If you’re looking for a quick and budget-friendly meal, fried rice with canned chicken is a great option. This dish is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Plus, using canned chicken makes it even more convenient.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to use up leftover rice and vegetables in your fridge. It’s also a great way to add some protein to your meal without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways:
- Fried rice with canned chicken is a quick and budget-friendly meal option.
- This recipe can be customized to your liking and is a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables.
- Using canned chicken makes the recipe even more convenient and adds protein to the dish.
Ingredients for Fried Rice With Canned Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Long-grain rice | 1 cup |
| Water or chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Canned chicken | 10 oz |
| Carrots | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Frozen peas | 1/2 cup |
| Green onions | 2, chopped |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Soy sauce | 3 tbsp |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Feel free to swap out the carrots and peas for any other vegetables you have on hand. As long as you keep the rice and canned chicken, the dish will turn out just as delicious!
Preparing the Rice
The first step in making fried rice with canned chicken is preparing the rice. Use any type of rice you have on hand, but keep in mind that long-grain rice tends to work best for this recipe. Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water and drain out any excess water.
Transfer the rinsed rice to a saucepan and add water in a 2:1 ratio (2 parts water to 1 part rice). Bring the water to a boil and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan and let the rice cook for 18-20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is fluffy.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains evenly. Let it cool briefly before using it in the recipe. Properly cooked rice is the foundation of delicious fried rice with canned chicken.
Cooking the Chicken
To add flavor and enhance the taste of your fried rice with canned chicken, you need to cook the chicken properly. Start by draining the canned chicken and rinsing it in cold water. You can use a fork to break up the chicken chunks further.
Next, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for two to three minutes until browned. You can add your favorite spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper at this point to flavor the chicken.
If you prefer a saucier dish, you can add a tablespoon of soy sauce or oyster sauce to the skillet when the chicken is almost cooked through. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly, and let it cook for an additional minute or so. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Now that your chicken is cooked and seasoned properly, you can move on to the next step of preparing your fried rice with canned chicken.
Preparing the Vegetables
Before starting to cook, it’s important to prepare your vegetables adequately. For this dish, you can choose any vegetables you prefer. Some popular options include carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers, and onions. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Wash: Rinse your vegetables in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Chop: Cut your vegetables into small, uniform pieces for even cooking. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size as your grains of rice.
- Separate: If using onions, be sure to separate the layers to prevent them from clumping together during cooking.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables to find your perfect combination. You may also choose to add garlic or ginger for additional flavor.
Pro tip: Frozen vegetables work well for this recipe and eliminate the need for chopping. Simply thaw them before cooking.
Cooking Fried Rice With Canned Chicken
Now that you have prepared all of the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking the fried rice with canned chicken. Follow these simple steps:
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cooked rice and fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- Add the cooked canned chicken to the rice and fry for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Push the rice and chicken to one side of the pan and add the vegetables. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine the vegetables with the rice and chicken, stirring until well mixed.
- Add any additional seasonings or sauces to taste, such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, or Sriracha.
- Continue stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Remember to keep stirring constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Your fried rice with canned chicken is now ready to be served and enjoyed!
Tips:
- You can add scrambled eggs to the dish for added protein and texture. Simply push the rice and chicken to one side of the pan, add beaten eggs to the other side, and scramble until cooked. Then, combine with the rice and chicken mixture.
- For a more indulgent dish, try adding bacon or ham to the fried rice. Cook them first and set aside before following the steps above.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili flakes or Sriracha to taste.
Serving and Variations
Congratulations, you’ve successfully made your own delicious fried rice with canned chicken! Now it’s time to serve and enjoy.
Here are a few serving suggestions to try:
- Top with a fried egg for extra protein and flavor.
- Serve with a side of soy sauce for additional seasoning.
- Add a dash of sriracha or other hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own spin to the dish. Here are some variations to consider:
- Swap out the canned chicken for canned shrimp or crab meat.
- Add in pineapple chunks or other tropical fruit for a sweet and savory twist.
- Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb option.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to making fried rice with canned chicken. Experiment with different ingredients and spices to find your perfect combination.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips to ensure a delicious and perfectly cooked fried rice with canned chicken:
- Use cold rice: If possible, use leftover rice from the fridge as it will have a better texture for frying.
- Prep ingredients beforehand: Prepare all the ingredients before starting to cook to ensure a smooth and quick cooking process.
- Heat the wok or pan: Make sure the wok or pan is hot before adding the ingredients to prevent the rice from sticking and becoming mushy.
- Stir-fry often: Stir-fry the ingredients often to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: Cook the vegetables just until they are tender, as overcooked vegetables can become mushy and lose their flavor.
- Add soy sauce or seasoning: Soy sauce or other seasonings can add flavor and depth to the dish, but be careful not to overdo it.
- Customize to your liking: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or protein to make it your own unique dish.
By following these tips, you can ensure a delicious and satisfying meal that is quick and easy to make.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fried rice with canned chicken is a simple, delicious, and budget-friendly dish that can be cooked up quickly for a meal on the go. Using canned chicken provides convenience and saves time in the kitchen. Remember to choose your favorite vegetables to add flavor and nutrition to the dish.
To prepare perfect rice, be sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking and aim for a fluffy texture with separated grains. When cooking the chicken, add your favorite seasonings and spices to enhance the flavor.
Stir-frying is the key to achieving the perfect texture for fried rice with canned chicken. Be sure to cook the ingredients in a hot pan, stirring constantly, to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
Serving suggestions include adding a fried egg on top or serving with soy sauce. Get creative and customize the recipe to your liking with different vegetables or protein options.
Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. So go ahead and try making fried rice with canned chicken for yourself. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
A: Yes, you can definitely use fresh chicken for this recipe. Simply cook the chicken separately and add it to the fried rice during the cooking process.
Q: Can I use any type of vegetables for the fried rice?
A: Absolutely! You can use any vegetables of your choice for this recipe. Popular options include peas, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Be sure to chop them into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
Q: How long does it take to cook the fried rice?
A: The cooking time may vary depending on your stovetop and the quantity of ingredients. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes to cook the fried rice once you have all the ingredients prepared.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it?
A: While it is best to enjoy the fried rice fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to revive the flavors.
Q: Can I add other proteins to the fried rice?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different proteins such as shrimp, tofu, or even leftover cooked meats. Just make sure to cook them separately and add them to the fried rice during the cooking process.