Chicken Fried Rice


 Cuisine: American  Type: Entree

Chicken Fried Rice : Entree in American cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Chicken
2 cups (480)
Cooked Rice
3 cups (720)
Frozen Peas And Carrots
1 cup (240)
Eggs
3 large (180)
Soy Sauce
3 tablespoons (42)
Sesame Oil
2 teaspoons (10)
Vegetable Oil
3 tablespoons (42)
Garlic
3 cloves (9)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Green Onions
4 stalks (60)
 Totals
63 oz (1,793 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Chicken
250
Rice
206
Vegetable Oil
120
Onion
44
Garlic
4
Carrot
41
Peas
62
Soy Sauce
8
Eggs
72
Green Onions
4
Salt
0
Pepper
0
 Totals
811 kcal

 Steps 


1. Cook the rice: Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside to cool.

2. Prepare the chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Sauté the chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl it around to coat the pan. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

4. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and heat it. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds. Add other vegetables like diced carrots, peas, and bell peppers, and cook until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Push vegetables to the side: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, creating a space in the center.

6. Scramble the eggs: Crack a couple of eggs into the center of the pan and scramble them. Cook until they are fully scrambled and no longer runny.

7. Combine everything: Add the cooked rice and the cooked chicken back into the pan with the vegetables and eggs. Mix everything together.

8. Season the fried rice: Drizzle soy sauce over the rice mixture, starting with a small amount and adjusting to taste. You can also add a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

9. Finish and serve: Cook the fried rice for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to ensure everything is heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chicken fried rice!

 Substitutions 


- Chicken: Substitute with diced tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced beef. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Rice: Substitute with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or cooked pasta. Adjust cooking time and liquid amounts as needed.
- Soy sauce: Substitute with tamari sauce, coconut aminos, or Worcestershire sauce. Adjust the quantity to taste.
- Sesame oil: Substitute with olive oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil. The flavor may vary slightly.
- Eggs: Omit or substitute with scrambled tofu for a vegan option.
- Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar. Adjust quantity to taste.
- Ginger: Substitute with ground ginger or ginger powder. Adjust quantity to taste.
- Peas: Substitute with chopped green beans, corn kernels, or diced bell peppers.
- Carrots: Substitute with diced zucchini, yellow squash, or sweet potatoes.
- Green onions: Substitute with regular onions or chives. Adjust quantity to taste.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste based on personal preference.

Note: The quantities required for each substitute ingredient may vary based on personal preference and the desired taste and texture of the dish.

 Pairings 


- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- General Tso's Chicken
- Orange Chicken
- Mongolian Beef
- Sesame Chicken
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Beef and Broccoli
- Sweet and Sour Pork
- Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Crab Rangoon
- Egg Rolls
- Hot and Sour Soup
- Wonton Soup
- Lo Mein
- Chow Mein
- Mongolian Noodles
- Fried Dumplings
- Vegetable Spring Rolls
- Sweet and Spicy Pork
- Teriyaki Chicken
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Lemon Chicken
- Sweet and Spicy Shrimp
- Szechuan Beef
- Ginger Beef
- Cashew Chicken
- General Tso's Shrimp
- Sweet and Sour Shrimp
- Moo Shu Chicken
- Moo Shu Pork
- Moo Goo Gai Pan
- Chicken and Broccoli
- Shrimp and Broccoli
- Pineapple Chicken
- Chicken Egg Foo Young
- Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Black Pepper Chicken
- Honey Sesame Chicken
- Bourbon Chicken
- Singapore Noodles
- Thai Basil Chicken
- Pepper Steak
- Szechuan Shrimp
- Garlic Shrimp
- Lemon Shrimp
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Beef with Snow Peas
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- General Tso's Tofu
- Sweet and Sour Tofu
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Tofu Fried Rice
- Vegetable Lo Mein
- Sesame Tofu
- Kung Pao Tofu
- Szechuan Tofu

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.
- Serve in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut shell for a tropical touch.
- Use a ring mold to create a neat and elegant shape on the plate.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a variety of vegetables such as snap peas, bell peppers, or water chestnuts for extra crunch.
- Incorporate toasted cashews or almonds for a nutty texture and added richness.
- Experiment with different spices like five-spice powder, smoked paprika, or Szechuan peppercorns to elevate the flavor.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality, organic chicken breast or thigh meat for a more tender and flavorful result.
- Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or liquid amino acids for a richer umami taste.
- Add a touch of truffle oil or truffle butter to impart a luxurious aroma and depth of flavor.

Remember to adjust the cooking techniques and quantities accordingly to ensure the perfect balance in your next-level Chicken Fried Rice. Enjoy!

 Diet Restrictions 


1. Use brown rice instead of white rice to increase fiber content and provide more nutrients.
2. Substitute chicken breast with lean protein options like tofu, shrimp, or sliced turkey for a lower fat content.
3. Increase the vegetable-to-rice ratio by adding more colorful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, peas, and broccoli to boost fiber and nutrient intake.
4. Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce sodium levels in the dish.
5. Opt for a healthier cooking oil like olive oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for heart-healthy fats.
6. Skip the MSG and artificial flavorings by using herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, and green onions for added flavor.
7. For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to avoid gluten contamination.
8. Reduce the amount of added salt by using herbs, spices, and other flavor enhancers to season the dish.
9. For those with lactose intolerance, avoid adding any dairy-based ingredients like butter or cream.
10. Customize the dish based on personal preferences by adding or omitting ingredients like eggs, nuts, or seeds to accommodate specific dietary needs or allergies.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat to reduce saturated fat.
- Increase the amount of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers, for added vitamins and minerals.
- Use a minimal amount of oil and opt for healthier options like olive oil or avocado oil.
- Reduce the amount of soy sauce to lower sodium content, or opt for low-sodium soy sauce.
- Add ginger and garlic for flavor instead of relying solely on salt or MSG.
- Consider adding tofu or edamame for additional plant-based protein.
- Use a non-stick pan or cooking spray instead of deep frying to reduce excess oil.
- Limit the use of processed ingredients like canned sauces or pre-packaged seasonings.
- Opt for organic and free-range chicken for a healthier protein source.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it from scratch.
2. Opt for frozen vegetables: Use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh ones to save time on chopping and reduce costs.
3. Cook rice in advance: Prepare the rice a day ahead and refrigerate it. This way, you can quickly use cold rice for fried rice, saving cooking time.
4. Utilize soy sauce and spices: Instead of using multiple sauces and seasonings, rely on soy sauce and a few key spices like garlic powder or ginger powder for flavor, reducing costs and preparation time.
5. Plan for leftovers: Make a larger batch of chicken fried rice and store the leftovers for future meals, saving time and effort on cooking multiple times.
6. Substitute with affordable proteins: Consider using alternative proteins like tofu or canned tuna instead of chicken to reduce costs while maintaining flavor.
7. Utilize a non-stick pan: Cooking in a non-stick pan reduces the need for excessive oil and prevents sticking, saving time on cleaning and reducing oil usage.
8. Skip the garnishes: While garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds add flavor, skipping them can save time and money without significantly affecting the overall taste.
9. Use a high heat cooking method: Increase the heat while stir-frying to cook the ingredients quickly, saving time without compromising taste.
10. Plan ahead and prep ingredients: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance, ensuring a smooth and efficient cooking process.