If you're in the mood for Chinese take-out, chicken fried rice is a classic comfort food that's sure to satisfy your cravings. Made with rice, chicken, vegetables, and eggs, this delicious dish is typically seasoned with soy sauce and a variety of spices. With a serving size of 1 1/2 cups (340 g), chicken fried rice packs a caloric punch at around 500 calories per serving.

In addition to its high calorie count, chicken fried rice is also high in sodium, with roughly 1200 mg per serving. However, it does provide a good source of protein, with around 30 grams per serving. It also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

While chicken fried rice may not be the healthiest option out there, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What is Chicken Fried Rice?

Chicken fried rice is a popular Chinese dish that combines cooked rice with diced chicken, beaten eggs, and a variety of vegetables such as peas, carrots, and onions. The dish is typically seasoned with soy sauce and various spices such as white pepper and ginger. This dish is believed to have originated in Chinese restaurants in the United States in the early 1900s and has since become a staple on Chinese restaurant menus worldwide.

How is Chicken Fried Rice Prepared?

To prepare chicken fried rice, the first step is to cook the rice, either by boiling or steaming. While the rice is cooking, diced chicken is stir-fried in a wok with oil and vegetables such as onions, carrots, and peas. Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, beaten eggs are added and scrambled. The rice is then added to the wok along with soy sauce and a variety of spices. The fried rice is then tossed and stirred until it is well mixed and heated through. Once the fried rice is cooked, it can be garnished with scallions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for added flavor.

What are the Nutritional Facts of Chicken Fried Rice?

A serving size of 1 1/2 cups (340 g) of chicken fried rice contains roughly 500 calories, 30 grams of protein, 75 grams of carbohydrates, and 9 grams of fat. It is worth noting that this dish is high in sodium, with around 1200 mg per serving. In terms of vitamins and minerals, chicken fried rice is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Is Chicken Fried Rice Healthy?

While chicken fried rice can be a delicious comfort food, it is not the healthiest option out there due to its high calorie and sodium content. However, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What are the Ingredients of Chicken Fried Rice?

The main ingredients in chicken fried rice include rice, chicken, vegetables such as peas, carrots, and onions, beaten eggs, and various spices such as soy sauce, white pepper, and ginger. Additional ingredients such as scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds can also be used for added flavor.

What are the Side Dishes to Pair with Chicken Fried Rice?

Chicken fried rice can be paired with a variety of side dishes such as egg rolls, spring rolls, or dumplings. It can also be paired with a simple stir-fried vegetable dish or a light soup such as hot and sour soup or egg drop soup.

What are the Variations of Chicken Fried Rice?

There are a variety of ways to customize chicken fried rice to suit your taste preferences. Some popular variations include adding additional spices such as curry powder or cumin, using brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber, or using tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.

How to Make Chicken Fried Rice at Home?

To make chicken fried rice at home, start by cooking 2 cups of rice according to package instructions. While the rice is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Add 2 cups of mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, and onions and cook until the vegetables are tender. In a small bowl, beat 3 eggs and pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Cook, stirring frequently, until the eggs are scrambled and cooked through. Add the cooked rice to the wok along with 1/4 cup of soy sauce and a variety of spices such as white pepper and ginger. Stir until the rice is heated through and well mixed with the other ingredients.

How to Store Chicken Fried Rice?

Leftover chicken fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until heated through.

What are the Benefits of Chicken Fried Rice?

While chicken fried rice may not be the healthiest dish out there, it does provide a good source of protein and a variety of vitamins and minerals. It can also be a delicious and satisfying comfort food when enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.