Are you staring at that steaming plate of chicken fried rice wondering what else to add to make it a complete meal? I’ve been there too! Chicken fried rice is one of my absolute favorite ways to use up leftover rice, and it’s definitely tastier than anything that comes in a takeout box. But sometimes, it needs a little something extra to make dinner feel special.
After years of experimenting in my kitchen (and some memorable disasters), I’ve put together this comprehensive guide of what to cook with chicken fried rice These pairings will transform your simple rice dish into an impressive feast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why Chicken Fried Rice Deserves Great Companions
Before diving into the pairings, let’s talk about what makes chicken fried rice such a versatile canvas:
- It’s savory with umami notes from soy sauce
- It already has protein from the chicken
- The texture is substantial but not too heavy
- Day-old rice gives it that perfect chewiness
The ideal accompaniments should balance these existing flavors with contrasting textures and complementary tastes. Whether you’re looking for lighter sides or hearty mains to serve alongside, I’ve got you covered!
Light Appetizers and Sides for Balance
These lighter options provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of chicken fried rice:
1. Cucumber Salad
A cool cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing cuts through the richness of fried rice beautifully. The acidity brightens up your palate between bites of the savory rice.
I like to make mine with:
- Thinly sliced cucumbers
- Rice vinegar
- A touch of sugar
- Sesame seeds
- A pinch of salt
The Japanese cucumber sunomono is perfect but even a basic cucumber salad works great!
2. Steamed or Stir-Fried Vegetables
Crisp-tender veggies provide the perfect nutritional balance to chicken fried rice. My go-to veggies include:
- Broccoli
- Bok choy
- Snow peas
- Asparagus
Pro tip: Quickly blanch your veggies before stir-frying to maintain their vibrant colors and perfect crunch. A light sauce of ginger and garlic enhances the Asian flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
3. Edamame
These protein-packed beans make a satisfying appetizer that pairs perfectly with chicken fried rice. I like to toss steamed edamame pods with:
- A drizzle of sesame oil
- A splash of soy sauce
- A sprinkle of chili flakes for heat
The nutty flavor of edamame works beautifully with the other ingredients in your fried rice.
4. Miso Soup
A light broth-based soup like miso offers a comforting and palate-cleansing element to your meal. The warmth of the soup contrasts beautifully with the hearty rice. I find that a small portion is all you need to avoid overwhelming the meal.
5. Spring Rolls
Whether you choose fresh or fried, spring rolls provide a delightful textural contrast to chicken fried rice. I prefer making my own for fresher, healthier rolls, but store-bought ones work in a pinch. Serve with sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce for dipping.
Heartier Main Dishes to Create a Feast
When you want to transform your chicken fried rice into part of a larger feast, these substantial dishes make excellent partners:
6. Mongolian Beef
Slices of beef tossed in a rich, slightly sweet brown sauce create amazing synergy with chicken fried rice. The tender beef and sweet/savory glaze perfectly complement the fried rice.
7. Sweet and Sour Pork
This Chinese takeout classic pairs wonderfully with chicken fried rice. The bright, tangy sauce provides a perfect contrast to the savory umami notes in your rice. It’s one of my family’s favorite combinations!
8. Kung Pao Chicken
I know what you’re thinking – chicken with chicken? Trust me on this one! The spicy kung pao with its peanuts, vegetables, and plenty of chili makes a satisfying flavor and textural contrast to the fried rice.
9. Shrimp Skewers
Char-grilled shrimp skewers marinated in garlic, ginger, and lemongrass are an amazing protein pairing with chicken fried rice. I love alternating bites of smoky shrimp with the savory rice.
10. Korean Bulgogi
Thin slices of Korean barbecued beef make a fantastic topping for chicken fried rice. The sweet and salty marinated beef mingles deliciously with the rice. Add a fried egg on top for the perfect protein boost!
