Pakistani Chicken Fried Rice – Ready in 30 Minutes

by Aleezay Khan

Are you craving a meal that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor? Try making Pakistani Chicken Fried Rice, a tasteful twist on the classic dish. This version incorporates traditional Pakistani spices, adding depth to the already popular combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables like peas and carrots. Seasoned with soy sauce and a hint of sesame oil, it captures the essence of Asian cuisine while being adaptable to local tastes.

The main ingredients are simple and the process is straightforward, making it perfect for a quick dinner or a hearty lunch. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, Pakistani Chicken Fried Rice is a surefire way to impress. Best of all, it’s ready in just about 30 minutes, making your mealtime both stress-free and delicious.

Ingredients used in chicken fried rice recipe

Begin your Chicken Fried Rice journey with these essential ingredients for success:

1. Chicken breast (200 grams) – Lean and high in protein, chicken breast is diced for quick cooking and uniform texture.
2. Long-grain rice (1 cup, cooked and chilled) – Chilled rice grains are firmer, making them ideal for frying without clumping.
3. Carrots (1/2 cup, finely diced) – Adds a sweet flavor and a vibrant pop of color to the dish.
4. Green peas (1/2 cup) – Provide a mild sweetness and appealing contrast in texture.
5. Eggs (2, beaten) – Eggs enrich the dish with flavor and offer a soft, custardy texture.
6. Soy sauce (2 tablespoons) – Imparts a salty and umami flavor, essential for authentic Asian taste.
7. Sesame oil (1 tablespoon) – Used for its nutty aroma, enhancing the overall fragrance and depth of the fried rice.
8. Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped) – Add a mild, crunchy element and a burst of freshness.
9. Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Delivers a pungent kick, foundational to many savory dishes.
10. Salt and pepper to taste – Basic seasonings to elevate and balance the flavors.

Cooking tools required for chicken fried rice recipe

The right tools enhance cooking, making it smoother and more enjoyable:

1. Wok or large skillet – Essential for high-heat stir-frying which is central to getting that authentic texture in fried rice.
2. Spatula – A sturdy spatula is necessary for stirring and flipping the ingredients quickly.
3. Cutting board and knife – For prepping your vegetables and chicken.
4. Measuring cups and spoons – To measure your ingredients accurately.
5. Mixing bowls – Useful for holding ingredients before they go into the wok and for beating the eggs.
6. Garlic press (optional) – A handy tool for quickly mincing garlic.

How to make chicken fried rice recipe: Step by step process;

Create delicious Pakistani Chicken Fried Rice recipe with these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions, then spread it on a plate and let it cool in the refrigerator. This helps to dry out the grains and prevent clumping when frying.
2. Prep the Ingredients: While the rice is cooling, dice the chicken breast, carrots, and chop the green onions. Mince the garlic and beat the eggs lightly.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat half the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until it is fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove it from the wok and set aside.
4. Scramble the Eggs: In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed, and pour in the beaten eggs. Stir gently until they are lightly scrambled but still moist. Remove them from the wok and set aside with the chicken.
5. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the carrots and peas to the wok, and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the wok. Add the chilled rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
7. Season: Pour soy sauce over the rice, and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry everything together, making sure the soy sauce is evenly distributed. Drizzle the remaining sesame oil over the rice and mix well.
8. Finish with Green Onions: Add the chopped green onions, stir to combine everything thoroughly, and cook for another minute or two to let the flavors meld.
9. Serve: Serve the fried rice hot, garnished with additional green onions or cilantro if desired.

Expert tip

One invaluable tip for making exceptional fried rice is to always use rice that has been cooked and chilled for at least a few hours, preferably overnight. This is crucial because freshly cooked rice can be too soft and moist, leading to a sticky texture when fried. Chilled rice has had time to firm up, which allows it to fry up nicely, keeping each grain distinct and enhancing the overall texture of the dish. This tip solves the common problem of mushy fried rice, ensuring your dish is restaurant-quality every time.

Serving tips

Enhance your meal with these complementary dishes that pair wonderfully with Chicken Fried Rice:

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy and filled with vegetables, spring rolls are a light appetizer that contrasts nicely with the savory rice.
2. Hot and Sour Soup: This tangy and spicy soup adds a flavorful start to your meal and pairs well with the richness of the fried rice.
3. Steamed Broccoli or Bok Choy: These steamed greens offer a fresh and simple side that balances the heartiness of fried rice.
4. Sweet Chili Chicken: The sweet and spicy glaze of the chicken complements the umami flavors of the fried rice.
5. Mango Salad: A refreshing and tangy mango salad with a hint of chili can brighten the whole meal and cleanse the palate.

