Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is a beloved dish around the world, known for its simplicity, flavor, and ability to be made quickly with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover rice or want to whip up a tasty meal in minutes, this recipe is your go-to solution. In this guide, we’ll take you through every step of creating a perfect, quick, and easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice that will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
Essential Ingredients
Protein: Chicken
Chicken is the primary protein in this dish. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, while breasts are leaner.
Rice: The Foundation
Cold, day-old rice is the best choice for fried rice as it has a firmer texture and is less likely to become mushy. Jasmine or long-grain rice works particularly well.
Vegetables and Aromatics
Traditional Chinese fried rice includes vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions. Aromatics like garlic and ginger add depth of flavor.
Optional Ingredients
Adding Egg for Extra Protein
Adding scrambled eggs to your fried rice not only boosts the protein content but also adds richness to the dish.
Flavor Enhancers: Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce
Soy sauce is a must for seasoning, providing a savory umami flavor. Oyster sauce adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish.
Preparing the Chicken
Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken
For the best results, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Marinating the Chicken
Simple Marinade Ingredients
A quick marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and a dash of sesame oil infuses the chicken with flavor before cooking.
Marination Time
Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for a couple of hours will yield even better results.
Cooking the Rice
Best Rice for Fried Rice
Jasmine or long-grain rice is ideal for fried rice because it holds up well during stir-frying. The grains should be separated, not sticky.
Day-Old Rice vs. Freshly Cooked Rice
Day-old rice is preferred because it’s drier and less sticky, making it easier to fry without clumping. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray to cool and dry out slightly before using.
Preparing the Rice for Stir-Frying
If you’re using leftover rice, break up any clumps with your hands or a fork to ensure even frying.
Stir-Frying Techniques
High Heat Cooking
Stir-frying requires high heat to cook the ingredients quickly and evenly. Use a wok or a large skillet to ensure enough space for the ingredients to move around.
Layering Flavors
Cooking the Chicken
Start by cooking the marinated chicken in your wok or skillet until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Adding Vegetables and Aromatics
In the same pan, add your aromatics like garlic and ginger, followed by the vegetables. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
Incorporating the Rice
Add the rice to the pan, breaking up any remaining clumps as you stir. Combine it with the vegetables and aromatics, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the flavors.
Adding Sauces and Seasonings
The Role of Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is essential for that classic fried rice flavor. Add it gradually, tasting as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.
Using Oyster Sauce and Other Seasonings
Oyster sauce adds a slightly sweet, savory flavor that complements the soy sauce. You can also add a dash of white pepper or sesame oil for additional depth.
Balancing Flavors
Taste the fried rice as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Add more soy sauce or a pinch of sugar if needed to balance the flavors.
Final Touches
Garnishing with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds
A sprinkle of chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds a fresh, nutty finish to your fried rice.
Adding a Squeeze of Lime for Freshness
For a zesty twist, serve your fried rice with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime juice can brighten the dish and balance the richness of the soy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing with Side Dishes
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice pairs well with simple side dishes like steamed dumplings, egg rolls, or a light cucumber salad.
Serving as a Main Course
This dish is hearty enough to serve as a main course. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with a soup, such as hot and sour soup or miso soup.
Presentation Tips
Serve the fried rice in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with extra green onions and sesame seeds. For a restaurant-style presentation, pack the rice into a small bowl and invert it onto a plate for a neat, round mound.
Variations of Chicken Fried Rice
Vegetarian Fried Rice
Tofu Fried Rice
Replace the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version. Marinated tofu cubes add a satisfying texture and absorb the flavors of the dish beautifully.
Mixed Vegetable Fried Rice
For a lighter option, skip the chicken and load up on a variety of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. This version is colorful, nutritious, and perfect for vegetarians or those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.
Seafood Fried Rice
Shrimp Fried Rice
Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with the savory rice and vegetables.
Crab Fried Rice
Crab meat adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor to the dish. Use fresh or canned crab meat, and be sure to fold it in gently to avoid breaking up the delicate pieces.
Spicy Fried Rice Variants
Spicy Szechuan Fried Rice
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some Szechuan peppercorns and chili oil to your fried rice. This version has a bold, spicy flavor that’s sure to please those who love a kick in their meals.
