Bacon and Chicken Fried Rice is a savory dish that combines two flavorful ingredients: crispy bacon and tender chicken, all mixed into a bed of seasoned rice. This fusion dish, inspired by traditional Chinese fried rice, offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any craving for comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that will impress at a family gathering, this recipe is a winner.
Fried rice has its roots in Chinese cuisine, originating during the Sui Dynasty as a way to use leftover rice. Over time, various cultures have adopted the fried rice concept, adding their own unique ingredients and seasonings. The addition of bacon to this dish gives it a modern twist, adding a smoky richness that complements the chicken and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably a day old, cold rice works best)
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into small cubes)
- 5 slices of bacon (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 4 green onions (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by ensuring that all your ingredients are prepped and ready. Cut the chicken into small cubes, slice the bacon, and prepare your vegetables. Having everything ready will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or wok, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, add the cubed chicken to the remaining bacon grease. Cook the chicken over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and white pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside with the bacon.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until just set. Push the scrambled eggs to the side of the skillet.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the minced garlic, thawed peas, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2-3 minutes until tender. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cold rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with the back of a spatula. Stir the rice, eggs, and vegetables together, allowing the rice to heat up and crisp slightly.
Next, add the cooked chicken and bacon back into the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 7: Season the Fried Rice
Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the fried rice, ensuring even distribution. Stir everything together to coat the rice with the seasoning. Add the ground white pepper and ginger powder for an extra depth of flavor. Taste the rice and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Serve the Bacon and Chicken Fried Rice hot, either as a main dish or as a side dish to complement other Asian-inspired meals.
Tips and Variations
Tips for the Best Fried Rice
- Use cold, day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist, making the fried rice sticky. Using cold rice ensures that each grain remains separate and gives the dish its signature texture.
- High heat is key: Cooking on high heat helps the rice to fry properly and prevents it from becoming mushy. It also enhances the smoky flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you have too many ingredients in the skillet, the rice won’t fry evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken and bacon with tofu or additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also add more eggs for extra protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili flakes during the cooking process to give the dish some heat.
- Creamy Twist: For a creamy variation, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese at the end of cooking, which will give the rice a rich and creamy consistency.
- Brown Rice Option: For a healthier version, you can substitute white rice with brown rice. The chewy texture of brown rice works well with this recipe and adds more fiber.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
Bacon and Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the smokiness of bacon, the tenderness of chicken, and the heartiness of fried rice. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals for the week, this recipe is versatile, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.