Chinese New Year Rice
A flavorful and quick Chinese-inspired stir-fry with tender chicken, fresh green onions, and crunchy celery, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring, until lightly browned.
- Add sliced green onions, sliced celery, cooked rice, soy sauce, and pepper.
- Cook and stir until the mixture is heated through and well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 15-30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have green onions, diced onions or shallots can be used as substitutes. Leftover rice is ideal for this dish, as chilled rice prevents clumping. Explore more delicious Chinese recipes for variations on fried rice.
Serving Suggestions
This Chinese New Year Rice pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Ron'S Cashew Chicken or Bits O' Teriyaki Chicken. Garnish with additional sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to help steam and revive the rice.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese New Year Rice contains roughly 126 calories, with 7g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1982mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of converted rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure the brown rice is fully cooked and cooled before adding it to the stir-fry to maintain the right texture.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
You can add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. You can also add more vegetables and adjust the soy sauce for flavor. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious stir-fry without the meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).