Savory Saffron Chicken Fried Rice
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Savory Saffron Chicken Fried Rice, a dish inspired by the beloved fried rice from food courts and Chinese buffets. This quick and delightful recipe utilizes aromatic saffron rice, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables to create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. With easy-to-follow steps and the convenience of pre-seasoned saffron rice, you'll have a satisfying meal ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving comfort food, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow saffron rice pilaf mix
1 (5 ounce) package (Cook according to package directions)
Diced chicken breast
1/2 cup (Raw, to be sautéed)
Butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Frozen peas and carrots
1/2 cup (No preparation needed)
Frozen chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup (No preparation needed)
Soy sauce
1 tablespoon (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Prepare the saffron rice pilaf according to the package directions. Once cooked, let it cool and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for optimal texture.
2
In a large nonstick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Pour in the beaten egg and cook over medium heat for about 1 minute. Once it begins to set, gently scramble the egg, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until fully cooked through. Remove the cooked egg from the skillet and set it aside with the chicken.
4
Add the chilled saffron rice to the skillet, stirring frequently over medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the rice to heat up and gain a slight crispness.
5
Stir in the frozen peas, carrots, and chopped sweet onion. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are heated through.
6
Return the cooked chicken and scrambled egg back to the rice mixture. Drizzle in the soy sauce, and mix thoroughly to combine. Cook until everything is heated through, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Saffron Chicken Fried Rice?
Savory Saffron Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish inspired by Chinese buffet and food court styles, featuring saffron-infused rice, tender chicken, and vegetables.
What type of rice is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 5-ounce package of yellow saffron rice pilaf mix, cooked according to the package directions.
How should the saffron rice be prepared before frying?
After cooking the rice according to the package instructions, you should let it cool and refrigerate it for at least one hour or overnight for the best texture.
Can I use freshly cooked rice immediately?
It is recommended to use chilled rice that has been refrigerated for at least an hour to ensure the rice gains a slight crispness and doesn't become mushy.
How much chicken is needed for this dish?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of diced chicken breast.
What is the best way to cook the chicken for this fried rice?
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet and sauté the diced chicken for about 5 minutes until it is no longer pink.
How is the egg prepared in this recipe?
One beaten egg is cooked in butter for about 1 minute, gently scrambled into small pieces, and then set aside to be added back later.
What vegetables are included in Savory Saffron Chicken Fried Rice?
The dish includes 1/2 cup of frozen peas and carrots and 1/4 cup of frozen chopped sweet onion.
Do I need to thaw the frozen vegetables before cooking?
The instructions indicate that the frozen peas, carrots, and onions can be added directly to the skillet and cooked for about 5 minutes until heated through.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe suggests using frozen chopped sweet onion for convenience and flavor.
How much soy sauce is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to drizzle over the rice and protein mixture.
What cooking fat is used for sautéing the ingredients?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine in total, divided between cooking the chicken and the egg.
How long should I fry the rice in the skillet?
The chilled rice should be stirred frequently over medium heat for about 10 minutes to heat up and become slightly crisp.
Is this a quick recipe for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is specifically described as a quick recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal in a short amount of time.
What is the inspiration behind this dish?
The dish is inspired by the savory fried rice typically found in food courts and Chinese buffets.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
While the recipe specifies chicken breast, you can easily substitute it with shrimp, pork, or tofu following similar sautéing methods.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients: saffron rice mix, chicken breast, butter, egg, frozen peas and carrots, sweet onion, and soy sauce.
Can I use fresh peas and carrots instead of frozen?
Yes, though you may need to steam or sauté them slightly longer than the 5 minutes suggested for frozen vegetables.
Is a nonstick skillet necessary?
The recipe recommends a large nonstick skillet to prevent the rice and eggs from sticking, ensuring an easier cooking process.
When do I add the cooked chicken and egg back into the rice?
The chicken and egg are returned to the skillet after the rice has been fried and the vegetables have been heated through.
What makes the rice yellow in this recipe?
The yellow color and distinct aroma come from the saffron included in the pre-seasoned rice pilaf mix.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food because of its satisfying textures and familiar, savory flavors.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or tofu.
How do I ensure the flavors meld together?
The final step involves mixing all components with soy sauce and cooking until everything is heated through to allow the flavors to combine beautifully.
What category of cuisine does this fall under?
This dish is classified under Asian cuisine, specifically as a fried rice stir-fry.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine for sautéing.
How small should the chicken be diced?
Dicing the chicken into small, uniform pieces ensures it cooks quickly in 5 minutes and distributes evenly through the rice.
Is there any preparation needed for the frozen vegetables?
No preparation is needed; the frozen peas, carrots, and onions can be added directly to the skillet from the freezer.
What is the key to the 'fried' texture of the rice?
The key is using chilled rice and stirring it frequently over medium heat for 10 minutes to allow moisture to evaporate and the grains to crisp.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve it hot, immediately after the final heating step, as a standalone meal or as a side dish.