Delicious Chicken Fried Rice Recipe That’s Easy to Make
Looking for a way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant without leaving your home? Look no further than this authentic chicken fried rice recipe! Made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
But what sets this recipe apart from all of the other fried rice recipes out there? The secret ingredient – sesame oil! Just a splash of this flavorful oil takes the dish to the next level, giving it that classic takeout chicken fried rice taste that we all know and love.
Not only is this recipe delicious, it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a steaming hot plate of restaurant-style fried rice in front of you in no time.
So why settle for subpar takeout when you can make this authentic chicken fried rice at home? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for the perfect fusion between classic takeout and homemade goodness? Look no further than this Authentic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. This recipe will show you how to make a fried rice that tastes like it’s fresh from a local Chinese restaurant with the right balance of flavors that satisfies your craving for takeout chicken.
Fried rice is a type of dish that is quite popular in Asian countries, where it’s often eaten as a side dish or a main course. The dish can be found in many variations, but chicken fried rice has always been one of the most loved recipes. With simple ingredients such as boneless chicken breast, eggs, garlic and soy sauce, you can easily whip up this delicious dish for any mealtime occasion.
Perhaps the biggest reason you’ll love this recipe is that it’s adaptable to any personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Not a fan of spicy food? Skip the chili flakes. Don’t eat meat? Make this recipe vegetarian-friendly with tofu or extra vegetables. This versatile dish also pairs perfectly with other sides such as spring rolls or dumplings.
Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is that it’s easy to make in a single large skillet, so the clean-up process is kept to a minimum, making mealtime even more enjoyable. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen mastering complicated techniques; all you need are basic cooking skills and you’ll soon have yourself a delicious dish to share with your friends and family.
In summary, if you want to taste restaurant-style Chinese chicken fried rice without leaving your home or paying significant bucks at restaurants, give this recipe a try. From the classic takeout flavor to its adaptability, ease of preparation and taste like restaurant fried rice authenticity, I promise you won’t regret giving this recipe a spot in your regular meal rotation.
Ingredient List
Getting the right ingredients is essential to make a good Chicken Fried Rice recipe that will taste like it came from an Asian restaurant. Make sure that you have all ingredients listed below before starting.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into small pieces
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3-4 cups cooked rice (use long grain jasmine rice for authentic flavor)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1/2 pound frozen vegetables (peas and carrots), thawed
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup leeks, chopped
- 1/4 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
These are all the ingredients that you need to make this restaurant-style Chicken Fried Rice recipe. You can easily find these ingredients in your local grocery store or supermarket.
The Recipe How-To
Now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for, how to make authentic chicken fried rice right at home! Trust me, it’s easier than you think.
Step 1: Cook the Rice
The key to a perfect chicken fried rice recipe is using cooked and cooled rice. You can use any long-grain white rice of your choice or a blend of jasmine and long-grain. To cook the rice add 1 ¾ cups cold water, 1 cup of rice and salt to taste in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stir once then reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Let simmer for 20 minutes. remove from heat and let sit covered for about 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork then spread out onto a baking sheet or large bowl to cool completely in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Fried Rice
Start by heating up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil followed by the diced boneless chicken breast that has been seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook until no longer pink, around 4-5 minutes then remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Next, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan and cook 2 lightly beaten eggs, swirling them around until cooked through, breaking up any large pieces with your spatula. Remove eggs from skillet; set aside.
Add another tablespoon of oil then saute sliced leeks, chopped garlic, chopped green onions and chives. After two minutes add frozen vegetables of your choiceor bean sprouts (if using) into the pan with soy sauce (to taste) and continue sauteing for an additional one to two minutes until heated through.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Push that mixture aside in the pan and add shrimp, ham or bacon (if using) along with your cooked chicken back into the pan along with your cooked rice. Using low heat, carefully fold everything together with a spatula until evenly combined.
Step 4: Add Flavor
Now it’s time for the secret ingredient to make this recipe truly authentic – sesame oil! Drizzle on top of chicken fried rice along with additional soy sauce (if desired). Fry over medium-high heat for an extra minute or two until everything is fragrant and piping hot.
And voila! Your homemade classic takeout chicken fried rice is now ready!
Make sure to follow these steps closely for amazing results every time!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about a classic recipe like Chicken Fried Rice is that it can be easily customized to suit individual tastes and dietary needs. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
– Brown rice: If you prefer a healthier option, you can use brown rice instead of long grain white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
– Vegetarian: Simply omit the chicken and use a vegetable broth or soy sauce to add flavor. You can also add some diced tofu or tempeh for a protein boost.
– Spicy: If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce to your fried rice.
– Thai-style: To give your Chicken Fried Rice a Thai twist, swap the soy sauce for fish sauce and add some chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.
– Indian-style: For an Indian-inspired version, use ghee instead of sesame oil and add some curry powder, turmeric, and chopped cashew nuts.
– Korean-style: Give your fried rice a Korean flavor by using gochujang (red pepper paste) and adding some kimchi and green onions.
– Chinese restaurant-style: If you’re trying to recreate the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout, stick to the classic ingredients like eggs, leeks, bean sprouts, peas, and carrots. Add some oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for extra umami flavor.
Remember that these are just suggestions – feel free to experiment with different ingredients and make this Chicken Fried Rice recipe truly your own.
Serving and Pairing
One of my favorite things about chicken fried rice is its versatility when it comes to serving and pairing. This dish can be a meal on its own or as a side dish for your main course. It pairs excellently with sweet and sour chicken or stir-fried vegetables, but can also be served alongside some spicy General Tso’s chicken to balance out the flavors.
You could take this chicken fried rice recipe in many directions by shifting the flavor profile according to what you’re serving it with. To make a Thai-inspired meal, pair this dish with some tangy Pad Thai noodles or some seafood curry. Similarly, you could even take the Indian route and pair it with some butter chicken and naan bread.
