Tim'S Chicken Fried Rice(Kao Pael Gai)
Tim's Chicken Fried Rice features tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and fresh green onions, offering a savory, slightly sweet flavor profile perfect for a satisfying, quick meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boned, skinned chicken breast ⓘ
- 1/2 lb yellow onions ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced yellow onions ⓘ
- 1 bunch green onions ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fish sauce (nam pla) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 6 to 8 eggs ⓘ
- 8 cups steamed rice (day old) ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice the chicken across the grain into 1/8 x 1-inch strips.
- Peel yellow onions and slice into thin strips.
- Slice the white and green parts of green onions diagonally into 1/8-inch pieces and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add chopped garlic and sliced onions; stir-fry until fragrant and onions are tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Push ingredients to one side of the wok; crack eggs into the cleared space and scramble until just set.
- Add steamed rice to the wok, breaking up clumps and mixing thoroughly with other ingredients.
- Pour in fish sauce and sprinkle sugar; stir well to combine and evenly coat rice.
- Add sliced green onions and cook for another 2 minutes, adjusting seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced cucumber on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken in a tablespoon of fish sauce and a teaspoon of sugar for 15 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu and use vegetable stock instead of fish sauce. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can also be added for more nutrition and color, similar to recipes like Stir-Fried Peas And Peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tim's Chicken Fried Rice hot, garnished with sliced cucumber and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of sweet and sour sauce for dipping, or even alongside a refreshing salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a light soup or browse more Chinese recipes that complement this flavorful dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tim'S Chicken Fried Rice(Kao Pael Gai) contains roughly 1383 calories, with 27g protein, 238g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (54% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1962mg per serving (85% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before slicing and cooking. It's best to do this in the refrigerator overnight for safe handling. Frozen chicken may release more moisture, so ensure to cook it a little longer to achieve a nice browning effect.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old steamed rice is ideal for fried rice recipes like this one because it’s drier and less sticky, making it easier to fry. If you don't have day-old rice, you can cook fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet, and refrigerate it for at least an hour to cool and dry out a bit.
Can I add other vegetables to this fried rice?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding the rice. This will enhance the dish's flavor profile and provide a delightful crunch, similar to other chicken recipes.
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).