If you are craving a meal that perfectly balances textures and flavors, this Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender pieces of chicken coated in a crisp golden crust, then generously tossed in a rich and tangy sauce that sings with garlic and ginger. Paired with vibrant, colorful vegetable fried rice that’s fluffy and packed with fresh veggies, this dish covers all bases for comfort food with a delightful twist. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite you return to time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples but each plays a crucial role in building the wonderful flavors and textures of this dish. From the crunchy chicken coating to the saucy glaze and the colorful vegetable-packed fried rice, you’ll see how every item contributes to making dinner utterly unforgettable.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless and skinless for easy bite-sized pieces that cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Cornstarch: It creates that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken you will love.
- Eggs: Used in the batter and optionally in the fried rice for added richness and texture.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying both chicken and rice, giving everything a nice golden finish.
- Soy sauce: A cornerstone for the saucy chicken and the fried rice, delivering savory umami depth.
- Honey or brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tang and saltiness of the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a bright acidity that lifts the sauce beautifully.
- Ketchup: Adds subtle tanginess and a hint of tomato in the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Gives a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates the final flavor dramatically.
- Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced for that punch of aromatic warmth.
- Cooked rice: Day-old rice works best to keep the fried rice fluffy and separate.
- Mixed vegetables: Carrots, peas, and corn for color, crunch, and nutrition.
- Green onions: Freshly chopped and sprinkled at the end for brightness and bite.
How to Make Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken
Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Then, dip each piece into cornstarch to create the base for crispiness, followed by a dip in beaten eggs which will help the coating adhere perfectly. This two-step dipping process is the secret to that unbeatable crunch you’ll love.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken Until Golden
Heat your vegetable oil over medium-high heat and carefully fry the chicken pieces. Patience is key here—fry them until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop that signature crisp shell. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil, keeping every bite satisfyingly crunchy.
Step 3: Make the Tangy Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. This sauce packs a flavorful punch that perfectly complements the crispy chicken without overpowering it.
Step 4: Toss Chicken in the Sauce
Return the fried chicken pieces to a bowl and pour the warm sauce over them. Toss gently but thoroughly so every piece is evenly coated with that sticky, flavorful glaze. You’ll notice the aroma start to fill your kitchen—it’s the point when your Crispy Saucy Chicken really comes to life.
Step 5: Prepare the Vegetable Fried Rice
In a wok or a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat once again. Toss in the mixed vegetables and stir-fry them just for a few minutes until tender but still bright and crisp. Then, add your cooked rice and stir-fry until heated through, making sure all the grains are separated and coated in oil for the perfect fried rice texture.
Step 6: Scramble the Eggs and Finish the Rice
Push the rice to the side of the pan and scramble the eggs in the open space. Once cooked, mix everything together so the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the rice. Add soy sauce and chopped green onions, stirring gently to combine all flavors beautifully. Now your vegetable fried rice is ready to be served.
How to Serve Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh, vibrant finish, sprinkle extra chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the chicken before serving. A light drizzle of sriracha or chili flakes can add a welcomed spicy kick if you like a bit of heat. These small touches make your dish look restaurant-worthy and enhance every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own but pairs well with a light side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed Asian greens like bok choy or baby spinach. These sides add a crispness and freshness that balances the rich and saucy chicken beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the fried rice in a hollowed-out bell pepper or a cabbage leaf cup alongside the chicken piled high. Another idea is plating the chicken atop a bed of rice and garnishing with thinly sliced cucumbers and carrots for a colorful, eye-catching presentation that will impress guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the chicken and fried rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the crispness of the chicken and prevents the rice from becoming soggy. They should be good for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked fried rice and chicken individually in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture before reheating. Keep the sauce separate if possible to retain freshness and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to help bring back some of that crispiness. For the fried rice, reheating in a pan with a little vegetable oil helps revive its texture better than a microwave. Adding a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil during reheating can refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with pork, shrimp, or even tofu if you want a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked perfectly.
Is day-old rice really necessary for fried rice?
Using day-old rice is best because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps achieve that ideal separate grain texture when stir-frying. Freshly cooked rice tends to clump and become mushy when fried.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, potato starch or arrowroot powder can work well as alternatives to achieve that crisp coating on the chicken.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and check that ketchup doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients. This adjustment keeps the dish safe and just as tasty.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s generally mild and perfect for all palates. If you want spicy, adding chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce when serving is an easy way to elevate the heat.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe is truly a delicious crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of crispy textures and rich sauces in a comforting, satisfying meal. I can’t recommend it enough as a go-to recipe for busy nights or when you want to treat yourself with minimal fuss. Give it a try—you may just find your new favorite dinner on repeat!
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Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice is a delightful dish featuring golden, crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, served alongside flavorful vegetable fried rice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, it combines a crunchy texture with savory and slightly sweet flavors, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
For the Vegetable Fried Rice
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for fried rice)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying rice)
- 2 eggs, scrambled (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dip each piece first into the cornstarch, ensuring it is evenly coated, then dip into the beaten eggs to prepare for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the fried, crispy chicken pieces into the warm sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful glaze. Set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Add Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir-fry the mixture, breaking up any clumps, and cook until the rice is heated through. Stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce for seasoning.
- Scramble Eggs: Push the rice and vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared side and scramble them until just set. Mix the eggs into the rice and vegetable mixture thoroughly.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped green onions into the fried rice. Serve the vegetable fried rice on plates with the crispy saucy chicken on top or on the side, garnishing with extra green onions if desired.
Notes
- Using day-old rice is recommended for the best texture in fried rice as it prevents clumping.
- You can substitute honey with brown sugar in the sauce based on preference.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet when frying chicken to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce in the rice to taste, especially if your soy sauce is very salty.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce.
