Chicken Fried Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Fried Rice recipe offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The tender chunks of chicken, seasoned and cooked to perfection, provide a savory and juicy component, while the rice absorbs all the flavor from the soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. The vegetables bring a satisfying crunch and freshness, and the Bang Bang sauce adds a bold, tangy heat that elevates the dish to something extraordinary. It’s easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and ideal for meal prepping or serving a crowd.

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup Bang Bang sauce, divided

Fried Rice:

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 1 large white onion, diced
• ¼ cup green onions, diced, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 4 cups long-grain white rice, cooked and cooled
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ⅓ cup frozen peas

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and ½ cup of Bang Bang sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Fried Rice:

3. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Once heated, pour in the beaten eggs, season with a pinch of kosher salt, and scramble until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the diced carrots and onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the cooled, cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Drizzle the melted butter and soy sauce over the rice. Stir to combine and heat through.
6. Add the frozen peas, cooked chicken, and scrambled eggs back into the skillet. Pour in the remaining ½ cup of Bang Bang sauce, and stir everything together until well coated and heated through. Add the lemon juice and stir again.
7. Garnish with extra diced green onions before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can skip the chicken and use tofu or tempeh as a protein alternative.
• More Heat: If you like it spicier, add extra Bang Bang sauce or some chili flakes to the rice for a more intense heat.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini to enhance the nutritional value and texture of the fried rice.
• Different Sauce: If you’re not a fan of Bang Bang sauce, try a sweet chili sauce or spicy sriracha mayo for a similar kick with different flavor notes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Chicken Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the fried rice in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little splash of water or soy sauce to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked rice from the day before?

Yes, using leftover rice is perfect for fried rice as it helps avoid clumping and gives a better texture when frying.

2. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They have more fat and will stay juicy during cooking.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well.

4. Can I substitute the Bang Bang sauce with something else?

If you don’t have Bang Bang sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce, or try a spicy peanut sauce for a similar flavor.

5. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice for a healthier option. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before adding it to the fried rice.

6. Is it okay to use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables like peas or mixed veggies are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the fried rice.

7. Can I make the sauce spicier?

For more heat, add more hot sauce, chili paste, or sriracha to the sauce mix, depending on your spice tolerance.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your Bang Bang sauce is also gluten-free.

9. What can I serve with Chicken Fried Rice?

Chicken Fried Rice is a complete meal on its own but can be paired with a light side salad or spring rolls for a more fulfilling dinner.

10. Can I use a wok to make this dish?

Yes, a wok is ideal for making fried rice because it provides ample space to stir-fry and allows the ingredients to cook evenly. However, a large skillet works just as well.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful dish that offers the perfect balance of tender chicken, savory rice, and crispy vegetables. The added richness of the Bang Bang sauce gives it a unique flavor that will leave you craving more. This recipe is versatile, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit!

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