Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: crispy saucy chicken with vegetable fried rice! This dish is a total game changer—crunchy, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, served over fluffy fried rice packed with colorful veggies. Seriously, it’s like a party on your plate! I remember the first time I made this for my family; the kids were gobbling it up like it was candy! The best part? It’s super quick to whip up, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you take that first bite of crispy chicken paired with the fragrant rice, you’ll be hooked! It’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience! So, let’s dive in and make some magic happen in your kitchen!

Ingredients List

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
2 cups cooked rice
2 eggs, beaten
2 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create this mouthwatering dish.

Cooking the Chicken

First things first, we need to get that chicken nice and crispy! Heat your vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat—aim for around 350°F (175°C). This is the sweet spot for frying! Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add your bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want them to fry evenly and get that delightful golden crust. Let them cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re crispy and cooked through. They should be looking absolutely irresistible by now!

Making the Sauce

While the chicken is frying, let’s whip up that scrumptious sauce! In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Give it a good stir until everything is combined. Once the chicken is perfectly crispy, pour your delicious sauce over it and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This not only coats the chicken in that sweet and savory goodness but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just wait until you smell that aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Preparing the Vegetable Fried Rice

Now, onto the fried rice! In a separate pan, scramble those 2 beaten eggs over medium heat until just set. Then, toss in your mixed vegetables—carrots, peas, and bell peppers—and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender. This step is key; it adds a lovely crunch to the dish! Next, stir in the 2 cups of cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Mix it all together and let it fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb all those yummy flavors. And if you happen to have leftover rice, definitely use it; it gives the best texture! Finally, serve that crispy chicken right on top of your vibrant vegetable fried rice, and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on the nutritional breakdown of this delicious dish! Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what’s on your plate:

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 600
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 35g

With a good balance of protein and veggies, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also gives you a hearty meal to fuel your day. Enjoy every bite without the guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation: You can have this flavorful dish ready in just 35 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight!
Delicious flavors: The combination of crispy chicken and sweet-savory sauce over the vibrant vegetable fried rice is simply mouthwatering.
Nutritious ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and a rainbow of veggies, you’ll feel good about what you’re eating.
Easy cleanup: With just a couple of pans to wash, you can enjoy your meal without the stress of a mountain of dishes.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love this dish, making it a great option for the whole family!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to make some crispy saucy chicken with vegetable fried rice, here are my top tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly!

Adjust the sweetness: If you like your sauce a bit sweeter, feel free to add more honey! Just remember to taste as you go. A little sweetness can really elevate the flavor, but you can always dial it back if you prefer a more savory profile.
Vegetable options: Don’t be afraid to mix it up with your veggies! While I love the classic combination of carrots, peas, and bell peppers, you can add broccoli, snap peas, or even corn. Use whatever you have on hand—this recipe is super flexible!
Perfectly crispy chicken: To achieve that golden, crispy texture, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy instead of crispy. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, fry in batches!
Leftover rice is your friend: Using day-old rice is a game changer! It’s drier and less sticky, which means it’ll fry up better and give you that perfect texture. So, if you have some leftover rice from last night’s dinner, now’s the time to put it to good use!
Add some crunch: For an extra layer of texture, consider throwing in some chopped nuts, like cashews or almonds, right before serving. They add a delightful crunch that complements the dish beautifully!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a pro at making this delicious dish in no time. Happy cooking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize your crispy saucy chicken with vegetable fried rice! Here are some of my favorite alternatives:

Protein swaps: Instead of chicken, try using shrimp, tofu, or even beef! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Shrimp cooks quickly, while beef may need a bit more time to achieve that perfect tenderness.
Vegetable medley: Get creative with your veggies! You can use zucchini, bok choy, or even baby corn. The more colors, the better—your plate will look so vibrant and inviting!
Spicy twist: If you love a bit of heat, consider adding some sriracha or chili sauce to your soy sauce mixture. This will give your dish a delightful kick that spice lovers will appreciate!
Different sauces: Switch up the flavor profile by using teriyaki sauce or sweet and sour sauce instead of the soy sauce and honey combo. Each sauce brings its own unique taste to the table!
Herbs and spices: Don’t forget to toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil right before serving for an added layer of flavor. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also add a lovely crunch and an authentic touch.
Rice alternatives: Want to make it lighter? Try using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies and keep things fresh!

These variations let you put your own spin on this dish, making it uniquely yours. Have fun experimenting and savoring all the delicious possibilities!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve whipped up a delicious batch of crispy saucy chicken with vegetable fried rice, and now you’ve got some leftovers—lucky you! Storing and reheating this dish properly is key to keeping that amazing flavor and texture intact.

First off, let it cool down to room temperature before you store it. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will help keep the chicken crispy and the rice from getting mushy. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, and it should be good for about 2 months.

When it comes time to reheat, you have a couple of options. If you’re reheating from the fridge, the microwave is the quickest way. Just pop it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely with a lid or a damp paper towel (this keeps it from drying out), and heat on medium for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you prefer that crispy texture, I recommend reheating it in a skillet. Just add a splash of oil to a pan over medium heat, toss in your leftovers, and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through and the chicken regains some of that crunch. Yum!

For frozen leftovers, the best way to reheat is to let them thaw overnight in the fridge before following the microwave or skillet method. This way, you can enjoy that delightful combo of crispy chicken and flavorful fried rice just like it was made fresh! Happy eating!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving crispy saucy chicken with vegetable fried rice, there are so many delightful options to elevate your meal experience! Here are some of my absolute favorites:

Fresh Salad: A light and refreshing cucumber salad or a crunchy coleslaw pairs beautifully with the richness of the chicken. The crispness of the veggies adds a nice contrast, making every bite feel balanced!
Spring Rolls: Serve some fresh or fried spring rolls on the side. They’re packed with veggies and usually come with a delicious dipping sauce that complements the flavors of your main dish perfectly.
Steamed Dumplings: These little pockets of goodness are a fantastic addition! Whether they’re filled with pork, chicken, or veggies, they add an extra layer of texture and flavor to your table.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup makes a comforting side that’s light yet flavorful. The umami notes in the soup enhance the savory elements of the chicken and rice.
Pickled Vegetables: A small serving of pickled vegetables can brighten up the plate and provide a zesty contrast to the savory dish. Plus, they add a pop of color!
Drinks: For drinks, I love serving a chilled glass of iced green tea or a light fruit soda. They’re refreshing and complement the meal beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, a crisp Asian lager works wonders too!

With these sides and drinks, your crispy saucy chicken with vegetable fried rice becomes an entire meal experience that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice: 5 Cozy Tips

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy saucy chicken served with vegetable fried rice.

Instructions

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
Fry chicken pieces until golden and crispy.
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook for 2 more minutes.
In another pan, scramble the eggs and add mixed vegetables.
Add cooked rice to the vegetable mixture and stir well.
Serve the crispy chicken over vegetable fried rice.
Garnish with green onions.

Notes

Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by changing the honey amount.
Use leftover rice for better texture.
Feel free to add more vegetables of your choice.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 600
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: crispy saucy chicken, vegetable fried rice, easy dinner

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