Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Cooking brings people together, and there’s something special about the aroma of Chinese Chicken Fried Rice wafting through the kitchen. At family gatherings, this savory dish continues to create lasting memories. I recall my grandmother making her version, filling the house with warmth and enticing scents as she expertly combined ingredients. Veggies dancing in the skillet, rice sizzling, and chicken cooking just right made everyone eager for dinner.

Chinese Chicken Fried Rice has a unique ability to adapt. It seamlessly incorporates whatever ingredients you have on hand, transforming ordinary leftovers into a delightful meal. This dish holds a special place in my heart, making it a staple that never fails to impress. With the perfect blend of cooked chicken, peas, and carrots, every bite delivers comfort and nostalgia.

Cooking this dish at home brings the joy of that memory to life. You can easily replicate this comforting classic in your own kitchen. Join me in exploring how to create this delicious recipe, celebrating the vibrant flavors that make it such a beloved dish. Let’s dive into the magic of Chinese Chicken Fried Rice and elevate your weeknight dinner experience!

Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Fundamentals

Understanding the fundamentals of Chinese Chicken Fried Rice sets the stage for perfecting the dish. The key to great fried rice lies in using cold, cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be sticky, making it challenging to fry. Allowing the rice to cool or even refrigerating it helps achieve that desirable texture.

Cooking the chicken beforehand also enhances the dish. This ensures that every ingredient is ready for incorporation when you heat the skillet. Additionally, using a large skillet provides enough space for proper frying without crowding, leading to better flavor and texture.

Preparation / Setup

Proper preparation simplifies the cooking process. Make sure to have all ingredients ready before starting. Measure out 2 cups of cooked rice, 1 cup of diced cooked chicken, 1 cup of frozen or fresh peas, and 1 cup of diced carrots. Have the garlic and shallots minced and chopped, respectively. This way, you streamline the cooking workflow, allowing for a smooth transition from one step to the next.

Ensure that the skillet is preheated before adding the oil. A medium-high setting ensures that the ingredients cook quickly and evenly, sealing in flavors. Keep your spatula handy to aid in stirring and scrambling as you work through the recipe.

Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients to create the dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish (optional)

Having everything organized allows you to focus on cooking rather than scrambling to find ingredients last minute.

Directions

Creating Chinese Chicken Fried Rice involves straightforward steps that anyone can follow.

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Push the garlic and shallots to the side of the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs, scrambling them until cooked through.
4. Add the diced cooked chicken, peas, and carrots into the skillet, stirring to combine everything.
5. Add the cooked rice along with the soy sauce, mixing all components well until incorporated.
6. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through, adding salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

This recipe captures the essence of comfort food while being simple enough for any home cook to master.

Mastering Your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Technique

Perfecting the technique used in making Chinese Chicken Fried Rice can significantly elevate the meal. Pay close attention to the heat of the skillet. Ensuring it’s hot enough allows the rice to fry instead of steam. This technique prevents the rice from becoming mushy and enhances the fried flavor.

Additionally, using a spatula to toss ingredients thoroughly ensures even mixing. It promotes uniform heating, allowing the flavors to meld nicely. Allowing the rice to cling to the other ingredients can improve flavor distribution.

Tips / Tricks

A few simple tips can make the process even smoother.

First, consider cooking a larger batch of rice and letting it cool in advance. This not only saves time but ensures you have rice on hand for future fried rice experiments.

Second, experiment with your choice of vegetables. Adding bell peppers, broccoli, or corn can enhance the dish’s texture and nutritional value. Lastly, don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of soy sauce to suit your taste.

Incorporating these techniques and tips will ensure each bite of your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice turns out delicious.

Elevating the Dish

Perfecting Results

Achieving the perfect Chinese Chicken Fried Rice involves attention to detail. Using day-old rice is often recommended as it dries out slightly, creating the ideal conditions for stir-frying.

Not only does this improve the texture, but it also promotes better flavor absorption. Avoid adding too much liquid during cooking, as this can dampen the dish, leading to disappointing results.

Troubleshooting / Variations

Cooking can sometimes result in unexpected outcomes. If your fried rice feels sticky, it’s likely due to using fresh rice. For next time, remember to chill your rice for optimal results.

Alternatively, if you find it too dry, a splash more soy sauce or a few drops of water can help revive moisture without overpowering flavors.

For variations, try adding a splash of sesame oil at the end for enhanced flavor. You can also substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken, catering to different dietary preferences while keeping the dish delicious.

Serving Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Presentation

Serving your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice can be just as important as making it. A vibrant garnish of chopped green onions not only adds color but contributes brightness to every bite.

Using a large serving platter allows everyone to scoop out their desired amount, encouraging sharing and community. A slightly larger portion sets the tone for a family-style meal, perfect for gatherings.

Pairings / Storage

Pair this delightful dish with simple sides like steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal. The bright flavors in those sides complement the savory notes in your fried rice nicely.

For storage, keep leftover Chinese Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically stays fresh for 3-4 days, making it a great option for easy meal prep. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to preserve its texture.

Creating Chinese Chicken Fried Rice brings warmth and comfort into your home. The blend of flavors, combined with the ease of preparation, makes it an ideal addition to any weeknight menu. Celebrate the joy of cooking and share this delightful dish with those you love. Discovering the art of fried rice can transform your cooking journey, making every meal a memorable experience. Enjoy the process, savor each bite, and let the deliciousness of homemade Chinese Chicken Fried Rice shine on your table.

Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

---

• Author: emma
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting and adaptable dish featuring chicken, peas, carrots, and rice, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Push the garlic and shallots to the side and pour in the beaten eggs, scrambling them until cooked through.
4. Add the diced cooked chicken, peas, and carrots, stirring to combine.
5. Add the cooked rice along with the soy sauce, mixing well.
6. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until heated through, adding salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Using day-old rice works best for frying. Adjust soy sauce to taste for preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Fried Rice, Chicken, Chinese Cuisine, Comfort Food