Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice

Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice is a restaurant-style meal you can easily recreate at home. This dish features crispy golden chicken pieces tossed in a sticky, flavorful sauce, served alongside aromatic vegetable fried rice. It’s the perfect fusion of crunch, bold flavors, and satisfying comfort food—great for both casual dinners and impressive meal presentations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, saucy chicken with a rich, savory-sweet coating
• Vegetable fried rice is a tasty, nutritious side
• Family-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners
• Easily adaptable with different proteins or veggies
• Great for leftovers and meal prep

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crispy Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Ketchup
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, minced
• Cornstarch (mixed with water for slurry)
• Red chili flakes (optional for heat)

For the Vegetable Fried Rice:

• Cooked and cooled rice (preferably day-old)
• Eggs
• Carrots, diced
• Peas
• Corn
• Green onions
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Vegetable oil

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Directions

this recipe

1. Make the Crispy Chicken
   • In a bowl, season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
   • Dredge each piece in a mix of cornstarch and flour after dipping in beaten egg.
   • Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
2. Make the Sauce
   • In a pan, combine soy sauce, hoisin, honey, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
   • Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened.
   • Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
3. Prepare the Vegetable Fried Rice
   • Heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Add vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
   • Push veggies aside, add beaten eggs, and scramble.
   • Add rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Stir well and cook until heated through.
4. Assemble
   • Serve saucy chicken over a generous helping of vegetable fried rice.
   • Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add sriracha or more chili flakes to the sauce
• Low-carb version: Use cauliflower rice
• Vegan option: Substitute tofu for the chicken and skip the egg
• More veggies: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini to the fried rice
• Baked chicken: Instead of frying, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month
• Reheating: Reheat rice and chicken separately in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to the rice if it seems dry

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, both work well. Chicken thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after saucing?

Toss chicken in sauce just before serving to maintain crispiness.

Can I use frozen vegetables for the fried rice?

Absolutely. Just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

What’s the best rice for fried rice?

Day-old, cold rice is ideal because it’s firm and less sticky.

Can I air-fry the chicken instead?

Yes, coat with a little oil and air-fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can make the sauce and fried rice in advance. Fry the chicken fresh for the best texture.

How spicy is the sauce?

It’s mildly spicy. Adjust chili flakes to your taste.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, easily doubled—just fry the chicken in batches to avoid crowding.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch, and verify other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I serve this without rice?

Yes, serve with noodles, steamed vegetables, or lettuce wraps.

Conclusion

Crispy Saucy Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice is a deliciously satisfying meal that brings together the crunch of golden-fried chicken and the savory comfort of homemade fried rice. With bold flavor and fresh ingredients, it’s the kind of dish that’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

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