Chicken fried rice is a staple dish in many cuisines, particularly in Asian and Latin American cultures. This versatile meal can be served as a main course, side dish, or even as a snack. However, it’s often paired with other dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. In this article, we’ll explore some popular options for what to cook with chicken fried rice.
Understanding the Basics of Chicken Fried Rice
Before we dive into the various combinations, let’s quickly review the basics of chicken fried rice. This dish typically consists of cooked rice, chicken, vegetables, and seasonings, stir-fried together in a wok or large skillet. The ingredients can vary depending on personal preferences and regional traditions.
Key Ingredients in Chicken Fried Rice
- Cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
- Chicken breast or thighs, diced
- Vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, onions, scallions)
- Seasonings (e.g., soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil)
- Cooking oil or butter
Main Course Options to Serve with Chicken Fried Rice
When serving chicken fried rice as a main course, it’s essential to balance the meal with other dishes that complement its flavors and textures. Here are some popular main course options to consider:
Grilled Meats
Grilled meats like chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp can be served on top of or alongside chicken fried rice. The smoky flavor of the grilled meat pairs well with the savory flavors of the fried rice.
Grilled Chicken Breast with Peanut Sauce
- Marinate chicken breast in a mixture of peanut butter, soy sauce, and honey
- Grill the chicken until cooked through
- Serve with chicken fried rice and steamed vegetables
Stir-Fried Vegetables
Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be served as a main course option with chicken fried rice. This combination provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.
Stir-Fried Broccoli with Garlic and Ginger
- Stir-fry broccoli florets with minced garlic and ginger
- Add soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor
- Serve with chicken fried rice and grilled chicken or tofu
Side Dish Options to Serve with Chicken Fried Rice
When serving chicken fried rice as a side dish, it’s essential to choose options that complement its flavors without overpowering them. Here are some popular side dish options to consider:
Egg Rolls
Egg rolls are a classic Chinese side dish that pairs well with chicken fried rice. These crispy fried or steamed rolls can be filled with vegetables, meat, or shrimp.
Vegetable Egg Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce
- Fill egg roll wrappers with shredded vegetables and vermicelli noodles
- Fry or steam the egg rolls until crispy
- Serve with chicken fried rice and sweet chili sauce
Dumplings
Dumplings are another popular side dish option that can be served with chicken fried rice. These steamed or pan-fried dumplings can be filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood.
Pan-Fried Dumplings with Dipping Sauce
- Fill dumpling wrappers with ground pork and shredded vegetables
- Pan-fry the dumplings until crispy
- Serve with chicken fried rice and dipping sauce
Snack Options to Serve with Chicken Fried Rice
When serving chicken fried rice as a snack, it’s essential to choose options that are easy to eat and fun to munch on. Here are some popular snack options to consider:
Edamame
Edamame is a popular snack in many Asian cultures. These boiled or steamed soybeans can be served with chicken fried rice for a satisfying snack.
Spicy Edamame with Sea Salt
- Boil or steam edamame until tender
- Sprinkle with sea salt and chili powder
- Serve with chicken fried rice and dipping sauce
Potstickers
Potstickers are another popular snack option that can be served with chicken fried rice. These pan-fried or steamed dumplings can be filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood.
Pan-Fried Potstickers with Soy Sauce
- Fill potsticker wrappers with ground pork and shredded vegetables
- Pan-fry the potstickers until crispy
- Serve with chicken fried rice and soy sauce
Regional Variations of Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is a versatile dish that can be adapted to various regional cuisines. Here are some popular regional variations to consider:
Chinese-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Chinese-style chicken fried rice is a classic variation that originated in the southern province of Guangdong. This version typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and scallions.
Cantonese-Style Chicken Fried Rice
- Cook rice with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and scallions
- Add diced chicken, peas, and carrots
- Stir-fry until combined
Latin American-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Latin American-style chicken fried rice is a popular variation that originated in countries like Cuba and Puerto Rico. This version typically includes ingredients like salsa, cumin, and coriander.