Kimchi Fried Rice
Incorporate some chopped kimchi into your fried rice for a tangy, spicy, Korean-inspired dish. The fermented flavor of the kimchi adds a unique depth to the fried rice, making it a standout variation.
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
Avoiding Mushy Rice
The key to perfect fried rice is using rice that’s not too wet. Day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier, but if you must use fresh rice, be sure to spread it out and let it cool before frying. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
Achieving the Right Balance of Flavors
Taste as you cook! Start with a little soy sauce and add more as needed. Don’t forget to balance the saltiness with a hint of sweetness, perhaps from a touch of oyster sauce or a pinch of sugar.
Proper Stir-Frying Technique
Stir-fry quickly over high heat, constantly moving the ingredients around the pan. This ensures that everything cooks evenly without burning, and it helps to lock in the flavors.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Content
A typical serving of Chinese Chicken Fried Rice contains about 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used and portion size.
Protein and Fat Breakdown
Chicken is a great source of lean protein, making this dish relatively high in protein. The addition of eggs and vegetables also contributes to the nutritional value. Fat content varies depending on the amount of oil and sauces used.
Dietary Considerations
This dish can easily be adapted to suit various dietary needs. For a lower-calorie option, reduce the amount of oil and use brown rice instead of white. For a gluten-free version, opt for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used in place of white rice for a healthier option. It has a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but it will result in a slightly chewier texture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave or stir-fry in a pan until heated through.
Can I make fried rice without soy sauce?
Certainly! You can substitute soy sauce with tamari, coconut aminos, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a different flavor profile.
How can I make the dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure that any additional sauces or seasonings used are also gluten-free.
What other proteins can I use?
Apart from chicken, you can use beef, pork, tofu, shrimp, or even duck. Each protein will add its unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Conclusion
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with one of the many variations, you’re sure to enjoy the savory, satisfying flavors of this beloved dish. It’s quick, easy, and can be tailored to suit your tastes and dietary needs, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you need to whip up something fast.
Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is a beloved dish around the world, known for its simplicity, flavor, and ability to be made quickly with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you're looking for a way to use up leftover rice or want to whip up a tasty meal in minutes, this recipe is your go-to solution. In this guide, we’ll take you through every step of creating a perfect, quick, and easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice that will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups cooked jasmine rice day old, see Notes for amount of uncooked rice
- ½ lb skinless boneless chicken thighs thinly sliced
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup carrot finely diced
- ½ cup peas frozen
- 3 eggs beaten
- 4 teaspoon vegetable oil or any neutral tasting oil
- Chicken marinade:
- 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing Cooking Wine or sub with Dry Sherry Wine
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- Sauce:
- 2 tablespoon regular soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (aka chicken stock powder)
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper or sub with black pepper
Instructions
Marinate your sliced chicken with Chicken Marinate ingredients as listed above for 5 minutes. Set aside.
In a small bowl, pre-mix Sauce ingredients as listed above. Set aside.
In a hot wok set on medium high heat, add 1 teaspoon oil. Once oil is hot, fry chicken until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Add 1 teaspoon of oil and fry garlic and shallots for 10 seconds or until softened. Quickly add peas and carrots and fry for another 10 seconds or until softened. Push everything to the side of the wok.
Add 1 teaspoon of oil into empty space of wok. Pour in eggs and scramble before mixing with ingredients in wok.
Add remaining oil along with rice and toss with ingredients. Toss back in chicken.
Pour sauce around your rice along the edges of the wok (the heat + sauce creates more flavour vs. pouring on top of rice). Mix until all rice granules are coloured brown. Remove off heat. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
How much uncooked rice should I use?
This is 1 ½ measuring cups of UNCOOKED jasmine rice made the night before and refrigerated.
Can I cook my rice on a stovetop?
Yes! Follow these steps:
Rinse uncooked rice under cold water a few times until water is clear.
In a large saucepan, pour in your washed rice.
Next fill the saucepan with cold water. To know how much water to add, place your palm on top of the rice and as you fill the pot with water, stop when the water reaches your knuckles (where your fingers end).
Bring this to a boil and cover with a lid. Immediately reduce to the lowest heat possible and let this cook over low heat for 17-20 minutes until most of the water has evaporated and the rice is fluffy.