Good Day, Lykkers! Nothing beats the aroma of a freshly cooked meal filling the kitchen.

For those seeking a satisfying yet simple dish, chicken fried rice stands as a timeless favorite.

Packed with vibrant colors, savory flavors, and satisfying textures, it offers an effortless way to transform everyday ingredients into a heartwarming meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably chilled overnight)

1 cup diced boneless chicken

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

½ cup chopped carrots

½ cup green peas (frozen or fresh)

2 tablespoons chopped green onions

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

½ teaspoon white pepper

Salt to taste

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Start by dicing the chicken into small, even cubes. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and uniformly, so you get perfectly tender pieces. If you're using frozen peas, blanch them by dropping them into hot water for about a minute. This quick blanching process helps retain their vibrant green color and natural sweetness, making the dish more visually appealing and flavorful.

2. Heat the Pan:

Place a wok or a large nonstick skillet on the stove and set it to medium-high heat. Once hot, pour in vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the entire cooking surface evenly. A well-heated pan is key to ensuring the chicken and vegetables cook quickly without becoming soggy, which helps develop the perfect texture.

3. Cook the Chicken:

Add the diced chicken to the pan with the hot oil. Allow it to sear for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all sides are golden brown. The chicken should be fully cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. This keeps it tender and prevents overcooking while you prepare the other ingredients.

4. Scramble the Eggs:

Without wiping the pan clean, pour the beaten eggs directly into the same pan. Allow the eggs to sit for a few seconds before gently stirring them to break them into small, soft curds. Cook the eggs just until they are scrambled and no longer runny. Once cooked, remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside with the chicken. This keeps everything separated and preserves the delicate texture of each ingredient.

5. Sauté the Vegetables:

Add a bit more oil if necessary. Then toss in the chopped carrots and sauté them for about 2 minutes. You want the carrots to soften slightly but retain some of their crisp texture. Afterward, toss in the peas and stir frequently. This ensures they heat through without losing their freshness. By sautéing these vegetables first, they stay vibrant and flavorful.

6. Fry the Rice:

Now it’s time to add the cold, day-old rice to the pan. The rice will be a bit drier than freshly cooked rice, which makes it perfect for stir-frying. Break up any rice clumps by pressing them down with the back of your spatula, then stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all the flavors from the pan while it heats up and starts to lightly crisp around the edges.

7. Combine Everything:

Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan, mixing them into the rice. Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil evenly over the mixture to give it that rich, savory flavor. Sprinkle in white pepper and salt, stirring constantly so that every grain of rice is coated with flavor. Keep stirring for another minute or so, ensuring everything is well-incorporated and heated through.

8. Final Touch:

For a burst of freshness and color, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the fried rice and give it one last stir. This final step adds a slight crunch and a fresh aroma to the dish, making it more vibrant. After a brief stir, remove the pan from heat to keep the green onions crisp and aromatic. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect homemade chicken fried rice, ready to be devoured!

Extra Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Rice

Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice often becomes soggy when stir-fried. Using cold, dry rice helps achieve a chewy, separated texture.

High Heat is Essential: Stir-frying over high heat keeps ingredients crisp and enhances the smoky flavor known as wok hei.

Small Batches Cook Better: Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking a small amount at a time allows better heat distribution.

Marinate the Chicken: Toss chicken cubes in a little soy sauce and cornstarch before cooking for extra tenderness and flavor.

Chicken fried rice is more than just a quick meal, it is a canvas for creativity, allowing each cook to tweak ingredients to match their taste. By following these clear steps and thoughtful tips, every of you can craft a plate of chicken fried rice that tastes better than takeout and fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort!