Chicken Fried Rice
This Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Yum Yum Sauce is the perfect dish for any occasion! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious side for your favorite Chinese takeout, this recipe delivers both flavor and convenience. With its vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and satisfying rice, you’ll find it hard to believe it’s homemade! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Dish: Customize your chicken fried rice by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins!
- Better than Takeout: Enjoy a fresher and healthier version of chicken fried rice right at home.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love it, and it’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies.
- Great for Leftovers: Use leftover rice and chicken for an even quicker meal!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make cooking Chicken Fried Rice much easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large frying pan or wok
- Spatula
- Small bowl
- Fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Large frying pan or wok: Provides ample space for stirring ingredients without spilling.
- Spatula: Essential for mixing everything evenly and scrambling eggs effectively.
- Small bowl: Perfect for beating eggs without making a mess.
- Fork: Useful for quickly whisking eggs before adding them to the pan.
Ingredients
Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
Vegetables
- ½ cup onion (diced)
- ½ cup carrots (diced)
- ½ cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
Eggs
- 2 eggs
Rice & Protein
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
Seasoning
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Heat the Pan
Heat a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the sesame oil, onions, and carrots; sauté until the carrots and onions are starting to become tender.
Step 2: Add Peas
Add the peas to the pan and stir well.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
In a small bowl, beat the eggs with a fork. Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the pan, then pour the eggs onto the other side of the pan. Use a spatula to scramble the eggs. Once fully cooked, stir into the vegetables.
Step 4: Mix in Rice and Chicken
Add the rice and shredded chicken; mix well.
Step 5: Add Soy Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce then stir into the fried rice evenly.
Step 6: Incorporate Butter
Add the butter and stir until melted throughout the rice mixture.
Step 7: Season
Season with salt and pepper if desired.
Step 8: Serve
Serve hot alongside yum-yum sauce for dipping!
With these simple steps, your homemade Chicken Fried Rice is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want a quick meal or a festive dining experience, there are plenty of options to elevate your fried rice.
As a Main Course
- Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions on top for added flavor and color.
- Serve with Yum Yum Sauce: Drizzle yum yum sauce over your fried rice for a creamy, tangy kick.
As a Side Dish
- Pair with Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls complement the flavors of chicken fried rice perfectly.
- Enjoy with Dumplings: Steamed or fried dumplings make an excellent addition to your meal.
In a Bowl
- Create a Rice Bowl: Serve the fried rice in bowls topped with extra veggies or protein for a hearty meal.
- Add an Egg on Top: A sunny-side-up egg adds richness and makes the dish even more satisfying.
How to Perfect Chicken Fried Rice
To achieve the best Chicken Fried Rice, consider these helpful tips. Small adjustments can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Use Day-Old Rice: Stale rice works better as it is less sticky, making it easier to fry.
- High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat helps to achieve that authentic stir-fry taste and texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry rice in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add any vegetables or proteins you enjoy for personalized flavor.
- Season Well: Taste as you go, adjusting salt and soy sauce levels for perfect seasoning.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Rice
If you’re looking to complete your meal, here are some fantastic side dishes that pair wonderfully with Chicken Fried Rice.
- Egg Drop Soup: A light soup made with beaten eggs and green onions, perfect alongside fried rice.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy salad featuring cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing that adds freshness.
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: This dish’s tangy sweetness complements the savory flavors of chicken fried rice well.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds a nutritious touch while balancing the meal’s richness.
- Teriyaki Tofu Skewers: Grilled tofu skewers marinated in teriyaki sauce provide a delightful protein option.
- Hot and Sour Soup: Spicy and tangy, this soup enhances your meal’s overall flavor profile beautifully.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with veggies add texture and variety to your dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Fried Rice, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using cold rice: Cold rice can lead to clumping and uneven cooking. Always use day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that has cooled down slightly.
- Overcrowding the pan: Adding too much to the pan can cause steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve a good fry.
- Not seasoning properly: Skipping the seasoning can result in bland fried rice. Make sure to taste and adjust the soy sauce and salt as needed.
- Cooking on low heat: Cooking on low heat will not give you that nice crispy texture. Use medium-high heat for best results.
- Skipping the veggies: Neglecting vegetables can reduce flavor and nutrition. Always include a variety of fresh or frozen vegetables.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container.
- It will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
Freezing Chicken Fried Rice
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bags.
- It can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chicken Fried Rice
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread fried rice on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place fried rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or oil, and stir-fry until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chicken Fried Rice:
What type of rice is best for Chicken Fried Rice?
Day-old cooked white rice works best as it is drier and less sticky than freshly cooked rice.
Can I use other proteins in my Chicken Fried Rice?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a delicious variation.
How do I customize my Chicken Fried Rice?
Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.
Is Chicken Fried Rice gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
What goes well with Chicken Fried Rice?
Serve it alongside spring rolls or dumplings for a complete meal that’s sure to please!
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fried Rice is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various proteins and vegetables based on your preferences or what’s available. This recipe is perfect for using leftovers while still delivering comforting flavors that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to give this homemade version a try; you’ll find it beats takeout any day!
Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Yum Yum Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Chicken Fried Rice, a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a satisfying side to your favorite Chinese takeout. This recipe features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, all brought together with savory soy sauce. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this comforting meal that not only tastes better than takeout but also allows you to use up leftover rice effectively. Ideal for families and customizable to suit your taste, this Chicken Fried Rice is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup onion (diced)
- ½ cup carrots (diced)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large frying pan or wok over medium heat; add sesame oil, onions, and carrots. Sauté until tender.
- Stir in peas and mix well.
- Beat the eggs in a small bowl; push the vegetable mixture aside and scramble the eggs in the pan until cooked.
- Add rice and shredded chicken; mix well.
- Pour in soy sauce and incorporate evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve hot with yum yum sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
