Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice

Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that makes for a perfect meal. The crispy chicken, coated in a sweet and savory sauce, pairs beautifully with the fluffy and colorful stir-fried rice loaded with mixed vegetables. This dish is not only satisfying but also showcases a vibrant presentation that appeals to the eyes. If you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that can impress your guests, this recipe is an excellent choice.

The process of making Crispy Saucy Chicken involves frying bite-sized chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy. They are then tossed in a delicious sauce made with soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, and a hint of garlic and ginger for an authentic Asian flavor profile. The Vegetable Fried Rice is a great way to use leftover rice, and it’s packed with nutritious vegetables like carrots, corn, and green beans. Overall, this recipe offers a well-balanced meal that is both comforting and flavorful.

With its array of textures and tastes, Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the ingredients and directions to bring this scrumptious dish to life.

Ingredients about Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice

List of ingredients with measurements

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Oil for frying
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice)
• 3 cups cooked and cooled rice (preferably leftover rice)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Sliced green onions for garnish

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you don’t have the specific ingredients on hand, don’t worry! You can always substitute. Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier bite. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free flour and tamari in place of soy sauce. For a vegetarian version, tofu or tempeh can be used instead of chicken, and for the vegetables, feel free to mix in whatever you have on hand like bell peppers or peas.

How to Make Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a tasty coating. In another bowl, beat one large egg. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, making sure it is well coated, and then dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly covered.

Next, heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain it on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

While the chicken rests, let’s prepare the sauce. Take a small saucepan and combine the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chili flakes (if you want a kick). Stir these ingredients together and bring them to a simmer over medium heat.

Just as the sauce starts bubbling, add the cornstarch mixed with water. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should be shiny and coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and toss the crispy fried chicken in the sauce until all the pieces are well coated and glistening with flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Fried Rice

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add in the mixed vegetables like carrots, corn, and green beans. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender and vibrant in color.

Next, push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. On the empty side, pour the lightly beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked and set. Now, take the cooked and cooled rice and add it to the skillet. Stir everything together, mixing in the eggs and vegetables.

Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, stirring to ensure everything is evenly coated. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the rice get a little crispy. Finally, stir in the sliced green onions and remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

To serve, plate the Vegetable Fried Rice on one side of a large serving platter and arrange the saucy, crispy chicken on the other side. For the finishing touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top of the chicken for garnish. This adds flavor and enhances the visual appeal of your dish. Enjoy this delicious meal hot while the flavors are fresh and vibrant!

How to Serve Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice

Best ways to serve Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice

Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice can be served immediately after preparation. This dish is perfect for sharing, so you can place it on the dining table for a family-style meal. Using chopsticks can elevate the dining experience, bringing an authentic Asian touch to the meal.

For a vibrant presentation, you can serve the chicken in a separate bowl on the side of the fried rice. This allows everyone to take as much chicken and rice as they like. If you want an extra flavor kick, serving additional soy sauce or chili sauce on the side can be a great addition.

Serving suggestions or pairings

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or a side of steamed broccoli for extra greenery. A refreshing drink like iced green tea or lemonade complements the savory flavors of the chicken and rice perfectly. For an authentic touch, you could also serve it with dumplings or spring rolls as an appetizer.

How to Store Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice

Proper storage methods

If you have any leftovers, it’s best to store them right away. Allow the chicken and fried rice to cool first before placing them in air-tight containers. Separate containers are ideal to keep the chicken and rice fresh. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips for reheating or freezing

When it’s time to reheat, use a microwave for convenience, or you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, add a splash of water to the rice to help it steam and become fluffy once again. You should be careful when reheating to avoid overcooking the chicken, which can become dry.

For long-term storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and rice. Make sure to label them with the date before placing them in the freezer. Frozen leftovers can last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Tips to Make Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is overcrowding the pan when frying the chicken. If you add too many pieces at once, they may steam instead of frying, resulting in a less crispy texture. It’s better to fry in batches to ensure each piece gets the crisp it deserves.

Also, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature before adding the chicken. If the oil isn’t hot enough, your chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy instead of crispy.

Helpful tips for better results

To achieve the utmost crispiness, let the coated chicken sit for a few minutes before frying. This allows the coating to adhere better during the frying process.

Using day-old rice can make a difference in the texture of your fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, which can lead to mushy results. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes.

Variation of Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

You can easily customize this dish by adding different proteins such as shrimp or beef. For a vegetarian version, tofu can be substituted for chicken, and you can add more vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or zucchini to enhance the fried rice.

Spice lovers might enjoy adding more chili flakes or even diced jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick. Experimenting with different sauces like teriyaki or sweet and sour can also yield tasty results.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For those with specific dietary preferences, try using gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch if you need a gluten-free meal. To reduce calories, consider baking the chicken instead of frying. You can simply coat the chicken, then bake it in the oven until cooked through and crispy.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your Chicken isn’t crispy, double-check that your oil temperature is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. For issues with the fried rice, ensure that you use old rice or cool down fresh rice to prevent a mushy texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare components ahead of time. The chicken can be coated and refrigerated for up to a day in advance. Cook the rice and prepare the sauce ahead as well, but for the best taste, it’s recommended to fry the chicken and make the rice just before serving.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch. For the vegetables, any mixed frozen vegetables work well. You can also swap honey for maple syrup if you prefer a vegan option or are looking to adjust sweetness.

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