Experience the delight of homemade Golden Chicken and Rice Skillet, a savory dish featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and eggs stir-fried with chilled long-grain rice and seasoned with low-sodium soy sauce and sesame oil. This versatile recipe serves as a perfect main or side dish, offering a healthier alternative to takeout.
The Golden Chicken and Rice Skillet holds a special place in my kitchen as the first dish I mastered after moving out on my own. Determined to replicate the flavors of my favorite takeout without the hefty price tag or excessive sodium, I set out to create my own version. The first attempt was admittedly a bit rough around the edges, but with practice, it became a dish that not only saved my budget but also became a hit among friends. Every time I cook it now, it brings back memories of those early days of culinary experimentation and the satisfaction of making something truly my own.
What makes this Golden Chicken and Rice Skillet special ?
- Healthier Than Takeout: By controlling the ingredients, especially the amount of sodium, this dish is a healthier alternative to traditional takeout.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this skillet meal is perfect for a fast, filling dinner on busy weeknights.
- Versatility: Serves beautifully as either a main dish or a side, paired with other Asian-inspired appetizers.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to include a variety of vegetables or proteins based on personal preference or dietary needs.
What do you need to make this Golden Chicken and Rice Skillet special:
- Chicken: Opt for breast for a leaner option, or thighs for more flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for its high smoke point, making it ideal for stir-frying.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic lay the foundational flavors.
- Vegetables: Carrots and peas add color, texture, and nutrients.
- Eggs: Offer protein and richness, softly scrambled to perfection.
- Butter: Adds a subtle richness to the eggs and rice.
- Rice: Long grain white rice holds its shape well when stir-fried; chilling it first prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Soy Sauce: Low sodium to keep the dish healthier; adjust the amount to taste.
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle enhances the dish with its distinct, nutty flavor.
- Green Onions: Provide a fresh, crisp finish.
Steps to make this Golden Chicken and Rice Skillet
Crafting the Golden Chicken and Rice Skillet is a simple, rewarding process that brings together vibrant flavors and textures in one pan.
- Cook the Chicken: Start by cooking the chicken until just browned, then set aside. This ensures it remains juicy and tender.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, cook the onions, carrots, and peas until they’re just crisp-tender, then add garlic to infuse the dish with flavor.
- Scramble the Eggs: Lightly beat the eggs with a bit of butter for richness, cooking them until just set for a soft texture.
- Fry the Rice: Add more butter and the chilled rice to the skillet, seasoning with soy sauce for depth of flavor. Fry until the rice is golden, allowing it to sit undisturbed for intervals to achieve the perfect crispness.
- Combine and Serve: Mix all the cooked ingredients back into the skillet, warming them together and finishing with sesame oil and green onions for freshness.
Golden Chicken and Rice Skillet
Healthier Than Takeout: By controlling the ingredients, especially the amount of sodium, this dish is a healthier alternative to traditional takeout.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this skillet meal is perfect for a fast, filling dinner on busy weeknights.
Versatility: Serves beautifully as either a main dish or a side, paired with other Asian-inspired appetizers.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to include a variety of vegetables or proteins based on personal preference or dietary needs.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Opt for breast for a leaner option or thighs for more flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for its high smoke point making it ideal for stir-frying.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic lay the foundational flavors.
- Vegetables: Carrots and peas add color texture, and nutrients.
- Eggs: Offer protein and richness softly scrambled to perfection.
- Butter: Adds a subtle richness to the eggs and rice.
- Rice: Long grain white rice holds its shape well when stir-fried; chilling it first prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Soy Sauce: Low sodium to keep the dish healthier; adjust the amount to taste.
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle enhances the dish with its distinct nutty flavor.
- Green Onions: Provide a fresh crisp finish.
Instructions
- Crafting the Golden Chicken and Rice Skillet is a simple, rewarding process that brings together vibrant flavors and textures in one pan.
- Cook the Chicken: Start by cooking the chicken until just browned, then set aside. This ensures it remains juicy and tender.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, cook the onions, carrots, and peas until they're just crisp-tender, then add garlic to infuse the dish with flavor.
- Scramble the Eggs: Lightly beat the eggs with a bit of butter for richness, cooking them until just set for a soft texture.
- Fry the Rice: Add more butter and the chilled rice to the skillet, seasoning with soy sauce for depth of flavor. Fry until the rice is golden, allowing it to sit undisturbed for intervals to achieve the perfect crispness.
- Combine and Serve: Mix all the cooked ingredients back into the skillet, warming them together and finishing with sesame oil and green onions for freshness.