Easy Chicken Flavored Rice

Want to make delicious chicken-flavored rice without too much hassle? Try my secret method! With just a few simple steps, you'll feel like a master chef and enjoy a star-quality meal!

Ingredients and Substitutes

To make this chicken-flavored rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

Chicken Thighs: Provide tender meat and rich protein for the rice.

Rice: The base of the dish, offering a satisfying texture.

Additional Ingredients

Minced Garlic: Adds aroma to the rice.

Onion: Enhances the texture and flavor.

Seasonings

Rice Wine: Removes any unwanted odors.

Soy Sauce: Enhances flavor and adds depth.

Oyster Sauce: Adds umami.

Sugar: Enhances sweetness and flavor.

Salt: For seasoning and adding saltiness.

Pepper: Adds a touch of spice.

Substitutes

Chicken Thigh Substitute: If unavailable, use chicken breast, but thighs are more tender.

Rice Substitute: Use quinoa or brown rice, but note they have different textures and may require cooking adjustments.

Minced Garlic Substitute: Garlic powder can be used, but fresh minced garlic has better flavor.

Onion Substitute: Chopped scallions can replace onions, providing a similar aroma.

Rice Wine Substitute: Shaoxing wine can replace rice wine, though the flavor differs slightly.

Soy Sauce Substitute: Use light soy sauce, but adjust the amount accordingly.

Oyster Sauce Substitute: Seafood sauce can partially replace oyster sauce, though the taste will vary.

Sugar Substitute: Honey can replace sugar, adding sweetness and a unique flavor, but adjust the quantity as needed.

Salt Substitute: Use a small amount of soy sauce if salt is unavailable, though the taste will differ.

Pepper Substitute: Sichuan pepper powder can partially replace pepper, but it has a numbing flavor.

Should You Blanch the Chicken

It's actually not necessary to blanch the chicken. The marinade of minced garlic, rice wine, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper effectively removes any gamey taste.

However, if you're concerned about blood or any odor, you can choose to blanch it. To do this, start with cold water in the pot. As the water gradually heats up, impurities and blood will rise to the surface. Once it boils, skim off the foam, remove the chicken, and rinse with warm water.

I find that skipping the blanching step results in more tender chicken, and the marinade flavors penetrate better!

Should You Cook the Chicken or Rice First

It's best to start with the chicken. Marinating the chicken allows it to absorb the flavors of the garlic, rice wine, soy sauce, and other seasonings, making it more delicious when cooked. While the chicken is marinating, you can begin cooking the rice.

By the time the rice is done, the chicken will be well-marinated, and you can proceed with stir-frying. This approach makes the cooking process more efficient.

Freshly cooked rice is ideal for stir-frying because the grains are distinct and not sticky. If you cook the chicken first, the rice might become dry or clump together, affecting the texture of the fried rice.

Tips for Success

Chicken Preparation is Key:

Debone the chicken thighs and marinate them with 1 tablespoon of rice wine, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and a generous amount of minced garlic. This marinade will eliminate any gamey taste, enhance the flavor, and keep the chicken tender and juicy. Try to avoid blanching the chicken to maintain its tenderness.

Perfectly Cooked Rice:

Cook the rice until each grain is distinct and perfectly cooked. Freshly cooked rice is ideal because it is steamy and blends well with the other ingredients without becoming sticky.

Ingredients Matter:

Use plenty of minced garlic, as it is the soul of the dish, providing a rich aroma when stir-fried. Don't forget the onions, which add a unique sweetness and depth of flavor.

Master the Stir-Frying Technique:

First, stir-fry the marinated chicken until cooked through, then set it aside. Add a bit of oil to the pan, sauté the onions and minced garlic until fragrant, then add the rice and stir-fry until evenly mixed. Finally, return the chicken to the pan and combine it thoroughly with the rice. This method ensures that your chicken fried rice is absolutely delicious.