How to Make Delicious Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice is a popular dish that originated in Chinese cuisine but has since become beloved by people all around the world. It’s a quick and easy meal that can be made with basic ingredients you likely already have on hand. The key to making delicious chicken fried rice is in getting the right balance of flavors, textures, and cooking techniques.

For this recipe, we will make 4 servings and it will take about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how you can achieve perfect chicken fried rice:

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or any long-grain white rice)
• 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (you can use tamari for gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cilantro or green onions for garnish

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

If you're starting with raw rice, cook it according to package instructions. Once cooked, let the rice cool completely before using it in your chicken fried rice.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large pan or wok, heat up 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry until it is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed, then add the minced garlic into the pan. Sauté until fragrant, about a minute or two. Add the thawed peas and carrots to the pan and stir-fry for an additional couple of minutes.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Lower the heat slightly, then add the beaten eggs into the mixture and scramble them until they are cooked through but still soft. Add back the chicken and continue to mix everything together in a single pan for about two more minutes.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Pour soy sauce over the entire dish, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir until well combined. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions. The chicken fried rice is now ready to serve hot.

Tips for Success

1. Ensure your rice is completely cooled before adding it into the pan, otherwise the eggs may not scramble properly.
2. The key to a good texture in this dish lies in not overcooking. Keep an eye on your vegetables as they can easily become mushy if cooked for too long.
3. For extra flavor, you could add some sliced green onions or chopped cilantro on top just before serving.

Variations

This recipe is quite versatile and adaptable. You can substitute the chicken with other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or even omit it altogether for a vegetarian version. For additional flavor complexity, consider adding in some sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers along with your peas and carrots.

Conclusion

Chicken fried rice is an excellent dish that combines simple ingredients into something deliciously satisfying. By following these steps, you can create a flavorful meal that suits different tastes and dietary preferences. It's perfect for busy nights when you need to whip up something quick yet tasty.

Enjoy your homemade chicken fried rice!