Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal that’s sure to impress? My Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is not only simple but packed with flavor! With seasoned chicken, crispy veggies, and fluffy eggs, this dish makes for a fantastic meal or side dish. Let’s get cooking and bring some restaurant-style magic to your kitchen!

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Fried Rice

Let’s gather all the ingredients for my Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe! Trust me, having everything ready will make cooking a breeze. Plus, you’ll be drooling with anticipation as you get started! So, here’s what you’ll need:

• Rice: Use about 2 cups of day-old cooked rice. This is key! Fresh rice can turn mushy, but day-old rice is perfect because it’s drier and crumbly.
• Chicken: Around 150g (about 5 oz) of chicken breast, sliced into small pieces. You want it to cook quickly and evenly!
• Bacon: Yes, you heard me right! About 120g (4 oz) of bacon, chopped. It adds amazing flavor that you’ll love!
• Eggs: You’ll need 2 eggs, lightly whisked. They make everything fluffy and delicious!
• Vegetables: Grab some diced veggies! I usually go for carrots, corn, and peas. You can use whatever you have on hand—be creative!
• Onion and Garlic: About 1/2 onion, finely chopped, and 2 garlic cloves, minced. They’re the flavor superheroes of this dish!
• Green Onions: About 3/4 cup, finely sliced. They add a great pop of color and freshness!

For the Fried Rice Sauce, gather these:

• Soy Sauce: Use 3 tbsp of light soy sauce. It’s all about that salty goodness!
• Oyster Sauce: Just 1 tbsp will do. It brings in depth and richness.
• Chinese Cooking Wine: 2.5 tbsp of Shaoxing wine or mirin is a MUST! This is the secret ingredient that takes your fried rice to another level!
• Sesame Oil and White Pepper: Optional, but I recommend a pinch of each for extra flavor!

Now that you have your ingredients lined up, it’s time to make some magic happen in the kitchen! Are you ready? Let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Fried Rice

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making Chicken Fried Rice is super fun and easy. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time!

1. Prep Your Ingredients: First, make sure all your ingredients are ready to go. Chop your chicken, vegetables, and green onions. It makes everything smoother when you’re cooking!

1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together your soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and any optional sesame oil and white pepper. Set this aside for later!

1. Cook the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Pour in your whisked eggs and scramble them until they’re just cooked but still a little soft. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.

1. Sauté the Bacon: In the same pan, add 1/2 tablespoon of oil and toss in your chopped bacon. Cook for about 1 minute until it starts to get a bit crispy and the delicious fats begin to render out. Oh, the smell!

1. Add Onion and Garlic: Next, throw in your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them around for about 1.5 minutes until the onions become light and golden.

1. Toss in the Veggies: Now, add your diced carrots, corn, and peas. If you’re using frozen veggies, no need to thaw them. Just stir-fry for about 1 minute until they’re heated through!

1. Cook the Chicken: Push the veggies to the side of the pan and add the chicken pieces. Cook until the chicken turns from pink to white, about 1.5 minutes.

1. Add the Rice and Sauce: Time to add the star of the show! Toss in the day-old rice along with your sauce mixture. Stir everything together for another 1.5 minutes until well combined.

1. Final Touches: Add in the cooked eggs and green onions, tossing everything through to blend it all together. Cook for a minute more, and then it’s ready to serve!

Wow! Look at that colorful, fragrant Chicken Fried Rice you’ve made! Doesn’t it just make you want to dig in? Enjoy every bite!

Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments

Now that you’ve whipped up a stunning plate of Chicken Fried Rice, let’s talk about how to serve it! The beauty of this dish is that it’s so versatile. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side, depending on your mood!

Here are some ideas to make your meal even more delightful:

• Make It a Main: Serve your fried rice on its own! I often enjoy it just like that, especially after a long day. It’s filling and packed with flavor, so your taste buds will be happy.

• Pair with Milder Dishes: Chicken Fried Rice goes really well with milder stir-fries! Think Beef and Broccoli or Cashew Chicken. These dishes won’t overpower the delicious flavors in your fried rice.

• Starters as Sides: Why not make a meal out of appetizers? Pair your fried rice with starters like Spring Rolls, Hot and Sour Soup, or Chinese Lettuce Wraps. It’s fun and feels like a mini feast!

• Banquet Style: Feeling fancy? Create a whole Yum Cha (Dim Sum) banquet! Serve it alongside dishes like Potstickers, Chinese BBQ Pork, or Steamed Pork Buns. Your friends and family will be impressed!

• Garnish with Freshness: Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra green onions or a dash of sesame seeds on top! It adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh crunch!

With these serving ideas, your Chicken Fried Rice will shine on the table! So, dig in and enjoy every delicious bite!

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Fried Rice

Now that we’ve got the serving suggestions covered, let’s talk about some tips and tricks to make your Chicken Fried Rice even better! I love sharing these little secrets that make the cooking experience more enjoyable and the results even tastier!

1. Use Day-Old Rice: If you remember one thing, let it be this! Day-old rice is the best for fried rice. It’s drier and won’t turn mushy. If you don’t have any, just spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes before using.

1. Don’t Crowd the Pan: When cooking, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This helps everything cook evenly and prevents sticking. If you have a lot to cook, do it in batches!

1. High Heat is Key: Turn that heat up! Cooking on high heat gives your fried rice a nice, wok hei (that magical smokiness from stir-frying)! Just be sure to stir quickly so nothing burns.

1. Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to mix up the vegetables and proteins! If you have leftover veggies in the fridge, toss them in! Tofu, shrimp, or even leftover beef can elevate the dish.

1. Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste your fried rice while you cook! Adjust the seasonings as needed. A dash more soy sauce? Go for it!

With these tips, I bet your Chicken Fried Rice will be a hit every time! Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious creation!