chicken fried rice

Chicken

the ultimate guide to making chicken fried rice (with tips and tricks!)

By Emilia Garcia

Published: 07 Oct 2024

I just love chicken fried rice. It can be made with just anything one may have on hand. It is so easy to whip up, especially when in a rush. The other night, I had some leftover chicken and veggies in the fridge, so I decided to make a batch of chicken fried rice. Boy was it ever good! My family just loved it and asked for more. So, I thought I'd share with you my recipe. I'm going to share some secrets, tips, and tricks I have picked up over the years that will help you make the best chicken fried rice ever! Let's get started.

Choosing the Right Rice

First of all, you want perfect rice. For chicken fried rice, I always use jasmine rice. Aromatic flavor and a little bit sticky make it ideal to become permeated with the luscious sauce and then offer a great bite. You can use basmati rice as an option, but that will be a little lighter and fluffier. In that case, you prepare basmati rice little longer so that it doesn't stay hard.

What I have tried works with these two kinds of rice. But hey, if you have a favorite rice you like to use, go ahead! It is all about trying new things until you figure out what you love. Experimentation-now that is just a big word, but it means just trying!

It is all about what tastes best to you.

jasmine rice and basmati rice

jasmine rice and basmati rice | Image: Supplied

Perfect Chicken

About chicken, well, I prefer using chicken breast for my fried rice, though you absolutely can use thighs if you like. The beauty of this whole thing is that you can use leftover cooked chicken. I'm all about conserving time and energy, so if you have any chicken already cooked, you may skip this step completely.

If you are using raw chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces and sauté it in a pan with a little oil until browned and cooked through. You want the chicken to be cooked, but at the same time, not overcooked since it's going to go back into the pan. I mean, you do not want some rubbery chicken inside the fried rice, right? Nobody wants that! And, of course, sprinkle some salt and pepper on the chicken, too. That's really all it needs. Now for the vegetables!

chicken breast and thighs

chicken breast and thighs | Image: Supplied

Veggies Galore

There are really a lot of veggies you can add to your fried rice. Defaults for me are:

  • Carrots. You can dice them or slice them super thin. I love adding that crunch! They add some nice sweetness, too.
  • Peas. Frozen peas will be okay, but they need to be thawed first in advance before mixing them in the pan. They bring in a splash of green color and freshness into your dish.
  • Bell peppers. You can use them red, orange, yellow, or green; totally your choice. Great flavor, they brighten up your fried rice colored.
  • Onion: Just a small amount of chopped onion gives it a great savory flavor that really pulls it all together.

Then, of course, there are the additions you can make: broccoli, mushrooms, or even some spinach! It's your fried rice-make it your own!

And hey, if you're feeling extra fancy, go ahead and throw some eggs in your fried rice. Scramble 'em in at the end, or fry in a separate pan and on top.

And, of course, do not forget to chop up your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This way they cook evenly and you can enjoy them in every single bite. You see, no one wants a large chunk of carrot in their fried rice!

chicken fried rice with vegetables

chicken fried rice with vegetables | Image: Supplied

The Sauce is the Star

The secret to delicious chicken fried rice is flavorful sauce. My favorite is a mixture of:

  • Soy sauce-you know, that savory umami flavor we all love.
  • Oyster sauce gives it a bit of sweetness and richness which really just sets the dish off.
  • Rice vinegar: to give it a little acidity for balancing sweetness and savoriness.
  • Sesame oil: A little goes a very long way. It gives it that classic Asian flavor and aroma.
  • Sugar: A pinch of sugar helps round out the flavors and creates a well-balanced sauce.

You can add more or less of each ingredient according to your taste. If you want it sweeter, then you may add a little more sugar. If you like it more savory, then you may add more soy sauce. You can substitute honey for sugar if you wish.

By the way, if you still have some teriyaki sauce or sriracha, feel free to add a little to the sauce.

chicken fried rice sauce

chicken fried rice sauce | Image: Supplied

Finishing Touches

Finally, with all your ingredients ready to go, it is now time to cook. I would use a large wok to fry; however, a normal skillet will do just fine.

This is how I would make my version of chicken fried rice:

  1. Medium heat, place oil in the wok or skillet.
  2. Add the chopped onions and carrots and sauté until soft.
  3. Add in the cooked chicken and stir-fry for a minute or two, just enough to warm it through.
  4. Add in the cooked rice and stir to combine.
  5. Pour in the sauce and stir everything together.
  6. Stir in the peas and bell peppers and cook until veggies are tender crisp.
  7. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Voil!
chicken fried rice cooking process

chicken fried rice cooking process | Image: Supplied

Tips and Tricks

Now that you have learned the basic elements, it is time for some tips and tricks to help you improve your chicken fried rice:

  • Use cold rice. I know, this may sound a little counterintuitive, but cold rice really helps prevent it from becoming mushy when you stir-fry it.
  • Don't overcook the rice. You want it to be cooked through, but still have just a little bit of bite to it.
  • Don't overcrowd your pan. This will make for even cooking of chicken and veggies.
  • Add a pinch of salt and pepper to your rice. This will season it through and give it more flavor.
  • Use high heat: It will help you achieve that crispy texture we have all learned to love in fried rice.
  • Taste test as you go: Add more sauce, salt, or pepper if you deem it necessary.
  • Get creative! Add all your favorite veggies, meats, or spices. There is no right or wrong way of doing chicken fried rice!

It is all about finding what works best for you, so keep experimenting, trying new things and having fun with it. And above all, enjoy your fried rice deliciously!

chicken fried rice tips and tricks

chicken fried rice tips and tricks | Image: Supplied

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