Masala chicken fried rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken pieces with fragrant spices and fluffy rice. Here’s a description of how it is made:
Chicken Preparation: Start by marinating boneless chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Rice Cooking: In a separate pot, cook basmati rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, spread the rice on a tray and let it cool slightly. This helps to prevent the grains from sticking together.
Sautéing Aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent. Then, add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and continue cooking for a minute until fragrant.
Chicken Cooking: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until it is no longer pink and is cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Spice Blending: Sprinkle garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt over the chicken. Mix well to coat the chicken with the spices.
Rice Addition: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the chicken and spices. Gently toss everything together until the rice is well coated with the spices and mixed with the chicken.
Vegetable and Herb Incorporation: Optionally, you can add vegetables like finely chopped carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the rice for added texture and flavor. Cook the vegetables for a few minutes until they are slightly tender. Finally, add fresh chopped cilantro or coriander leaves and mix well.
Seasoning Adjustment: Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, spices, or a splash of soy sauce or lemon juice for extra flavor if desired.
Serving: Transfer the masala chicken fried rice to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh herbs. It can be enjoyed on its own as a main dish or served as a side dish with yogurt raita, pickles, or any curry of your choice.
Masala chicken fried rice is a satisfying and delicious one-pot meal that combines the aromatic flavors of Indian spices with tender chicken and fluffy rice. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables and spices. Enjoy!
