Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice

Ditch the takeout menu! This easy chicken fried rice recipe is BETTER than what you get delivered. Ready in 35 mins and packed with flavor. Try it tonight!

Right, let's dive straight into this chicken fried rice recipe , shall we? ever get that craving for takeaway but feel like something a bit healthier and, well, cheaper? honestly, that's where my love affair with homemade fried rice began.

Ditch the Takeaway: It's Yummy Fried Rice Time!

This isn't just any basic fried rice . this chicken fried rice recipe is about getting that restaurant flavour, the wok hei (that smoky goodness!), right in your own kitchen.

We're talking tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a flavour explosion.

A Whiff of Tradition

Fried rice, you know, has been around for yonks! it's a brilliant way to use up leftover rice in chinese cuisine.

This easy healthy chicken fried rice version skips the heavy oils and adds a good dose of protein. it’s an easy meal, ready in about 35 minutes, and makes enough for four hungry people.

Why This Recipe Rocks

Beyond tasting amazing, this recipe is genuinely versatile. perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a packed lunch, or even a casual get-together.

What makes this chicken fried rice recipe special? it's the balance.

Kick it Up a Notch

You can totally go wild and adapt this to your own custom menu ! hate peas? swap 'em out! got some leftover hibachi chicken ? throw it in! prefer chicken fried rice no veggies ? just omit them.

The possibilities are endless.

Fancy a salad pasta too? that's for another day but let's learn this. get ready to make some seriously amazing chicken fried rice ! this beat fried rice recipe will make you feel like a top chef, without the chef hat.

Let's get those ingredients ready.

Alright, let's dive into making some yummy fried rice ! seriously, ditch the takeout menu. this chicken fried rice recipe is surprisingly simple.

We'll break down the ingredients and gear. it’s easier than you think, trust me!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!

Main Players in Our Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Okay, first things first. The core ingredients. We're making a classic Chicken Fried Rice recipe , so let's get the basics down.

• Chicken: You'll need 1 pound (450g) of chicken breast. Cubed! Quality matters here. Go for chicken that looks nice and pink, not grey or slimy.
• Rice: 4 cups of cooked, cold rice. Day-old rice is the absolute best for Basic Fried Rice . Seriously, don't use fresh rice or it’ll be mushy.
• Veggies: 1 cup (150g) of frozen peas and carrots. Thawed. Easy peasy.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten.
• Onion & Garlic: 1 yellow onion, diced, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced.

For the chicken marinade, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon of white pepper.

Seasoning Notes: It's All About That Flavor!

Now, for the magic! The seasonings are what transform this chicken fried rice recipe from bland to BAM!

• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons , plus more to taste. Low sodium is your friend!
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon . This stuff is potent, don't overdo it!
• Ginger & White Pepper: Just like the marinade, ½ teaspoon ginger and ¼ teaspoon white pepper.
• Optional Flavor Boost: A dash of oyster sauce is chefs kiss! Don’t have it? No worries, skip it!

Spice combinations are key! Ginger and white pepper are a match made in heaven. Sesame oil adds a nutty depth. Honestly, these combinations makes the Beat Fried Rice Recipe .

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

Don’t stress about fancy gadgets! This chicken fried rice recipe only needs a few essentials.

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal, but a large skillet works just fine. Non-stick is your friend here!
• Spatula: To stir and flip.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, right?
• Small Bowl: For beating those eggs.

No wok? a large frying pan will do! don't have a fancy spatula? a wooden spoon will work. no problem, mates! honestly, easy healthy chicken fried rice is totally doable with simple equipment.

Right, let's start cooking this Chicken Fried Rice recipe ! Let's get this show on the road! Don't worry, it’ll be great, honestly.

Alright, let's get this Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice recipe going! Honestly, this is so much better than what you get delivered.

Prep Like a Pro for Yummy Fried Rice

First things first, the mise en place . it’s just a fancy way of saying "get your stuff ready." chop the onion, mince the garlic, and cube the chicken into half-inch pieces.

Combine soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, and white pepper with the chicken. remember to thaw out those frozen peas and carrots! this makes cooking so much quicker.

For this easy healthy chicken fried rice , it is all about getting the ingredients prepped beforehand.

Time-saving tip? Chop all veggies at once. You know, batch prepping! It’ll save you a load of time later.

Let's Get Cooking: Chicken Fried Rice, Step-by-Step!

1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine the chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, and white pepper. Marinate for at least 10 minutes .
2. Heat It Up: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok. Get it nice and hot.
3. Cook the Chicken: Toss in the chicken. Cook until browned. About 5- 7 minutes .
4. Veggies Time: Add the onion and garlic. Then the peas and carrots. Sauté for a few minutes.
5. Scramble Time: Push the veg to the side. Pour in the eggs. Scramble them!
6. Rice Time: Add the 4 cups cooked rice . Day-old rice is the best! Break it up with a spatula.
7. Sauce It Up: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and white pepper. Mix well!
8. Combine It All: Toss the chicken back in. Stir-fry everything together.

