Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Cooked rice: Preferably day-old, as it is less sticky and fries better.

Diced cooked chicken: Adds protein and a savory flavor to the dish.

Soy sauce: Provides a rich, umami flavor essential for fried rice.

Frozen peas and carrots: Adds color, texture, and a slight sweetness.

Beaten eggs: Scrambled and mixed in for added protein and texture.

Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the ingredients.

Minced garlic: Adds a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor.

Chopped onion: Provides a sweet and savory base for the dish.

Chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, slightly pungent taste to finish the dish.

When making fried rice, it's essential to use day-old cooked rice because it has a firmer texture that prevents it from becoming mushy during stir-frying. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky, which can result in clumps. If you don't have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to dry out slightly.

• day-old cooked rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa provides a similar texture and is a great gluten-free alternative.

• diced cooked chicken - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great vegetarian option that absorbs flavors well.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.

• frozen peas and carrots - Substitute with fresh mixed vegetables: Fresh vegetables can provide a more vibrant flavor and texture.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with scrambled tofu: Scrambled tofu can mimic the texture of eggs and is suitable for a vegan diet.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that complements Asian dishes well.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, though it may be less pungent.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used in place of onions.

• chopped green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives provide a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.

• Allow the Chinese chicken fried rice to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the rice soggy.
• Transfer the cooled fried rice into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
• Label the containers or bags with the date of storage. This helps in keeping track of how long the fried rice has been stored.
• Store the fried rice in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer where it can last up to 3 months.
• When ready to reheat, if refrigerated, transfer the fried rice to a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• For frozen fried rice, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen by microwaving on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• To reheat on the stovetop, add a small amount of vegetable oil to a pan, heat over medium, and stir-fry the fried rice until it’s hot and evenly warmed.
• Avoid reheating the fried rice multiple times as this can affect the texture and safety of the dish. Reheat only the portion you plan to consume.

• Stovetop Method

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover Chinese chicken fried rice.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, breaking up any clumps of rice.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method

  1. Place the leftover fried rice in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the rice moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check if the rice is heated through; if not, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.

• Oven Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover fried rice evenly in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispy texture.

• Steaming Method

  1. Place the leftover fried rice in a heatproof bowl.
  2. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  3. Place the bowl in the steamer basket and cover with a lid.
  4. Steam for about 5-10 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
  5. Stir the rice halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Air Fryer Method

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover fried rice in an even layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check if the rice is heated through; if not, continue cooking in 2-minute intervals.

• Wok: A versatile cooking pan with high sides, perfect for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly.

• Spatula: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients in the wok without scratching its surface.

• Knife: Used for chopping and dicing the garlic, onion, and green onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping vegetables and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of oil and soy sauce.

• Mixing bowl: Handy for beating the eggs before scrambling them in the wok.

• Spoon: Useful for transferring the scrambled eggs and other ingredients.

• Serving dish: Used to present the finished chicken fried rice in an appealing manner.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken from the store or leftovers.

Frozen veggies: Opt for frozen peas and carrots to skip washing and chopping.

Day-old rice: Cook rice a day ahead and refrigerate; it fries better and saves time.

Prep ingredients: Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.

High heat: Use high heat to cook faster and achieve that perfect fried rice texture.