Better-Than-Takeaway Chicken Fried Rice
Ditch the takeout! My Chicken Fried Rice recipe is quicker, tastier, and healthier. Easy, custom menu, ready in 30 mins! Get the best fried rice recipe now.
- Better-Than-Takeaway Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (Seriously!)
- Better-Than-Takeaway Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Card
- Ingredients & Equipment for Yummy Fried Rice
- Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
- Step-by-Step: Fried Rice Domination
- Pro Tips: From Zero to Hero
- Recipe Notes: Nailing the Beat Fried Rice Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, let's get cooking! Ever get that craving for yummy fried rice but the thought of ordering takeaway again fills you with guilt?
Better-Than-Takeaway Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (Seriously!)
This chicken fried rice recipe is your answer. honestly, it’s way easier than you think and tastes even better than what you’d get delivered.
We are talking a basic fried rice with a serious upgrade.
It’s a classic chinese dish. this chicken fried rice recipe has become a global comfort food. it's all about simplicity and flavour.
It's surprisingly quick – ready in about 30 minutes. this chicken fried rice recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner.
Why This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is a Game Changer
This easy healthy chicken fried rice is a winner. it's packed with protein from the chicken and you can load it with veggies.
Think of it as the perfect mid-week meal or custom menu item.
It’s special because you control everything. no mystery ingredients. and you can easily adjust it. maybe you fancy a chicken fried rice no veggies night? go for it! it is also worth noting that this recipe is an attempt to create the beat fried rice recipe .
What You'll Need: The Ingredients Line Up
Right, let's gather the troops (a.k.a. ingredients!).
Alright, let's dive into the heart of our chicken fried rice recipe : the ingredients and gear! it's easier than you think.
Honestly, even i manage it, and i've set fire to toast before.
Better-Than-Takeaway Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Ingredients & Equipment for Yummy Fried Rice
What you need to make this basic fried rice sing!
Main Ingredients
Okay, here's the lowdown on what you'll need.
- Cooked long-grain rice: 3 cups (540g) . Day-old is the real deal. It doesn’t get mushy.
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Any neutral oil works a treat.
- Eggs: 2 large , lightly beaten. Scrambled up.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) . Just a pinch, mind.
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) . Adds a bit of a kick.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 1 pound (450g) . Cubed into little bites.
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) + 2 tablespoons (30ml) . We use it twice!
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (3g) . Helps the chicken get crispy.
- Frozen peas and carrots: 1 cup (150g) . Thawed, of course.
- Chopped onion: 1/2 cup (75g) . Gets that nice flavour going.
- Minced garlic: 2 cloves (6g) . Can’t have fried rice without garlic.
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) optional . For extra umami.
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds a nutty flavour.
- Ground ginger: 1/2 teaspoon (1g) . Warms things up nicely.
- Red pepper flakes: pinch (0.25g) optional . For a little heat.
- Chopped green onions optional .
- Sesame seeds optional .
Quality Check: Honestly, the chicken is the key. Get good quality chicken. That stuff makes all the difference. Fresh is best, always.
Seasoning Notes
Let's talk spices and flavour! It's time to beat fried rice recipe in this kitchen!
- Soy sauce and sesame oil are your essential combo. It brings that Hibachi Chicken flavour!
- Oyster sauce adds a deeper, richer flavour. Honestly, Try it if you've got it.
- Ginger and garlic are aromatic powerhouses. They make everything smell amazing.
- No oyster sauce? Hoisin sauce is a decent sub. Just a heads-up!
Equipment Needed
Don't overthink it. We want to make it Easy Healthy Chicken Fried Rice .
- A large wok or frying pan. Seriously, bigger is better here.
- Spatula. For all that stirring and flipping action.
- Small bowl. Whisking those eggs.
- Cutting board and knife. Chop, chop, chop!
Honestly, if you don’t have a wok, a large frying pan will do just fine . you don’t need fancy gear to make seriously yummy fried rice .
What matters is the food, not what it’s cooked with! sometimes i want to do chicken fried rice no veggies , and its fine.
Some days i love salad pasta , but that's for other day. you can custom menu depending on your mood.
Alright, let's whip up some better-than-takeaway chicken fried rice ! forget calling for delivery. this chicken fried rice recipe is faster than waiting for the delivery guy.
It’s way easier than you think. this yummy fried rice will be on your table in under 30 minutes! seriously, you'll ditch the takeout menus after this.
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
Honestly, the secret to beat fried rice recipe is all in the prep. it's called "mise en place," fancy pants french for "everything in its place.
" chop your 1 pound of chicken into bite-sized pieces. i’m talking 1/2-inch cubes. mix it with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch.
Thaw that 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots. get your 1/2 cup chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves ready to go.
Trust me , this step saves your sanity later.
Step-by-Step: Fried Rice Domination
Follow these steps, and you'll have Easy Healthy Chicken Fried Rice in no time. It's practically idiot-proof, even if you are like me and occasionally burn water!
- Scramble Time: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in your wok. Pour in 2 lightly beaten eggs. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Scramble until cooked, then set aside.
- Chicken Power: Add another 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Cook the chicken until browned and internal temp reaches 165° F . Remove and set aside.
- Veggie Sizzle: Sauté the onion and garlic for about 2- 3 minutes. Add the peas and carrots. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Rice, Rice, Baby: Add 3 cups of cooked rice. Break up any clumps. Stir in the chicken and eggs.
- Sauce It Up: Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional), 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp ground ginger. Stir-fry until everything is heated.
- Finishing Touches: Season with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if you want to be fancy. Serve it up immediately.
Pro Tips: From Zero to Hero
A hot wok is your best friend. get it smoking hot. day-old rice is key! fresh rice will get mushy.
If you don't have old rice, use less water, and cool completely. don't overcrowd the wok; the rice won't fry properly.
Taste and adjust. custom menu is a thing. add some salad pasta on the side for your kids, they love it.
Serve it with a side of hibachi chicken !
This basic fried rice is totally adaptable. you can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or extra veggies.
You could even try making chicken fried rice no veggies for that picky eater in your family. it is what it is.
Now, go forth and conquer that chicken fried rice recipe !
Alright, so you've got your chicken fried rice recipe ready to go, yeah? but before you dive in, let's chat about a few extra bits and bobs.
You know, the stuff that takes it from "just alright" to "oh my gosh, this is the best thing i've eaten all week!"
Recipe Notes: Nailing the Beat Fried Rice Recipe
Honestly, these are the little tweaks and tips i've picked up over the years. the kind of stuff you don't always find in cookbooks.
This is all about making your yummy fried rice truly sing.
Plating & Presentation: Make it Instagram-Worthy
Right, first impressions, yeah? a pile of beige on a plate isn't exactly enticing. think about popping your chicken fried rice recipe into a nice bowl.
I also like to sprinkle some fresh spring onions on top, maybe a few sesame seeds for that extra oomph .
If you’re feeling fancy, a little pile of pickled ginger on the side really elevates things.
Don't forget about sides! egg rolls are always a winner, but some folks swear by salad pasta . whatever floats your boat.
And for a cheeky drink, ice cold chinese beer is your best bet.
Storage Secrets: Keepin' it Fresh
Okay, so you’ve got leftovers. happens to the best of us! for refrigeration, pop it in an airtight container sharpish .
It'll be good for about 3-4 days. honestly, i rarely keep it longer than that.
Freezing? totally doable! let it cool completely first, then portion it out into freezer bags or containers. it'll keep for a month or two.
Reheating is a doddle – microwave or stir-fry it with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it up.
Tweaks & Twists: Your Custom Menu
Easy healthy chicken fried rice – want to lighten things up? use brown rice, and load up on the veggies! you could also swap chicken for shrimp or go completely vegetarian with tofu.
Think of this basic fried rice as a starting point, not the finish line. if you want chicken fried rice no veggies , just don't add them! you're the chef!
For dietary adaptations, using tamari instead of soy sauce makes it gluten-free.
Seasonal ingredient swaps? Absolutely! In autumn, throw in some butternut squash or mushrooms. Spring? Asparagus or peas would be gorgeous. Let the seasons guide you!
Nutrition Lowdown: Fuel Your Body
This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is surprisingly balanced. You’ve got protein from the chicken, carbs from the rice, and vitamins from the veggies. It also depends on how much oil you use!
Just a quick note: I'm not a nutritionist, so don't take this as gospel! If you need proper advice, consult a pro.
Alright, that’s the chicken fried rice recipe wrapped up with a bow! now go forth and create a dish that's not just delicious but also uniquely you .
Honestly, don’t be scared to experiment. who knows? you might just stumble upon your signature hibachi chicken twist! and remember: even if it’s a bit of a disaster, you can always order a takeaway next time! just keep trying, and you'll be a chicken fried rice recipe master in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my chicken fried rice recipe turning out mushy? What am I doing wrong?
Mushy fried rice is a common problem, but easily solved! The biggest culprit is using freshly cooked rice, which has too much moisture. Using day-old rice that's been chilled allows it to dry out a bit, so it fries up beautifully. Also, make sure your wok or pan is hot enough – a lower temperature steams the rice instead of frying it.
Can I use any type of rice for this chicken fried rice recipe?
While you can use different types of rice, long-grain rice, like basmati or jasmine, is definitely the best choice. They have a firmer texture and separate nicely when fried. Avoid short-grain rice like sushi rice, as it tends to be too sticky for a good fried rice. Think of it like a good cuppa – some blends are just better suited than others!
How can I make my chicken fried rice recipe healthier?
There are several ways to lighten up your chicken fried rice. Use brown rice instead of white for added fiber. Reduce the amount of oil used, and opt for leaner cuts of chicken breast. Load up on the veggies – add more peas, carrots, bell peppers, or even broccoli. You could also reduce the amount of soy sauce to lower the sodium content.
What's the best way to store leftover chicken fried rice?
Allow the chicken fried rice to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it, but for best results, stir-fry it in a pan with a little oil until heated through. Make sure it's piping hot before serving!
My chicken fried rice tastes a bit bland. How can I add more flavour?
Don't fret, easily fixed! A touch of sesame oil at the end really elevates the flavour. Also, consider adding a splash of oyster sauce (if you're not vegetarian) for umami depth, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving can also brighten things up. Always taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking – a little extra soy sauce or a dash of white pepper can work wonders.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this chicken fried rice recipe?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and substitute it with tofu or extra vegetables. Tofu can be pressed to remove excess water and then cubed and fried until golden brown. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and broccoli are also great additions. You can also use vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for a similar flavour profile if the recipe calls for regular oyster sauce.