If you prefer to keep things simple, serve this chicken fried rice as a standalone meal with some steamed vegetables on the side. You could also try adding a side of egg fu yung, which is an egg-based Chinese dish that complements the flavors of chicken fried rice quite nicely.
When it comes to serving and pairing, don’t be afraid to get creative with this dish – it’s all about finding the perfect flavor balance for your taste buds. Whatever combination you choose, I guarantee this recipe will make for a warm, comforting, and satisfying meal every time, whether you choose to recreate classic takeout flavors or experiment with new flavor profiles.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made a big batch of this delicious chicken fried rice, you may be wondering what to do with the leftovers. Luckily, this dish stores and reheats very well.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can easily prepare the rice and chicken, and keep them separate in airtight containers in the fridge. You can then combine them before serving to ensure a freshly-made taste.
If you have leftovers that you want to store for later use, place them in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so in a skillet or wok on medium-high heat. You can add a splash of water or broth if the rice has dried out, but be careful not to add too much liquid as it will turn the rice mushy.
For a quicker option, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave. Simply place the desired amount of fried rice into a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly heated.
It’s important to note that freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture and flavors of the fried rice. This dish is best consumed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
By following these storing and reheating tips, you can enjoy this flavorful chicken fried rice recipe without sacrificing its taste or quality.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect chicken fried rice, there are a few tips that can improve your cooking game. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your chicken fried rice is restaurant-worthy:
1. Use Day-Old Rice: When it comes to fried rice, leftover rice works best. Using fresh cooked rice can result in a soggy and sticky mess. The day-old rice has less moisture, which makes it easier to separate the grains when cooking.
2. High Heat is Key: For best results, cook your chicken fried rice on high heat to get those flavorful charred bits on the vegetables and chicken. High heat also prevents the ingredients from becoming mushy or over-cooked.
3. Add Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavors of your ingredients and giving your dish that extra kick. A pinch of salt and black pepper during cooking can go a long way.
4. Use Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is a secret ingredient that adds tons of flavor to any dish, especially fried rice. It gives your dish an authentic taste that you would find at a Chinese restaurant.
5. Cook Chicken First: To avoid overcooking or undercooking the chicken, cook it separately from the rest of the ingredients. This way you’ll have perfectly seasoned pieces of juicy and tender chicken.
6. Add Soy Sauce Towards The End: Soy sauce enhances not just the flavor, but also the color of the dish. However, adding soy sauce too early can make your rice too salty or turn it brown instead of yellowish; wait until towards the end so as not to spoil its beautiful colors.
-Incorporating these tips will give you a delicious restaurant-style chicken fried rice right in your own kitchen!
FAQ
As someone who loves to cook, I understand that even the most detailed recipe can still leave you with a few questions. That’s why I’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this authentic Chicken Fried Rice recipe. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn, so let’s dive into it!
What is the secret ingredient to restaurant fried rice?
When it comes to cooking fried rice, I have discovered a secret ingredient that is a game changer – butter! I’ve noticed that hibachi restaurants use it to enhance the flavor and texture of their fried rice. Adding butter not only imparts more flavor, but also helps to evenly brown the rice. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t go back to making fried rice without it.
What gives Chinese fried rice it’s flavor?
When it comes to making delicious fried rice, adding soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce is crucial. These sauces bring distinct flavors to the dish, but it’s important not to go overboard with them. It’s best to add small amounts of each and taste the rice regularly to ensure that the flavors of the rice, meat, and veggies shine through. The ultimate goal is to enhance, rather than overpower, the tasty ingredients in the fried rice. So, use these sauces sparingly and with care.
What makes restaurant fried rice taste good?
To achieve the unique taste and texture of Chinese restaurant-style fried rice, one needs a combination of high heat, skilled wok tosses, and a phenomenon known as ‘wok hei.’ According to J. Kenji López-Alt’s article on Serious Eats, the expertise in using a wok on a gas range is a significant factor behind the deliciousness of fried rice served in Chinese restaurants, making it hard to replicate the dish at home.
How do you make fried rice taste like a restaurant?
For a restaurant-style taste, it is suggested to first lightly toast the rice in a pot over high heat for approximately 5 minutes before cooking. This step helps to keep the rice grains separate and prevents it from clumping together.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this recipe for authentic chicken fried rice is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy restaurant-quality food in the comfort of their own home. With its blend of classic takeout flavors and a secret ingredient that takes the dish to new heights, this recipe is sure to impress both you and your family or friends.
By using high-quality ingredients like boneless chicken breast, long grain jasmine rice, and fresh veggies, you can make a healthier and better-tasting version of takeout chicken fried rice. And with the option to customize the recipe with different seasoning blends, protein options, and vegetable choices, you can create a dish that’s truly unique to your preferences.
Don’t settle for bland or unhealthy takeout when you can make this delicious and nutritious dish right at home with ease. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stovetop, and get ready to enjoy one of the best chicken fried rice recipes out there!
Authentic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice, cooked
- 1 boneless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons leeks, chopped
- 1/4 cup bean sprouts
- 1 tablespoon chives
- 1 egg
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Cook rice.
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan, add onion,garlic, bean sprouts and chicken.Stir fry until chicken and onion is slightly golden brown.
- Add rice to saucepan.Pour soy sauce over rice, and stir fry over medium heat until golden brown, making sure that sauce is fully absorbed by rice.Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste over rice and chicken.
- Scramble egg,and cook egg in separate saucepan.
- Cut up egg into small pieces.Add egg to pan with rice and chicken, and stir fry, for about 3 minutes.
- Add leeks and chives to pan with rice and stir fry for 3 minutes.
- Remove rice from pan and serve.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.