Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe
Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice is what comfort food dreams are made of! Imagine golden chicken bites glazed in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce, all nestled on a bed of colorful, fragrant fried rice packed with veggies. Every bite balances crunch, tenderness, and umami with a hint of ginger kick. Whether you’re looking for a reliable weeknight favorite or an impressive dish to wow your guests, this recipe is a plateful of pure joy that brings everyone running to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even the most memorable dishes start with straightforward, everyday ingredients, and this one is no different. Each component in Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice brings something essential, from the irresistible crunch of the chicken to the vibrant veggies and cozy aroma of sesame oil.
- Chicken breasts: Tender, juicy protein perfect for crisping up and absorbing lots of sauce.
- Cornstarch: The secret to a shatteringly crisp chicken coating.
- Eggs (for dredging and for the rice): Helps the cornstarch stick, gives body to the fried rice, and adds richness throughout.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil for cooking the chicken and stir-frying the rice for just the right texture.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds deep umami flavor, but keeps the salt level in check.
- Honey: Balances the savory notes with mellow, floral sweetness and creates a glossy finish on the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a bright tang that lifts all the other flavors.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: The aromatic duo that infuses the sauce with flavor and warmth.
- Sesame oil: Delivers nuttiness and that unmistakable Asian-inspired aroma.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to a luscious, clingy consistency.
- Sesame seeds: For a delightful little crunch and visual appeal on top.
- Green onions: Add color and a gentle bite as the perfect garnish.
- Jasmine rice: Fragrant, slightly sticky rice ideal for soaking up all the sauce.
- Onion, carrots, peas: These veggies pack in natural sweetness, crunch, and pops of green.
- Soy sauce (for rice): Unifies flavors in the fried rice and provides classic savoriness.
- Black pepper: A subtle peppery note to round things out.
How to Make Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken pieces dry. This small step is crucial for getting that signature crisp—excess moisture is the enemy! Toss the chicken in cornstarch until every piece is well coated, then dip them into the beaten eggs. This combo forms a golden crust when fried, making every bite of Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice absolutely irresistible.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your chicken in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan, so each piece gets its moment to shine. Fry for 5 to 6 minutes per batch, turning as needed, until beautifully golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate and set aside while you work on the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sticky Sauce
In a saucepan, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Bring this fragrant mixture to a gentle simmer. Add your cornstarch slurry and stir well; in about 2 minutes, the sauce will transform from thin and runny to shiny and thick enough to coat your chicken. That glorious, sticky finish is what sets this dish apart!
Step 4: Sauce the Chicken
Return the fried chicken pieces to a large bowl or skillet. Pour the glossy sauce over the top and toss gently to make sure every bite is cloaked in that sweet and tangy goodness. Trust me, this will have everyone at the table swooning!
Step 5: Make the Vegetable Fried Rice
Now, in a clean large skillet or wok, heat more vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and carrots for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant. Add the frozen peas and cooked jasmine rice. Push everything to one side, then pour the beaten eggs into the open space. Scramble them gently and, once cooked, mix them through the rice and veggies. Season with soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a dash of black pepper, stirring until all the flavors blend together.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the vibrant vegetable fried rice onto each plate, creating a fluffy bed for the chicken. Pile on the saucy, irresistibly crispy chicken pieces. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and plenty of sliced green onions for the final flourish. And there you have it—Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice, ready to devour!
How to Serve Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice
Garnishes
The beauty of this dish is in the details—finish each serving with a generous shower of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of sliced green onions. If you’re feeling playful, add a few extra carrot ribbons or a pinch of chili flakes for color and a subtle kick. These simple garnishes not only brighten the look of your plate but amp up the flavor and texture too.
Side Dishes
Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice is absolutely satisfying on its own, but if you want to create a real feast, serve it with steamed bok choy, a cucumber salad, or a bowl of simple miso soup. These sides add freshness and contrast, transforming dinner into something extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the ordinary by serving Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice in shallow bowls, letting those glossy chicken pieces shine on top. Or turn it into a fun family-style platter for sharing at the table. For a party or gathering, try serving in small bowls or cups as a delightful finger food—little bites of crispy, saucy perfection!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the chicken as crisp as possible and prevents the rice from getting too soggy. Both components will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While the rice freezes beautifully, the crispy chicken is best enjoyed fresh. That said, you can freeze any extra fried rice for up to 1 month; just let it cool completely before sealing it in freezer-safe bags or containers. For the chicken, freeze before saucing if you want to try and recapture some crispiness on reheating.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, warm the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to restore some of its signature crunch. Microwave or stir-fry the rice gently until hot. If you’ve frozen your rice, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat as above. Just a few minutes and you’ve almost got a fresh pan of Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice adapts beautifully to shrimp, thinly sliced tofu, or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and make sure your chosen protein is well coated and cooked through.
Do I have to use jasmine rice?
Jasmine rice is wonderfully fragrant and holds up well in fried rice, but you can use any long-grain rice you love. The key is to use rice that’s been cooked and cooled, so it won’t go mushy in the pan.
How do I keep my chicken crispy after saucing?
For extra crunch, quickly toss the chicken in the sauce right before serving instead of letting it sit too long. If you need to reheat, use an oven or air fryer to regain some crispiness before saucing again.
What vegetables can I add to the fried rice?
Feel free to mix things up! Try adding bell peppers, snap peas, corn, or broccoli florets. The more colorful, the better—it just elevates both the flavor and visual appeal of Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice.
Is this recipe spicy?
As written, this dish is mild and family-friendly. If you’d like to turn up the heat, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist that still complements all the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to liven up your dinner routine, Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice is truly a game changer. Each forkful is packed with color, crunch, and lively flavors—easy enough for a weeknight but always special enough to share. Give it a try and watch it become a regular request in your kitchen!
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Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice recipe is a delicious and satisfying Asian-inspired dish that combines crispy chicken in a flavorful sauce with a side of savory fried rice loaded with vegetables. Perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Crispy Saucy Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 green onions, sliced
For the Vegetable Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, cooled
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Crispy Saucy Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and coat with cornstarch, then dip in beaten eggs. Fry in vegetable oil until crispy and golden. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until coated evenly.
- Cook the Vegetable Fried Rice: Sauté onion and carrots, then add peas and rice. Push to the side, scramble eggs, and mix all together. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Serve: Plate the saucy chicken over the fried rice, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Leftover rice is ideal for fried rice for better texture.
- For a spicier dish, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Chicken can be substituted with shrimp or tofu for variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion with rice
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 1140 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
