Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Fried rice is a beloved dish all over the world, and for good reason! It’s easy to make, filling, and packed with flavor. One of the most popular variations of fried rice is Chinese chicken fried rice, which combines fluffy rice with savory chicken, vegetables, and eggs for a satisfying meal. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at this classic dish, including its history, ingredients, and recipe.

A Brief History of Chinese Fried Rice

Fried rice has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. The dish was originally created as a way to use up leftover rice and ingredients, and it quickly became popular throughout China. The recipe varies depending on the region and the cook, but the basic ingredients are rice, eggs, vegetables, and protein, such as chicken, beef, or shrimp.

Fried rice made its way to the United States in the 19th century with Chinese immigrants who came to work on the railroads and in mines. It quickly became a popular dish in Chinese restaurants, and soon, it spread to other parts of the world. Today, you can find many variations of fried rice, including Thai fried rice, Korean fried rice, and Japanese fried rice, but Chinese chicken fried rice remains a classic favorite.

Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

To make Chinese chicken fried rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:

3 cups cooked white rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup diced cooked chicken breast
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

You can use leftover rice or cook fresh rice for this recipe. It’s important to use cold rice that has been refrigerated for at least a few hours, as this helps the grains to separate and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky when fried.

For the chicken, you can use leftover cooked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or cook fresh chicken specifically for this recipe. Cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces for easy frying.

The frozen mixed vegetables can be found in most grocery stores and typically include peas, carrots, and corn. You can also use fresh vegetables if you prefer, such as chopped onion, bell pepper, or broccoli.

Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil are essential flavorings for Chinese chicken fried rice. These ingredients can be found in most Asian grocery stores or in the international aisle of your local supermarket.

Making Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Here’s how to make Chinese chicken fried rice:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Also, add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

Push the chicken and vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Use a spatula to scramble the eggs until they are cooked through.

Add the cooked white rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken, vegetables, and eggs.

Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to coat the rice evenly.

Cook the rice for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations of Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

One of the great things about Chinese chicken fried rice is its versatility. You can add or substitute ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas:

Egg fried rice: Instead of diced chicken, use scrambled eggs as the protein source for a vegetarian version of the dish.
Shrimp fried rice: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
Pineapple fried rice: Add chopped pineapple for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
Spicy fried rice: Add chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Cauliflower fried rice: Use grated cauliflower instead of white rice for a low-carb, grain-free option.

Tips for Making the Best Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Here are a few tips to ensure that your Chinese chicken fried rice turns out perfectly:

Use cold, cooked rice: As mentioned earlier, it’s important to use cold rice that has been refrigerated for a few hours. This helps the grains to separate and prevents the rice from becoming mushy when fried.
Don’t overcook the eggs: Scramble the eggs until they are just cooked through, but still moist. Overcooked eggs can become tough and rubbery.
Cook the rice in batches: If you’re making a large batch of fried rice, it’s best to cook the rice in batches to prevent overcrowding in the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to soggy rice and uneven cooking.
Use a hot skillet: Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the ingredients. A hot skillet ensures that the ingredients cook quickly and evenly.
Stir fry quickly: Stir fry the ingredients quickly over high heat to prevent them from becoming mushy or overcooked.

Also read: Thai Chicken Fried Rice: The Best Comfort Meal With A Twist

Conclusion

Chinese chicken fried rice is a comforting and satisfying dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious meal in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a potluck, Chinese chicken fried rice is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.