Chicken fried rice is a popular and flavorful dish commonly found in Chinese cuisine, featuring cooked rice stir-fried with chicken, vegetables, eggs, and seasonings. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for chicken fried rice:
Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled overnight)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (you can use leftover chicken or cook fresh chicken breast/thighs)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Rice: If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool. Chilled rice works best for fried rice as it prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- Cook Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Add the diced chicken and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is heated through.
- Add Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the rice is evenly heated and mixed with the chicken and vegetables.
- Season: Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil over the rice. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Eggs: Add the cooked eggs back into the skillet, breaking them up and mixing them into the fried rice. Stir for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish the chicken fried rice with sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!