Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Fried rice, a staple in Asian cuisine, has made its delicious splash onto menus worldwide, from humble local street stalls to swanky, high-end restaurants. For many home cooks, the dish can seem daunting. But it needn't be! Here, we offer a simple yet flavorful recipe for Chicken Fried Rice that's sure to impress your family and friends, all while offering the convenience of a one-pan meal.

Ingredients for Chicken Fried Rice

To get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• 2 cups of cooked, chilled white rice
• 2 chicken breasts, diced into small pieces
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

Cooking the Chicken

Start by seasoning the diced chicken with salt and pepper.

• In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook until it's no longer pink, then set it aside.

Cooking the Rice

• In a separate pan, heat the remaining oil over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Increase the heat to high and add the chilled rice, breaking it up with a spoon.
• Cook, stirring, for a few minutes until the rice is heated through and starting to turn golden.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

• Push the rice to the side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked through, then combine with the rice.
• Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for a couple of minutes until heated through.

Combining All Ingredients

• Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
• Drizzle the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice.
• Stir everything together and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the flavors meld and the dish is heated through.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Rice

For the best texture, use long-grain rice and cook it a day in advance, refrigerating it overnight. This process dries out the rice, preventing it from becoming mushy during frying.

The Wok's the Key

While a large skillet can work, a wok allows for optimal heat distribution and better movement of the ingredients. Ideally, you’re looking for a high-heat cooking environment to achieve the signature wok aroma and caramelized flavors.

Flavor Play

Consider adding a teaspoon of grated ginger for a warm, zesty flavor.

Quality over Quantity

Though an easy dish, take your time with each step. Cooking the components in batches avoids overcrowding the pan which results in better overall flavor development and texture.

R.E.S.T. Method

Remember to rotate, elevate, stir, and toss your ingredients for an evenly cooked and delicious chicken fried rice!

By following these simple steps and tips, you'll create an aromatic and satisfying Chicken Fried Rice at home that rivals your favorite takeout joint. Enjoy exploring this classic comfort dish and don't be afraid to customize it with your own favorite proteins and veggies. Happy cooking!