Pro Tips for Beat Fried Rice Recipe

Don't overcrowd the wok! Cook in batches if needed. High heat is your friend. You want that wok smoking!

Also, day-old rice is non-negotiable. Fresh rice = mushy fried rice.

Common mistake : Soggy rice. It will turn your meal bad, quickly!

You can also custom menu this dish to your preference; chicken can be substituted with hibachi chicken , shrimp or more veggies.

Instead, you can also chicken fried rice no veggies if you are on a diet.

And that's it! Garnish with green onions. Time to enjoy your yummy fried rice ! Honestly, it's a winner.

Oh, one more thing! I saw something interesting the other day... Did you know that fried rice has been around since the Sui Dynasty in China? Crazy, right?

Alright, let's chat about the nitty-gritty details! We're diving deep into the world of my Chicken Fried Rice Recipe .

Recipe Notes: My Two Cents

Honestly, this isn't just some recipe. This is my way to make yummy fried rice . You know? It's about making it your own.

Serving It Up Right

Think presentation. pile that basic fried rice high on a plate. maybe sprinkle some extra green onions. for sides, egg rolls are a classic.

But honestly, a simple salad or some salad pasta works too!

Storing Like a Pro

Got leftovers? pop it in the fridge within two hours. it'll last about three to four days. for longer storage, freeze it! put it in an airtight container.

When reheating, a splash of water keeps it moist. microwave or stir-fry it until it's piping hot.

Playing Around With Flavours

Want to make it easy healthy chicken fried rice ? load up on veggies! skip the meat for a vegetarian version.

Or, try shrimp! got picky eaters? try chicken fried rice no veggies . this beat fried rice recipe is really versatile! you could easily custom menu with different meats, like hibachi chicken .

Want a gluten-free version? use tamari instead of soy sauce. for a low-carb twist, cauliflower rice works, but honestly, it's not quite the same.

I prefer using rice. i find this chicken fried rice recipe works best with traditional long-grain rice.

The Good Stuff: Nutrition

Okay, I'm no nutritionist. But this dish is packed with protein and carbs. You know, energy! Plus, all those veggies are good for you. A balanced meal, right?

One serving (about 1 1/2 cups) comes in at around 450 calories. it's got about 30 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and 50 grams of carbs.

Great for a mid-week boost.

Honestly, try this chicken fried rice recipe and have fun with it. Don't be scared to tweak it. Cooking should be fun, not stressful! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my chicken fried rice recipe coming out soggy? What am I doing wrong?

Soggy fried rice is a common kitchen mishap! The biggest culprit is using freshly cooked rice, which contains too much moisture. Day-old rice that's been refrigerated is much better, as it dries out a bit and fries up nicely. Also, don't overcrowd your wok or pan; cook in batches if needed to maintain high heat, preventing the rice from steaming instead of frying. Think of it like making a Sunday roast – preparation is key!

Can I make this chicken fried rice recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can prep the individual components in advance! Cook the chicken and rice separately, then store them in the fridge. When you're ready to assemble the fried rice, just follow the remaining steps. The fully cooked chicken fried rice can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Just remember that the quality diminishes a bit each day, so it's best enjoyed fresh, like a good cup of tea!

What's the best type of rice to use for this chicken fried rice recipe?

Long-grain rice, like jasmine or basmati, works best for chicken fried rice because it stays separate and doesn't get sticky. Medium-grain rice tends to clump together more, which isn't ideal. Day-old cooked rice is preferable to freshly cooked rice. Think of it this way: you wouldn't use mashed potatoes to make fries, right? The same principle applies here!

I'm trying to eat healthier. Can I make this chicken fried rice healthier?

Definitely! Use brown rice for added fiber, reduce the amount of oil, and load up on the vegetables. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content. Consider adding lean protein sources such as shrimps or tofu for a nutritious meal. A simple swap like coconut aminos in place of soy sauce can also make a big impact. Just remember, even small changes can make a difference, much like swapping full-fat milk for semi-skimmed!

What other vegetables can I add to my Chicken Fried Rice recipe?

The beauty of fried rice is its versatility! Get creative and use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli florets, bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or bean sprouts all work well. Just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. It's a great way to use up leftover veggies from the fridge, a bit like a culinary clear-out!

Can I freeze leftover chicken fried rice?

Yes, you can freeze chicken fried rice, but the texture might change slightly upon thawing. Make sure to cool the rice completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. For best results, use it within 1-2 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to rehydrate it. Freezing is perfect for leftovers, but fresh is always going to win the gold medal!

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