Check more rice recipes

Chana Pulao recipe
Yakhni Pulao recipe
Sindhi Mutton Biryani recipe
Egg fried rice recipe
Mutton Pulao recipe

Storage instructions

Follow these simple steps to store and reheat your Chicken Fried Rice, ensuring it remains tasty and safe to eat:

To Store:

Allow the fried rice to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

To Reheat:

Reheat the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a few tablespoons of water if it seems dry. Stir frequently until it is thoroughly heated, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Conclusion

Crafting this Pakistani Chicken Fried Rice is not just about mixing rice and chicken, it’s an art of balancing flavors and textures to create a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and versatile. With its combination of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and the aromatic punch of garlic and sesame, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner or a festive gathering. Remember, the key to great fried rice is using chilled, day-old rice and getting your wok really hot to achieve that signature smoky flavor.

I’d love to hear how your Chicken Fried Rice turns out! Share your cooking experience and any personal twists you added to the recipe with me.

Frequently asked questions

What is the secret to good fried rice?

The secret to good fried rice lies in using day-old, chilled rice that’s slightly dry, ensuring it fries well without clumping.

What is the secret ingredient to restaurant fried rice?

Many chefs swear by sesame oil as the secret ingredient, giving restaurant-style fried rice its distinct, nutty flavor and aroma.

Why is vinegar used in fried rice?

Vinegar is used in fried rice to add a subtle tanginess that enhances the other flavors, balancing the overall taste profile of the dish.

Which spices are good for fried rice?

Common spices like white pepper, garlic powder, and ginger are excellent for fried rice, providing warmth and depth to the flavor.

Pakistani Chicken Fried Rice – Ready in 30 Minutes

Master the art of making Pakistani Chicken Fried Rice with this simple recipe. Perfect for quick meals! #ChickenFriedRice #EasyRecipes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 2 People

Ingredients

  

• Chicken breast 200 grams - Lean and high in protein, chicken breast is diced for quick cooking and uniform texture.
• Long-grain rice 1 cup, cooked and chilled - Chilled rice grains are firmer, making them ideal for frying without clumping.
• Carrots 1/2 cup, finely diced - Adds a sweet flavor and a vibrant pop of color to the dish.
• Green peas 1/2 cup - Provide a mild sweetness and appealing contrast in texture.
• Eggs 2, beaten - Eggs enrich the dish with flavor and offer a soft, custardy texture.
• Soy sauce 2 tablespoons - Imparts a salty and umami flavor, essential for authentic Asian taste.
• Sesame oil 1 tablespoon - Used for its nutty aroma, enhancing the overall fragrance and depth of the fried rice.
• Green onions 1/4 cup, chopped - Add a mild, crunchy element and a burst of freshness.
• Garlic 2 cloves, minced - Delivers a pungent kick, foundational to many savory dishes.
• Salt and pepper to taste - Basic seasonings to elevate and balance the flavors.

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions, then spread it on a plate and let it cool in the refrigerator. This helps to dry out the grains and prevent clumping when frying.
• Prep the Ingredients: While the rice is cooling, dice the chicken breast, carrots, and chop the green onions. Mince the garlic and beat the eggs lightly.
• Cook the Chicken: Heat half the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until it is fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove it from the wok and set aside.
• Scramble the Eggs: In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed, and pour in the beaten eggs. Stir gently until they are lightly scrambled but still moist. Remove them from the wok and set aside with the chicken.
• Sauté the Vegetables: Add the carrots and peas to the wok, and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the wok. Add the chilled rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
• Season: Pour soy sauce over the rice, and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry everything together, making sure the soy sauce is evenly distributed. Drizzle the remaining sesame oil over the rice and mix well.
• Finish with Green Onions: Add the chopped green onions, stir to combine everything thoroughly, and cook for another minute or two to let the flavors meld.
• Serve: Serve the fried rice hot, garnished with additional green onions or cilantro if desired.

Notes

As an experienced cook, one invaluable tip for making exceptional fried rice is to always use rice that has been cooked and chilled for at least a few hours, preferably overnight. This is crucial because freshly cooked rice can be too soft and moist, leading to a sticky texture when fried. Chilled rice has had time to firm up, which allows it to fry up nicely, keeping each grain distinct and enhancing the overall texture of the dish. This tip solves the common problem of mushy fried rice, ensuring your dish is restaurant-quality every time.