Cooking chicken fried rice on the grill combines the flavors of marinated chicken breast, rice, and crisp frozen peas and carrots. Scrambled eggs, soy sauce, toasted sesame seeds, and green onions create an aroma that fills the air. This easy dinner transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal for the family.
Whether using a flat-top griddle or cooking indoors, this recipe offers a way to use leftovers creatively. Toss in some shrimp, pork, or beef for a twist. With its appeal to even the pickiest eaters, this hot bowl of fried rice turns weeknight dinners into something unique every time.
Choosing the Perfect Rice for Fried Rice
The type of rice you use can make a big difference in the final dish. Jasmine rice has a softer, stickier texture, making it great for absorbing flavors but prone to clumping, especially when used fresh. Basmati rice, conversely, cooks up drier and fluffier, making it perfect for those who prefer separate, distinct grains like the ones in restaurant-style fried rice.
To get the best results with either type, always rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping and ensures a perfect texture.
How do you make Chicken Fried Rice on the Griddle?
Prep and Season the Chicken
Begin with boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. Mix the chicken in a bowl with soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Cover and allow it to rest for 2 hours to maintain a moist texture and add rich flavor. This step helps the meat absorb the seasonings fully.
Cooking the Chicken
Preheat the griddle to medium heat, spread some oil, and place the chicken on the hot surface. Let it cook thoroughly, turning it every few minutes until it browns and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Move the cooked chicken to a more relaxed griddle side once done.
Add Vegetables and Rice
Add frozen peas and carrots to the griddle, cooking them until warm. Next, add cold rice and stir, breaking up any clumps while adding a drizzle of soy sauce. This ensures even distribution, giving the rice a brown color. A large spatula helps keep everything well-mixed.
Final Mixing and Seasoning
Add the chicken back and combine it with the vegetables and rice. If you want more depth, include a bit of oyster sauce or an extra drizzle of sesame oil. Scramble eggs separately or directly into the mixture on the griddle and mix.
Flavor Enhancements
Create a “rice well” and add butter and fresh garlic to elevate the flavor. This sizzling combination brings out a rich taste. Mix thoroughly and serve hot for a flavorful griddle experience.
Benefits of Using Day-Old Rice for Fried Rice
Day-old rice for Better Texture makes the best fried rice since fresh rice is often sticky and moist. Keeping day-old rice refrigerated and cold gives it a firm texture and helps it cook perfectly the second time. In a hurry? Let fresh rice cool down to prevent it from clumping together. Using a rice cooker simplifies how I cook rice every time.
Fried Rice Variations
Fried Rice Customizations let you turn this dish into a blank canvas. You can substitute proteins like steak, chicken, or shrimp and add vegetables such as green beans, bell peppers, or diced onions. Feel free to experiment and cook the food you enjoy.
To manage salty flavors, try using low-sodium soy sauce. Growing up, I often used our ingredients on hand, making it an affordable meal option.
No Griddle at Home?
If you don’t have a grill, don’t worry—it’s no problem. Use a cast Iron pan or a Wok on the stovetop instead. Just follow each step by step as you cook the ingredients individually, then remove them from the pan when ready. At the end, simply combine everything to finish the dish.
FAQS
- Can you cook rice on a grill?
You can’t effectively cook rice on a grill since it requires boiling water to soften. - Can you fry chicken on a griddle?
You can fry chicken on a griddle; it works well for cooking with even heat. - Can I use a griddle to cook chicken?
Yes, a griddle can cook chicken, offering even cooking and a nice sear. - Can you make fried rice without boiling it first?
No, fried rice typically requires pre-cooked rice to ensure the right texture.
Chicken Fried Rice on the Griddle
Equipment
- Griddle or flat-top grill
- Knife and cutting board
- Large spatula
- Mixing Bowl
- Instant-read thermometer (for checking beef temperature)
Ingredients
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 4 cups cold cooked rice preferably day-old
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce for the rice
- 2 eggs scrambled
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce optional
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil optional
- Butter and fresh garlic for flavor enhancement
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Let it marinate for 2 hours for better flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat the griddle to medium heat. Add oil and cook the chicken until browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add peas and carrots to the griddle and cook until warmed.
- Add Rice: Add cold rice to the griddle and break up any clumps. Add soy sauce for flavor and mix well.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push rice aside and scramble the eggs on the griddle, mixing them into the rice once cooked.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken back to the griddle and stir everything together. Add oyster sauce or extra sesame oil for depth of flavor.
- Enhance Flavor: Make a rice well and add butter and garlic for extra flavor. Mix well and serve hot.