Oh, let me tell you about my love affair with Chinese Chicken Fried Rice! This dish has a special spot in my heart because it’s an old reliable friend that can turn any day around. I remember my grandmother would whip it up for us whenever she sensed the family needed some comfort. The aroma of garlic and soy sauce wafting through the kitchen is one of my fondest memories. It’s just that perfect blend of flavors that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and veggies, making it budget-friendly and waste-free!
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can tweak it to include whatever ingredients you have on hand – if you have some leftover chicken, a variety of veggies, or even some eggs lying around, you can channel your inner chef and make it truly yours. Let’s dive right in!
## What’s in Chinese Chicken Fried Rice?
– Rice: The star of the dish! Use day-old rice for the best texture, as it won’t turn mushy during cooking. I often opt for jasmine rice because of its lovely fragrance and fluffiness.
– Chicken: I usually go for boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces. It cooks quickly and soaks up all those delicious flavors. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, try swapping in shrimp or tofu instead!
– Soy Sauce: The classic savory flavor enhancer! Regular or low-sodium soy sauce works well to give your fried rice that savory depth.
– Vegetables: This is where you can get creative! I love using a mix of peas, carrots, and green onions for that pop of color and crunch. You can also toss in bell peppers, corn, or whatever else you have hanging out in your fridge!
– Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds that wonderful aromatic touch. I’m a bit of a garlic lover, so I might even add an extra clove or two!
– Eggs: Scrambled eggs bring a wonderful richness to the dish, and they’re also a great source of protein! Feel free to skip this step if you want to make it vegan.
## Is Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Good for You?
Absolutely! Chinese Chicken Fried Rice can be a well-balanced meal when made right. The chicken adds protein, while the vegetables contribute vitamins and fiber. Plus, using brown rice instead of white can boost the nutritional content further.
However, it’s important to keep portions in check, especially since the dish can be high in sodium from the soy sauce. By using a low-sodium soy sauce and loading it with vegetables, you can enjoy this dish guilt-free!
## Ingredients List
– 3 cups of day-old cooked rice (preferably jasmine)
– 1 cup of boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (or to taste)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen peas and diced carrots work well)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
*Serves 4*
## How to Make Chinese Chicken Fried Rice?
1. **Prep Your Ingredients:** Make sure your rice is cold and day-old, and chop your chicken and vegetables. Have everything ready to go, as it comes together quickly!
2. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. **Scramble the Eggs:** In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and pour in the beaten eggs. Stir gently until they’re softly scrambled. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
4. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add a dash more oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Follow with the mixed vegetables, and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they’re tender.
5. **Combine Everything:** Add the cold rice and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Pour the soy sauce over everything and stir to combine, ensuring the rice is heated through and coated evenly. Cook for another 3-5 minutes.
6. **Finish It Off:** Add the scrambled eggs and chopped green onions, give everything one last toss, and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more soy sauce or salt if necessary.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Scoop generous portions into bowls, grab some chopsticks or a fork, and dig in!
## A Little Extra Spice: Tips & Variations
– If you love a touch of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of chili oil when stir-frying.
– Use a mix of your favorite proteins! Leftover rotisserie chicken? Perfect! Tofu or shrimp? Yum!
– For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or leave it out entirely, and add more veggies.
– This fried rice is perfect for meal prepping! Store individual portions in the refrigerator, and it stays good for about 3-4 days.
I can’t wait for you to try this Chinese Chicken Fried Rice! It’s quick, easy, and downright delicious. Feel free to play around with the ingredients and make it your own. If you give it a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Happy cooking, my friend!
