Chinese Chicken Egg Fried Rice Recipe: A Simple and Flavorful Dish
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine, cherished worldwide for its comforting flavor and versatility. This Chinese Chicken Egg Fried Rice recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy scrambled eggs, and perfectly seasoned rice, creating a dish that’s delicious, easy to make, and packed with flavor. In this guide, we’ll go step-by-step through creating this simple yet delectable dish right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of jasmine rice or long-grain rice (preferably cooked and cooled for at least a few hours or overnight)
- 1 cup of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup of green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup of carrots, finely diced
- 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions
This fried rice recipe is straightforward and best made with rice that has been cooked and cooled to give the grains a firm texture, ensuring they don’t turn mushy during frying.
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by preparing the rice in advance. Ideally, use rice that has been cooked and cooled in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or overnight. This helps the rice grains firm up, making them easier to fry without clumping. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Using the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil. Pour the beaten eggs into the wok and gently scramble them until just set. Try not to overcook them, as they’ll continue to cook later when mixed with the rice. Remove the eggs and set them aside with the chicken.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add a bit more oil if needed, then add the diced carrots. Stir-fry the carrots for about 2 minutes until they start to soften. Add the green peas and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes. These vegetables add color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness to the dish.
Step 5: Fry the Rice
Turn up the heat slightly to high, and add the cooled rice to the wok. Break up any clumps and spread the rice out in an even layer, letting it sit for a few seconds to allow some of the grains to crisp up. This helps to give fried rice its characteristic texture. Stir-fry the rice for 2-3 minutes, ensuring all grains are separated and heated through.
Step 6: Add the Seasonings
Once the rice is hot, return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Toss everything together thoroughly, making sure each grain of rice is evenly coated with the sauces. Taste the fried rice and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch of salt or a dash more soy sauce to enhance the flavor.
Step 7: Add Green Onions
Finally, add the chopped green onions and give the rice a quick toss to incorporate them. The green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant color, balancing the richness of the fried rice with a hint of sharpness.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your Chinese Chicken Egg Fried Rice is now ready to serve! Transfer it to a large serving dish or plate, garnishing with a few extra green onion slices if you’d like.
Tips for the Best Chicken Egg Fried Rice
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky, which may make your fried rice mushy. Day-old rice, on the other hand, has a firmer texture that holds up well when stir-frying.
- High Heat is Key: Cooking fried rice over high heat ensures a nice, slightly charred flavor on the rice grains, giving them a crisp texture.
- Soy Sauce Moderation: Avoid using too much soy sauce initially. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust. Too much soy sauce can overwhelm the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Add Sesame Oil Last: Sesame oil has a strong flavor that can dissipate under high heat, so add it toward the end for a flavorful finishing touch.
Why This Recipe Works
This Chinese Chicken Egg Fried Rice recipe keeps things simple while offering restaurant-quality results. The key is to balance the flavors—savory soy sauce, tender chicken, and the creamy texture of scrambled eggs all contribute to a dish that’s hearty and satisfying. The vegetables add both color and nutrition, making this dish a complete meal that’s not only delicious but also nutritious.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes if you have day-old rice on hand. It’s also versatile; you can adjust the ingredients based on your preference, substituting chicken with shrimp, pork, or making it vegetarian by adding more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts.
Serving Suggestions
Chinese Chicken Egg Fried Rice can be enjoyed on its own or served as a side dish alongside other Chinese-inspired dishes like sweet and sour chicken, dumplings, or stir-fried vegetables. It’s an ideal meal for gatherings or a family night, as it’s quick to prepare and appeals to all taste buds.
Conclusion
Chinese Chicken Egg Fried Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for any meal. This simple recipe brings together tender chicken, fluffy eggs, and well-seasoned rice, creating a delightful combination that’s hard to resist. With just a few ingredients and some quick steps, you’ll be able to whip up a dish that’s bound to become a household favorite! Enjoy your homemade Chinese Chicken Egg Fried Rice and savor the flavors of a classic Chinese takeout dish from the comfort of your kitchen.