Unique Global Fusion Ideas
Want to get creative? Here are some unexpected but delicious pairings that cross cultural boundaries:
11. Kimchi
This spicy, funky Korean fermented cabbage is a fantastic palate cleanser between bites of chicken fried rice. The combination of tastes and textures is stellar. Even just a simple cucumber kimchi would pair nicely.
12. Chicken Tikka Masala
The creamy, lightly spiced tomato gravy of chicken tikka masala pairs divinely with chicken fried rice. I like to scoop the curry over the fried rice for an instant flavor explosion that combines Chinese and Indian cuisines.
13. Greek Salad
A bright Greek salad with a lemony dressing provides the perfect fresh contrast to savor between bites of chicken fried rice. The feta, olives, tomatoes, and crisp greens are so refreshing against the savory rice.
14. Tacos
I know it sounds weird, but tacos are amazing with chicken fried rice! Fill tortillas with your favorite fixings, then alternate tasty bites of tacos and rice. The combination might surprise you in the best way possible.
15. Banana Fritters
For a sweet ending, crisp warm banana fritters served alongside chicken fried rice make for a comforting dessert pairing. The contrast of sweet bananas and the salty soy in the rice is unexpectedly delightful.
FAQ: Your Chicken Fried Rice Questions Answered
Can I use leftover rice for chicken fried rice?
Absolutely! In fact, day-old rice is IDEAL for fried rice because it’s drier and less likely to clump together. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky and can turn mushy when fried. That’s why fried rice is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover rice!
What sauces go well with chicken fried rice?
While soy sauce is the classic choice, there are many other options to experiment with:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Oyster sauce
- Light teriyaki sauce
Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste preference.
Is chicken fried rice healthy?
It depends on the ingredients and preparation method. When I make it at home, I can control the ingredients:
- Using brown rice increases fiber
- Adding lots of vegetables boosts nutrients
- Controlling oil and sodium makes it healthier than takeout
Homemade versions are typically much healthier than restaurant takeout, which tends to be higher in sodium and oil.
How long does chicken fried rice last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, chicken fried rice will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.
What’s the secret to restaurant-quality chicken fried rice?
From my experience, the key elements are:
- Using day-old rice
- Cooking with high heat
- Having a good wok or large skillet
- Not being afraid to use enough oil
- Seasoning properly with soy sauce and other aromatics
Practice definitely makes perfect when it comes to fried rice!
Wrapping Up
Chicken fried rice doesn’t have to be a standalone meal or boring leftover. With these complementary dishes, you can create endless variations that keep your meals exciting and satisfying.
My personal favorite combo is chicken fried rice with cucumber salad and spicy edamame – the perfect balance of flavors and textures that keeps me coming back for more. But I encourage you to experiment with these pairings to find your own perfect match!
What’s your favorite dish to serve with chicken fried rice? I’d love to hear about your creative combinations in the comments below!
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Psst, super secret recipe hack: precooked rice from the supermarket works great in fried rice. Look for the Korean brands in the flat bowls. Don’t microwave the rice, just pop it out of the container into a dish and break it up with moistened hands before frying it.
Instead of using a neutral oil, get a bottle of toasted sesame seed oil. It will take your fried rice to the next level.
Made this last night. Of course a few tweaks. I roasted a bunch of veggies – mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, leeks, onions, & fennel. No need to add garlic & ginger to chicken, I just put them in the pan when it was heating up and added the chicken. Easy and delicious.
It was a little bland, even after I doubled the garlic. Im not sure what it needs. Maybe more chili paste. It was fun to cook and quick, so I would like to make it again if I could overcome the blandness.
Used 1.5 tbsps of the neutral oil and added at the end tbsp chili crisp and as many recommended sesame oil – full bag of peas and snap peas
Excellent flavor even though I cooked the turkey separate from all the seasonings. The husband loved it. Ive had a change in diet and cant do spicy anymore. The use of chili flakes allowed for more heat control. We used what was on hand: baby white corn in lieu of peas, ground ginger instead of fresh, one remaining egg, and no scallions. I cannot wait to have everything and try again, it was super good, easy to make, and fast! Yum!Private comments are only visible to you.
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