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Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe - Friendsgiving Food Ideas

The scent of sizzling garlic and soy sauce wafting through the air. Your stomach grumbles in anticipation, and your mouth waters. This is the magic of chicken fried rice. It’s not just a dish; it’s a comforting embrace on a plate.
 As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I often explore meals that are not only delicious but also offer nutritional benefits. Chicken fried rice has it all: flavor, texture, and flexibility.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 504

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, split between steps
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cups cooked long-grain brown rice best if day-old; white rice works too
  • Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/3 cups frozen mixed vegetables peas and diced carrots
  • 1 Tbsp neutral oil such as canola or vegetable, divided use
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 3 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • Sriracha sauce

Method
 

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. What’s really crucial here is having everything chopped, diced, and measured before you heat your pan. This makes the cooking process fluid and stress-free.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
  1. Heat 1 Tbsp of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cubed chicken. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Eggs
  1. Using the same skillet, add another splash of neutral oil if needed. Pour in your beaten eggs, and scramble them quickly. When they’re just set, transfer them to the plate with the chicken.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
  1. In the same skillet, add your minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but be careful not to burn them; nothing kills a dish quicker than burnt garlic!
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
  1. Throw in your frozen mixed vegetables and stir-fry until they're heated through, typically about 2-3 minutes. The colors should brighten, and you should see that inviting vividness in your skillet.
Step 6: Mix Everything Together
  1. Return the chicken and eggs back to the skillet. Toss everything together, allowing the flavors to marry. Then add the cooked rice. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and ensure even distribution.
Step 7: Season the Dish
  1. Pour in the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar. This is where your dish transforms. Mix everything well, taste, and season with salt and cracked black pepper according to your preference.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
  1. Finish off by adding the sliced green onions right before serving. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some Sriracha sauce to spice it up. Serve it hot, and enjoy a dish you’ve created from scratch!

Notes

Making chicken fried rice at home can be a breeze when you follow these handy tips:
  • Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, leading to a mushy dish. Day-old rice dries out a little, making it perfect for frying.
  • Don’t Rush the Sauté: Let the chicken and garlic get a bit of color. This builds flavors and aromas that are crucial for a delightful dish.
  • Customize Vegetables: Feel free to swap in whatever veggies you have on hand. Carrots, bell peppers, and corn all work well.
  • Keep It Hot: Ensure your skillet or wok is hot enough. This helps the rice fry quickly, preventing it from steaming.
  • Taste As You Go: Adjust the seasonings as you mix everything together. Everyone's palate is different, and this allows you to personalize the flavors.