Leftover Chicken Fried Rice: A Delicious Recipe
Fried Rice Made with Leftover Chicken: A Perfect Meal
Sometimes, leftover chicken is delicious as is, but transforming it into a savory fried rice can elevate it into a whole new, delightful meal. This recipe is a fantastic way to make the most of your leftovers and create another satisfying dish. The rich flavor from the chicken, especially if it’s a sweet and savory glazed variety, makes this fried rice extra special.
Main Ingredients- 7 pieces of leftover chicken (glazed or soy-sauce based chicken recommended)
- 1.5 bowls of cooked rice (prepared warm)
- 3 Cheongyang peppers (or adjust to your spice preference)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Here are our main stars: 7 pieces of leftover chicken. Using chicken that’s already glazed or flavored with soy sauce will significantly boost the umami of your fried rice. The existing sauce will add an extra layer of deliciousness.
Step 2
Carefully debone the chicken pieces and shred or cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. If you have large chunks, shred them with your fingers or cut them with a knife so they mix well with the rice.
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1/2 finely diced onion. Sauté until fragrant, allowing the pungent aroma of garlic and the sweetness of the onion to infuse into the oil.
Step 4
Continue to stir-fry the onion until it becomes translucent. Fully cooked onions add a delightful sweetness and a soft texture, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the fried rice.
Step 5
Add the prepared chicken pieces to the pan and stir-fry them with the onion and garlic. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan. It’s important to let the delicious chicken fat render and mix with the other ingredients.
Step 6
Now it’s time to season. Pour 1 tablespoon of soy sauce around the edges of the pan to help it caramelize slightly, and add 1/3 tablespoon of sugar to balance the saltiness. Stir well to combine the savory soy sauce and the touch of sweetness with the chicken.
Step 7
Add 1 tablespoon of ketchup to further enhance the flavor. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the ketchup is well incorporated. The ketchup’s sweet and tangy notes will cut through any richness and add a pleasant complexity.
Step 8
Add 1.5 bowls of warm cooked rice to the pan. Use your spatula to break up any clumps of rice and stir-fry until the seasoning is evenly distributed. The key is to gently break up the rice grains as you stir to ensure a fluffy texture.
Step 9
For a bit of heat, add 3 thinly sliced Cheongyang peppers and stir-fry briefly. If you prefer a milder dish or are cooking for children, you can substitute bell peppers or omit the peppers altogether. The spiciness helps to cut through the richness, making the fried rice even more delicious.
Step 10
Finally, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and a pinch of black pepper. Give it a final quick stir to combine. Your flavorful and glossy chicken fried rice is ready! Enjoy your meal!
