How to Make Delicious Chicken Fried Rice

Are you looking to satisfy your taste buds with a delectable plate of homemade chicken fried rice that’s bursting with flavor and authenticity? Look no further! In this extensive guide, we will delve deep into the art of crafting the perfect chicken fried rice from scratch, ensuring that your culinary creation matches the taste and quality of your favorite takeout.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we embark on this culinary journey, let’s assemble the essential ingredients that will make your chicken fried rice an absolute delight:

2 cups of cooked and cooled jasmine rice
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
2 large eggs
1 cup of mixed vegetables (typically including peas, carrots, and corn)
3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or any cooking oil of your preference)
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon of ginger, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: chopped green onions and sesame seeds

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Rice Preparation: Start by cooking the jasmine rice as per the package instructions. Once cooked, transfer it to a baking sheet, spreading it out to cool completely. Cold rice is a key element in preventing clumping and achieving the perfect texture in fried rice.

Chicken Dicing: While the rice is cooling, dice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Season them with a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, and the minced garlic to infuse a delightful flavor.

Egg Beating: In a small bowl, beat the large eggs thoroughly and set them aside. These scrambled eggs will add both texture and flavor to your chicken fried rice.

Vegetable Selection: Gather your mixed vegetables. The classic trio of peas, carrots, and corn is a fantastic choice for color, flavor, and texture. Additionally, prepare any optional garnishes you plan to use, such as chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

Heat Your Skillet: In a large skillet or wok, heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Ensure that the oil is hot but not smoking.

Chicken Sizzle: Add the diced chicken to the hot skillet and stir-fry it until the chicken turns golden brown and is no longer pink in the center. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Scrambling the Eggs

Oil and Eggs: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once heated, pour in the beaten eggs.

Scramble and Set: Continuously stir the eggs to scramble them until they are just set, which usually takes around 1-2 minutes. Once the eggs are done, transfer them to the plate with the cooked chicken.

Step 4: Cooking the Vegetables

Skillet Magic: In the same skillet, add a bit more vegetable oil if necessary. Introduce the minced ginger and the mixed vegetables to the skillet.

Stir-Fry Brilliance: Stir-fry these ingredients for 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and absorbing the aromatic essence of ginger.

Step 5: Combining the Ingredients

Reunion of Flavors: Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the skillet with the vegetables. These ingredients will harmonize to create a medley of flavors and textures.

The Rice: Add the cold, cooked rice to the skillet. Carefully stir-fry everything together, breaking up any rice clumps that may form. Continue cooking to ensure all components are heated through.

Step 6: Flavors and Seasoning

Savory Magic: Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring even distribution of these savory flavors.

Taste and Adjust: Give your chicken fried rice a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or soy sauce to match your taste preferences.

Step 7: Serving and Garnishing

Presentation is Key: Transfer your delectable creation to a serving dish, and garnish it with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fried Rice

The Rice Matters: Use day-old rice for the best results. Cold, aged rice ensures that your fried rice doesn’t become mushy or sticky.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To ensure that each ingredient cooks evenly, avoid overcrowding the skillet. It’s best to cook in batches if needed.

Personalize Your Creation: Feel free to customize your chicken fried rice by adding other ingredients like shrimp, tofu, or different vegetables to suit your palate.

Embrace High Heat: Cooking over high heat imparts that distinctive wok flavor that makes restaurant-style fried rice so enticing.

Quality Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients, especially the minced garlic and ginger, to elevate the aromatics of your dish.