How to Prepare Chinese-Style Egg Fried Rice with Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Gathering Ingredients for Egg Fried Rice with Chicken

To prepare a classic Chinese-style egg fried rice with chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients. These ingredients will give your dish the right balance of flavors and textures:

1. Chicken Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra flavor)

2. Rice Ingredients

• 2 cups of cooked rice (preferably cold or day-old rice)
• 2 eggs (for scrambling)

3. Vegetables and Seasonings

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for tanginess)

Preparing the Chicken for Fried Rice

The chicken is an essential ingredient in this egg fried rice, adding protein and flavor. Here's how to prepare it:

1. Cut and Marinate the Chicken

Start by dicing the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, combine the chicken with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional). Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat, adding a bit of oil. Once the pan is hot, cook the chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes until they are fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Cooking the Rice for Fried Rice

Rice is the star of any fried rice dish. Here’s how to prepare the rice for your egg fried rice with chicken:

1. Use Cold or Day-Old Rice

For the best texture, use rice that’s been cooked and cooled. Day-old rice works perfectly because the grains firm up and are less sticky, making them ideal for stir-frying.

2. Prepare the Rice

If you’re using freshly cooked rice, make sure to spread it out on a tray or plate and let it cool for a while to reduce moisture. This will help avoid clumping when stir-frying.

Making the Fried Rice Sauce

The sauce for egg fried rice is simple but crucial to bring everything together. Here's how to make the sauce:

1. Combine Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil

In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. The sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic flavor that’s essential in Chinese-style fried rice.

2. Add Rice Vinegar

If you like a bit of tang, you can add a tablespoon of rice vinegar to the mix. This will help balance the flavors and give the dish a slight acidic note.

Cooking the Egg Fried Rice with Chicken

Now that the chicken is ready, the rice is prepped, and the sauce is made, it’s time to bring everything together:

1. Scramble the Eggs

Heat the pan over medium heat again and crack the eggs directly into the pan. Scramble them until they are just set, then push them to one side of the pan.

2. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the diced onion, garlic, and frozen peas and carrots. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

3. Combine Everything

Now, add the cooled rice to the pan, followed by the cooked chicken, scrambled eggs, and the sauce. Stir everything together, ensuring that the rice is well-coated in the sauce and all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, letting the rice heat up and crisp slightly on the bottom.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Your Chinese-style egg fried rice with chicken is now ready to serve! Here are some serving suggestions and tips to enhance your meal:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Top your fried rice with freshly chopped green onions or cilantro for added color and freshness.

2. Pair with Other Dishes

Fried rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of other dishes. Serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables, crispy spring rolls, or a simple miso soup for a complete meal.

3. Spice it Up

If you enjoy spicy food, drizzle some chili oil over the fried rice or sprinkle with red pepper flakes to add some heat.