Cuban-Style Chicken Fried Rice
- Cook rice with salsa, cumin, and coriander
- Add diced chicken, peas, and carrots
- Stir-fry until combined
Conclusion
Chicken fried rice is a versatile dish that can be paired with various main courses, side dishes, and snacks. By understanding the basics of chicken fried rice and exploring different regional variations, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that suits your tastes and preferences. Whether you’re serving chicken fried rice as a main course, side dish, or snack, there are countless options to choose from. So go ahead, get creative, and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite way to enjoy chicken fried rice!
What are some popular protein combinations to cook with chicken fried rice?
Chicken fried rice is a versatile dish that can be paired with various proteins to create a satisfying meal. Some popular combinations include cooking chicken fried rice with shrimp, beef, pork, tofu, or eggs. These proteins can be cooked separately and then added on top of the fried rice or mixed in during the cooking process.
When choosing a protein to pair with chicken fried rice, consider the flavor profile and texture you want to achieve. For example, shrimp adds a sweet and succulent element, while beef provides a heartier and more savory option. Tofu, on the other hand, offers a plant-based alternative that can absorb the flavors of the dish.
Can I add vegetables to my chicken fried rice for added nutrition?
Absolutely, adding vegetables to chicken fried rice is a great way to increase the nutritional value of the dish. Some popular vegetables to add include peas, carrots, green onions, and bean sprouts. These vegetables can be cooked along with the rice and protein or added as a garnish on top.
When selecting vegetables to add to your chicken fried rice, choose options that complement the flavor and texture of the dish. For example, peas and carrots add a burst of sweetness, while green onions provide a pungent flavor. Bean sprouts, on the other hand, add a nice crunch and texture.
How can I make my chicken fried rice more flavorful?
There are several ways to make chicken fried rice more flavorful. One option is to add aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and onions to the pan before cooking the rice. You can also add soy sauce, oyster sauce, or sesame oil to give the dish a savory and umami flavor.
Another way to add flavor to chicken fried rice is to use different seasonings and spices. For example, you can add a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out the flavors of the ingredients. You can also try adding curry powder or chili flakes to give the dish a spicy kick.
Can I use leftover rice to make chicken fried rice?
Yes, using leftover rice is a great way to make chicken fried rice. In fact, leftover rice is often preferred because it is drier and easier to stir-fry than freshly cooked rice. When using leftover rice, make sure to break up any clumps and add a small amount of oil to the pan to prevent the rice from sticking.
When cooking with leftover rice, it’s essential to heat it through thoroughly to ensure food safety. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the pan to help rehydrate the rice and create a creamy texture.
What are some popular sauces to serve with chicken fried rice?
There are several popular sauces that can be served with chicken fried rice. Some options include soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. These sauces can be served on the side or drizzled directly over the dish.
When choosing a sauce to serve with chicken fried rice, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. For example, soy sauce adds a salty and savory flavor, while oyster sauce provides a rich and umami taste. Hoisin sauce, on the other hand, offers a sweet and slightly spicy flavor.
Can I make chicken fried rice in advance and reheat it later?
Yes, chicken fried rice can be made in advance and reheated later. In fact, making it ahead of time can help the flavors meld together and the rice to dry out slightly, making it easier to stir-fry. When reheating chicken fried rice, make sure to heat it through thoroughly to ensure food safety.
When reheating chicken fried rice, you can add a splash of water or broth to the pan to help rehydrate the rice and create a creamy texture. You can also add a small amount of oil to the pan to prevent the rice from sticking.
What are some variations of chicken fried rice from different cultures?
Chicken fried rice is a popular dish that has been adapted and modified by different cultures around the world. Some variations include Korean-style kimchi fried rice, Japanese-style omurice, and Thai-style khao pad. These variations often feature unique ingredients and flavor profiles that reflect the local cuisine.
When trying different variations of chicken fried rice, be sure to experiment with new ingredients and flavor combinations. For example, Korean-style kimchi fried rice features spicy kimchi and gochujang, while Japanese-style omurice includes a fluffy omelette and tonkatsu sauce.