Salt and Chilli Chicken with Fried Rice and Satay Sauce

Introduction

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that perfectly balances flavors, textures, and colors. When I first tried making Salt and Chilli Chicken with Fried Rice and Satay Sauce, my family was blown away by the explosion of taste. The crispy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy satay sauce come together beautifully, creating a meal that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. This dish has quickly become a favorite in our household, especially on busy weeknights when we crave something both quick and impressive.

Ingredients

For the Salt and Chilli Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 3-4 spring onions, chopped
• 2-3 fresh red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)

For the Fried Rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Satay Sauce:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

Prepare Salt and Chilli Chicken

1. Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with cornflour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Make sure each piece is well-coated for that crispy texture.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, stir-fry sliced bell peppers, spring onions, and fresh chilies for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender yet crisp.
4. Combine Everything: Add the fried chicken back to the pan and toss everything together until well mixed. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Make Fried Rice

1. Scramble the Eggs: In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add beaten eggs and scramble until cooked. Remove and set aside.
2. Stir-Fry Rice and Vegetables: In the same pan, add cooked rice and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until heated through.
3. Add Soy Sauce and Eggs: Add soy sauce, scrambled eggs, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and cook for another minute.

Prepare Satay Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, coconut milk, and lime juice.
2. Heat and Stir: Gently heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Serve

1. Plate the Dish: Serve the salt and chilli chicken alongside the fried rice.
2. Drizzle with Satay Sauce: Drizzle satay sauce over the chicken and rice. Add extra chilies for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 550
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve

• Plating: Arrange the chicken and fried rice on a large platter or individual plates.
• Garnish: Top with additional spring onions or fresh cilantro for added flavor.
• Condiments: Serve with extra satay sauce, soy sauce, or sliced chilies on the side.
• Pairings: This dish pairs well with cold beverages like iced tea or Asian-inspired cocktails.

Additional Tips

1. Day-Old Rice: Using day-old rice prevents clumping and gives the fried rice a better texture.
2. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the number of chilies based on your spice tolerance.
3. Crispier Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, let the coated chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying.
4. Vegetable Options: You can add or substitute any of your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots.
5. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute ground beef or shrimp for chicken for a different flavor.
• Sauce Variations: Try adding sriracha to the satay sauce for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this dish with a side of spring rolls or dumplings for a complete meal.
• Consider adding a simple Asian-style salad with sesame dressing as a fresh complement.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and fried rice separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
   Yes, fresh chicken is perfect for this recipe.
2. What kind of rice works best?
   Long-grain rice or jasmine rice works well for fried rice.
3. Can I skip the cornflour?
   While cornflour adds crispiness, you can use all-purpose flour as an alternative.
4. Is the satay sauce spicy?
   The satay sauce is not spicy, but you can add sriracha for heat.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice ahead and reheat before serving.
6. What can I substitute for peanut butter?
   Almond butter or sun butter can be used if you have nut allergies.
7. How do I make the chicken more flavorful?
   Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before coating it.
8. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Yes, brown rice works well but may require a longer cooking time.
9. What if I don’t have coconut milk?
   You can use regular milk or heavy cream as a substitute.
10. Is this dish gluten-free?
    Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce and cornflour, it can be gluten-free.

Conclusion

Salt and Chilli Chicken with Fried Rice and Satay Sauce is a delightful, vibrant dish that captures the essence of Asian cuisine. With its crispy chicken, savory fried rice, and creamy satay sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a meal that is satisfying and utterly delicious. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish is bound to impress. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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