepare the Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering Chinese chicken fried rice! It’s all about keeping things simple and flavorful, so follow along!
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First, grab a large pan or wok and heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough that when you add the chicken, it sizzles right away. This step is crucial because it helps to get that lovely golden color on the chicken and prevents it from sticking. Just give it a minute or so—don’t rush this part!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Once your oil is sizzling, toss in the diced chicken breast. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until there’s no pink left. The key here is to make sure it cooks evenly, so spread it out in the pan a bit. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s beautifully golden and fragrant!
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Now, push the chicken to one side of the pan and crack in the two eggs on the other side. Let them sit for a moment before scrambling with a spatula until they’re just set. It’s totally okay if some chicken bits mix in—that just adds flavor! This technique gives you that classic fried rice texture, and it’s super fun to do!
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Rice
Next, toss in your mixed vegetables and the cooked rice. Stir everything together well, making sure the rice gets heated through and the veggies are evenly distributed. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Don’t be shy—get in there and really mix it up!
Step 5: Pour in Soy Sauce
Now, it’s time for that flavor magic! Pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture, and mix it all together thoroughly. This is where the dish really comes alive! If you like it a bit saltier, feel free to adjust the soy sauce to your taste. Just remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, fold in the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a good stir, and voila! You’re ready to serve your delicious Chinese chicken fried rice hot. For a nice touch, sprinkle some extra green onions on top as a garnish. Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick meal that comes together in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Using leftover rice means less waste and more flavor; it’s a win-win!
- Customizable with any veggies you have on hand, so you can get creative!
- It’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup a breeze—who doesn’t love that?
- Rich in protein from the chicken and eggs, it’s a satisfying dish that fills you up!
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch!
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters with its delicious flavor!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about how to make your Chinese chicken fried rice truly shine! One of the biggest tips I can give you is to use cold, leftover rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky and clumps together—no one wants that! If you don’t have leftover rice, spread the freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool it down quickly before using it.
Another pro tip: don’t overcrowd the pan. Give everything space to cook evenly and get that lovely golden color. If you find your pan getting too full, just cook in batches! And finally, taste as you go; seasoning is key. Adjust the soy sauce, salt, and pepper to your preference for the perfect flavor. Trust me, these little tweaks make all the difference!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this tasty Chinese chicken fried rice, let’s talk about what to serve it with! It pairs beautifully with a side of crispy egg rolls or some steamed dumplings if you’re in the mood for a little extra crunch. You could also serve it alongside a light and refreshing cucumber salad to balance the flavors. If you want to keep it simple, a drizzle of sweet and sour sauce or a tangy dipping sauce can elevate your meal to the next level. Trust me, these combinations will make your dinner feel like a feast!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into this deliciousness, it’s good to keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following values are approximate, so consider them a guideline:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
Enjoy this flavorful dish while keeping an eye on those numbers according to your dietary needs! Remember, the joy of cooking also means you can adjust ingredients to match your lifestyle.
FAQ Section
Can I use other proteins in this Chinese chicken fried rice recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out the chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for different proteins.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
The best rice for fried rice is day-old, slightly dried-out rice. It helps keep the grains separate and prevents clumping. If you don’t have leftover rice, try to cook it earlier in the day and let it cool before using.
Can I add more vegetables to the fried rice?
Definitely! This recipe is super flexible. You can add bell peppers, broccoli, or even bok choy. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook quickly and mix well with the rice.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the fried rice and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help revive the flavors.
Can I make Chinese chicken fried rice gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version, and you’re good to go. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy this classic dish without worrying about gluten!
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe You’ll Love in 25 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious Chinese chicken fried rice recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup diced chicken breast
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Push chicken to one side and scramble the eggs on the other side.
- Add mixed vegetables and cooked rice, stirring to combine.
- Pour soy sauce over the rice and mix well.
- Add green onions and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use leftover rice for best results.
- Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the soy sauce to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chinese chicken fried rice recipe