Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice is a classic dish loved by many for its simplicity and flavor. The combination of tender chicken, scrambled eggs, and vegetables like peas and carrots, all mixed into perfectly fried rice, creates a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. The addition of soy sauce adds depth, while green onions offer a fresh, crunchy finish.

This dish is incredibly versatile, making it a great option for using leftover rice or chicken. Whether you’re making it as a quick weeknight dinner or a side for an Asian-inspired feast, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Full Recipe:

2 cups cooked white rice, preferably cold

1 cup cooked, diced chicken breast
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions:

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
Stir in the diced chicken, peas, and carrots, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir everything together and cook for 5 minutes until the rice is slightly crispy.

Pour in the soy sauce (and oyster sauce if using) and mix well to coat all the ingredients. Add the scrambled eggs back into the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Origins of Chicken Fried Rice:

Chicken Fried Rice is a staple dish in many Asian cuisines, with its roots primarily tracing back to Chinese cooking. Fried rice itself originated during the Sui Dynasty in China (581–618 AD), primarily as a way to use up leftover rice and ingredients. The beauty of the dish lies in its versatility, allowing the incorporation of various proteins, vegetables, and seasonings based on availability or personal preference. Chicken fried rice, in particular, became popular as it provided a protein-rich variation while maintaining the essence of traditional fried rice recipes.

Key Elements of the Recipe:

Cold, Day-Old Rice: One of the essential tips for making perfect fried rice is to use cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice contains more moisture, which can make your fried rice mushy. When the rice has been chilled, it becomes firmer, making it easier to fry and achieve that delicious, slightly crispy texture.
Customizable Protein: While this recipe calls for diced chicken breast, you can easily swap the chicken for other proteins like shrimp, pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken to save time.

Egg for Added Richness: Scrambled eggs are a key component in most fried rice recipes, adding richness and an additional layer of flavor to the dish. Some variations will add the egg at the end, but this recipe has you scrambling the egg first, then incorporating it back into the rice for even distribution.
Vegetables for Texture and Nutrition: The peas and carrots provide not only a pop of color but also texture and nutrition. Other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts can be added to suit personal tastes.
Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: Soy sauce gives the dish its signature umami flavor, while oyster sauce (if used) adds a slightly sweet, rich depth. For a more authentic touch, you can use a combination of light and dark soy sauce, or even tamari for a gluten-free alternative.

Tips for Perfect Fried Rice:

High Heat is Key: When frying the rice, ensure your skillet or wok is on high heat. This helps the rice crisp up and prevents it from steaming. Keep the ingredients moving with a spatula to avoid burning.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you have too many ingredients in the pan at once, the rice won’t fry properly and may become soggy. If needed, fry the rice in batches.
Adding Flavor: Besides soy sauce and oyster sauce, you can experiment with adding other seasonings like sesame oil for nuttiness or a dash of fish sauce for extra umami.

Health Benefits:

Protein-Packed: The chicken provides a healthy dose of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and general health.
Carb-Controlled: You can easily control the amount of rice you use to meet your dietary preferences. For a lower-carb version, substitute part or all of the rice with cauliflower rice.
Rich in Veggies: Peas, carrots, and green onions add valuable vitamins and minerals to this dish, making it not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced.

Accompaniments and Pairing Ideas:

Chicken Fried Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be paired with side dishes to enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some ideas:

Egg Drop Soup: A light, brothy soup pairs perfectly with the savory and hearty fried rice.
Spring Rolls: Crisp and filled with vegetables, they complement the textures and flavors of the dish.

Cucumber Salad: The refreshing crunch of cucumbers with a tangy vinegar dressing contrasts nicely with the warm, savory rice.

Variations:

This recipe can be easily adapted to suit a variety of dietary preferences:

Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or more vegetables, and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Spicy Kick: Add a chopped chili pepper or a drizzle of sriracha for those who love heat in their food.
Seafood Twist: Swap the chicken for shrimp, and perhaps add a splash of fish sauce for extra depth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick and Easy: With a prep time of 10 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you need something filling and flavorful without much hassle.

Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish, making it a great go-to meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
Budget-Friendly: This recipe utilizes simple, affordable ingredients like leftover rice, frozen vegetables, and chicken, making it both economical and delicious.

The Versatility of Fried Rice

Fried rice is one of the most versatile dishes out there. Originally created as a way to use up leftover rice, it has evolved into a global comfort food. While the base ingredients are simple—rice, protein, vegetables, and seasoning—the variations are endless. Each region in China has its own take on fried rice, and it has been adopted and adapted by cultures around the world, from Japan’s yakimeshi to Thailand’s khao pad.

The version with chicken adds a protein-packed twist to the classic. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner, but also hearty enough to serve at a gathering or family meal. The real beauty of chicken fried rice is that it can be made with whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it a go-to dish for reducing food waste and stretching your grocery budget.

Cooking Techniques and Best Practices

High Heat is Essential: To achieve that authentic fried rice flavor and texture, you need to cook the dish on high heat. The high temperature helps to create a slight crispiness on the surface of the rice and ensures that the vegetables maintain their texture rather than becoming too soft. Cooking at high heat also ensures that the soy sauce and seasonings are evenly distributed, without making the dish soggy.
Wok or Large Skillet: Traditionally, fried rice is cooked in a wok. Its curved surface allows for even heat distribution, and its high sides make it easy to stir-fry the ingredients without making a mess. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will work just as well. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the ingredients to steam rather than fry.

Batch Cooking: If you’re making a large portion, it’s better to cook in batches to avoid steaming the rice. Fry the rice in smaller portions so that each grain gets enough heat, resulting in a perfect, slightly crispy texture.

Nutrition and Dietary Considerations

Protein: The chicken adds a significant amount of lean protein to the dish, making it ideal for those looking to meet their daily protein requirements.
Low in Fat: If you’re watching your fat intake, you can use less oil or replace vegetable oil with healthier options like avocado oil or spray oil to lightly coat the pan.

Carbohydrates: White rice is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy, but for a healthier twist, you can use brown rice or quinoa to increase fiber content.
Sodium: Soy sauce can be high in sodium, so those watching their salt intake might want to use a low-sodium soy sauce or limit the amount used.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigeration: Leftover chicken fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Fried rice freezes very well. Just portion it out into individual servings and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Reheating Tips: When reheating fried rice, add a small splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. If reheating on the stovetop, cook over medium-high heat and stir frequently to reheat evenly.

Fun Facts

A Popular Takeout Dish: Fried rice is one of the most popular takeout dishes worldwide. It’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also satisfying and packed with flavor, making it a go-to choice for many.

Great for Meal Prep: Chicken fried rice is an excellent meal-prep option. You can make a large batch and have it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It’s easy to store and reheats well, making it a convenient choice for busy individuals or families.
Historical Roots in Leftovers: Fried rice was traditionally a way to use leftover rice and ingredients from other meals. This makes it one of the most practical dishes you can prepare, ensuring nothing in your kitchen goes to waste.

Conclusion:

Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is a classic and highly adaptable dish that offers a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in every bite. Its quick preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights, and its rich flavors ensure that it will be a crowd-pleaser at the dinner table. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or experiment with different ingredients to suit your preferences, this fried rice is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.