Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Cooked rice: Preferably day-old, this ensures the rice is dry enough to fry properly.

Cooked chicken: Diced into small pieces, it adds protein and flavor to the dish.

Soy sauce: A salty, savory sauce that enhances the overall taste.

Oyster sauce: Adds a rich, umami flavor that deepens the dish.

Mixed vegetables: Can be frozen or fresh, providing color and nutrients.

Eggs: Beaten and scrambled, they add texture and protein.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying and cooking the ingredients.

Garlic: Minced, it adds a fragrant aroma and flavor.

Onion: Diced, it provides a sweet and savory base.

Green onions: Chopped, they add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

When making fried rice, it's crucial to use day-old cooked rice rather than freshly cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can become mushy when stir-fried. Day-old rice, on the other hand, has had time to dry out slightly, which helps it achieve that perfect, slightly chewy texture. If you don't have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes to an hour before using.

• day-old cooked rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa provides a similar texture and is a healthy, protein-rich 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.

• oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor similar to oyster sauce.

• mixed vegetables - Substitute with edamame and bell peppers: Edamame adds protein and bell peppers add a sweet crunch.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with scrambled tofu: Scrambled tofu mimics the texture of eggs and is suitable for vegans.

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

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

• diced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to 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 helps prevent condensation, which can make the rice soggy.

• Transfer the cooled fried rice into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

• Label the containers or bags with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of freshness and consume the fried rice within a safe timeframe.

• 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 the fried rice is frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the fried rice in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of vegetable oil to refresh the flavors and prevent sticking.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the fried rice in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated.

• For best results, avoid reheating the fried rice more than once. Repeated reheating can degrade the quality and safety of the dish.

• If you notice any off smells, discoloration, or unusual textures, it's best to discard the fried rice to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or sesame oil to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover Chinese chicken fried rice.
  4. Stir frequently to ensure even heating, breaking up any clumps of rice.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the rice is heated through.
  6. If the rice seems dry, sprinkle a little water or chicken broth and cover the skillet for a minute to steam.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover Chinese chicken fried rice in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the rice to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir the rice.
  5. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the rice is heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover Chinese chicken fried rice evenly in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to keep the rice from drying out.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
  6. Stir halfway through the baking time to ensure even heating.

• Steamer Method:

  1. Place the leftover Chinese chicken fried rice in a heatproof dish that fits inside your steamer.
  2. Add a small amount of water or chicken broth to the rice.
  3. Set up your steamer and bring the water to a boil.
  4. Place the dish in the steamer and cover.
  5. Steam for about 5-10 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
  6. Stir the rice halfway through to ensure even heating.

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

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

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

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

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of rice, vegetables, and sauces.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure small quantities of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and oil.

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

• Garlic press: Makes mincing garlic quick and easy, ensuring even distribution in the dish.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for sautéing garlic and onions without damaging the wok.

• Serving spoon: Ideal for serving the finished fried rice hot and fresh.

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

Frozen vegetables: Opt for frozen mixed vegetables to skip the washing and chopping.

Day-old rice: Use day-old rice as it has the perfect texture for frying and saves cooking time.

Minced garlic: Buy pre-minced garlic to avoid peeling and chopping.

One-pan method: Cook everything in one wok to reduce cleanup time.