How to Make Delicious Chinese Chicken and Rice at Home

Chinese chicken and rice is a classic comfort food that is simple to make yet packed with flavor. With just a few basic ingredients and easy techniques, you can recreate this tasty one-pot meal right in your own kitchen. In this article, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process for making authentic Chinese chicken and rice, from marinating the chicken to getting the perfect fluffy texture for the rice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – Chicken thighs work particularly well for retaining moisture but breasts can also be used.

• Long grain white rice – Jasmine or basmati rice are ideal choices.

• Soy sauce – For seasoning the chicken and providing saltiness to the dish. Go for a good quality soy sauce.

• Rice wine vinegar or dry sherry – To impart sweetness and acidity. You can omit if you don’t have it.

• Garlic and ginger – These aromatic ingredients provide a flavor base. Grated fresh ginger and minced garlic work best.

• Scallions – Chopped scallions add freshness and flavor as a garnish

• Neutral cooking oil – Use an oil with high smoke point like vegetable, peanut or canola oil.

• Chicken stock/broth – Adds moisture and chicken flavor to the rice.

• Salt and white pepper – For seasoning.

You may also want to have additional vegetables on hand like carrots, broccoli or snap peas to add more nutrients and textures.

Marinating the Chicken

• The first step is to combine soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, white pepper and a touch of oil in a bowl.

• Cut the chicken into 1 inch pieces and add to the marinade. Make sure the chicken is well coated.

• Let it sit for 10-30 minutes to allow the flavors to permeate. You can also marinate overnight in the fridge.

Marinating is key for infusing the chicken with flavor. The aromatics, acidity from the vinegar and saltiness from the soy sauce all work to make the chicken juicy and delicious.

Cooking the Rice

• While the chicken marinates, start on the rice. Rinse it under running water in a mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.

• Add the rinsed rice and measured chicken stock or broth to a pot. The liquid should cover the rice by about 1 inch.

• Bring to a boil, the reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid and is tender.

• Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork. The rest time helps ensure perfectly cooked non-soggy rice.

Washing the rice and proper cooking technique gives you the desired tender but still chewy texture. Using chicken broth adds extra flavor.

Putting It All Together

• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

• Drain the marinated chicken from the liquid and add to the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove chicken to a plate.

• If needed, add a bit more oil to pan. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Add cooked rice to the pan and break up any clumps with a spatula. Sprinkle in soy sauce and toss everything together.

• Return chicken along with any accumulated juices to the pan and mix to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.

• Remove from heat and garnish with chopped scallions. Add any extra veggies at the end if using.

Searing the chicken gives it nice caramelized flavor. Cooking it with the aromatics and rice allows the marinade to further penetrate the chicken.

Tips and Variations

• Use chicken stock instead of water when cooking the rice for more flavor.

• Try substituting different types of protein like beef, shrimp or tofu.

• Add veggies like shredded carrots, snap peas or broccoli florets when cooking rice.

• For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms instead of chicken.

• For a spicy kick, add chili paste or red pepper flakes to marinade.

• Serve with a chili oil or hot sauce on the side.

• Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced scallions or cilantro.

• Cook in a rice cooker instead of on the stove if you have one.

The basic method remains the same, but you can customize the dish in many ways. Experiment with ingredients to make it your own!

Tips for Perfect Chinese Chicken and Rice

Follow these tips for foolproof results:

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for the most flavor and moisture. Debone before cooking if desired.

• Allow marinated chicken to sit for at least 15-30 minutes, or up to overnight.

• Wash rice thoroughly before cooking for fluffy grains.

• Ensure chicken is cooked through by using a thermometer (165°F internal temperature).

• Let rice steam off heat for 10 minutes after cooking.

• Don’t skip the step of browning chicken before combining everything. It adds depth of flavor.

• Add vegetables at the end to avoid overcooking.

• Use homemade or good quality low sodium chicken broth.

• Adjust soy sauce to taste – start with 2 Tbsp and add more to preference.

• Cook over medium-low heat to prevent scorching or burning garlic and ginger.

With its appetizing aromas, textures, colors and medley of flavors, Chinese chicken and rice is truly comfort food at its finest. Next time you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep dish, give this easy homemade version a try. Your family will be asking for seconds!