Chicken Fried Rice is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that combines the tender flavors of chicken with aromatic vegetables and perfectly cooked rice. This recipe is a great way to use leftover rice and makes for a satisfying meal any day of the week. Start by sautéing garlic, onion, carrots, corn, and peas in a large skillet. Add in cooked brown rice, shredded rotisserie chicken, scrambled egg, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a delightful presentation. Perfect as a standalone meal or paired with a side of steamed vegetables.
Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and easy dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal. Below are the detailed ingredients needed to prepare this savory recipe.
INGREDIENTS
- Neutral Oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing the vegetables and chicken.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced. Adds aromatic flavor.
- White Onion: ¼ cup, diced (35 g). Provides a savory base.
- Carrot: 1, sliced. Adds color and sweetness.
- Frozen Corn: ¼ cup (45 g). Adds sweetness and texture.
- Frozen Peas: ¼ cup (35 g). Adds color and a touch of sweetness.
- Cooked Brown Rice: 1 cup (230 g). Provides a hearty base for the dish.
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: 1 cup (125 g). Adds protein and flavor.
- Large Egg: 1, scrambled. Adds richness and protein.
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon. Adds umami flavor.
- Sesame Oil: ½ tablespoon. Adds a nutty flavor.
- Salt: To taste. Enhances the overall flavor.
- Pepper: To taste. Adds a hint of spice.
- Sesame Seeds: For garnish. Adds texture and flavor.
- Sliced Green Onions: For garnish. Adds freshness and color.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, carrot, corn, and peas. Cook until the carrot is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2:
- Add the cooked brown rice, shredded rotisserie chicken, scrambled egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Step 3:
- Cook for another minute, or until everything is heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Step 4:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Chicken Fried Rice hot, garnished with additional sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light Asian-inspired salad.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
Helpful Notes
- Using day-old rice helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy. Freshly cooked rice can be used, but make sure it's cooled completely.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes while cooking.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: "Always use a hot pan to get that nice, slightly crispy texture on the rice."
- Chef Jamie Oliver: "Experiment with different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a delicious variation."
- Chef Ming Tsai: "Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry the rice in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking."