🥓 Chicken And Bacon Fried Rice 🍳
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons bacon grease or preferred cooking oil, divided
3 eggs, lightly beaten
5 cups COLD cooked rice
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, plus extra for serving
1 tablespoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 cups cooked chicken, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
⅔ cup frozen peas
3 green onions, thinly sliced
Optional: kosher salt (to taste)
Directions:
Cooking the Eggs:
Heat a tablespoon of bacon grease or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet, ensuring even distribution. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional minute. Transfer the cooked egg to a cutting board, let it cool, then chop into small pieces.
Preparing the Rice:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of grease or oil and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the cold cooked rice, stirring to coat it with the oil. Cook for approximately 2 minutes.
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring vigorously to ensure the rice is well coated. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is thoroughly heated.
Introduce the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and frozen peas to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.
Incorporate the cooked eggs and sliced green onions into the skillet. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and gently combine all ingredients. Taste the rice and add salt if necessary.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Suggestions:
Garnish the Chicken and Bacon Fried Rice with additional sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Pair this delicious dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to create a well-balanced meal.
For added heat, serve with a side of chili sauce or Sriracha for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Storage Recommendations:
Store any leftover Chicken and Bacon Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the rice to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, microwave it covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Avoid freezing the fried rice as the texture of the rice may become mushy when thawed and reheated.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 6
Variations:
Vegetarian Option:
Replace the chicken and bacon with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking for added flavor.
Shrimp Fried Rice:
Substitute the chicken and bacon with cooked shrimp for a seafood twist. Add the shrimp to the skillet along with the frozen peas and cook until heated through.
Spicy Kick:
Increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the other ingredients. For an extra punch of spice, drizzle with chili oil before serving.
Pineapple Fried Rice:
Add chunks of fresh pineapple to the skillet along with the cooked chicken and bacon for a sweet and savory combination. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Asian-Inspired Stir-Fry:
Mix in sliced bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli florets to the skillet along with the other ingredients to create a colorful and nutritious stir-fry. Toss with a splash of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for added depth of flavor.
Egg-Free Option:
Omit the eggs from the recipe for a lighter version of fried rice. Increase the amount of vegetables or protein to make up for the omitted eggs.
Cauliflower Fried Rice:
Replace the traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains, then cook as directed in the recipe."