How to Make Delicious Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice: Step-by-Step Guide

Making Blackstone chicken fried rice at home is easier than you think! This flavorful dish combines savory chicken, aromatic rice, and fresh vegetables, all cooked to perfection on a Blackstone griddle. Whether you’re a seasoned griddle pro or just starting, this guide will show you how to achieve that golden, restaurant-quality fried rice every time. Let’s dive in!

Introduction to Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice

What is Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice?

Blackstone chicken fried rice is a delightful dish prepared on a flat-top grill, known for its even heat distribution and versatility. The recipe involves stir-frying marinated chicken, pre-cooked rice, and vegetables, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal. This dish is inspired by hibachi-style cooking, where ingredients are grilled quickly at high temperatures to preserve their texture and taste.

A Blackstone griddle enhances this process, providing a large cooking surface ideal for tossing and evenly cooking the ingredients. The result? Perfectly crispy rice, tender chicken, and vegetables bursting with flavor.

Origins and Popularity

While fried rice originated in China, variations of this dish have spread worldwide, becoming a staple in Asian-inspired cuisines. Cooking it on a Blackstone griddle adds a unique twist, offering a smoky, charred flavor reminiscent of street food. Today, chicken fried rice on the Blackstone is loved for its versatility and the ability to customize it with different proteins, vegetables, and seasonings.

Essential Ingredients for Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice

The secret to mouthwatering Blackstone chicken fried rice lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality components ensures that every bite is flavorful and satisfying. Let’s break down the essentials for this recipe.

Choosing the Right Rice

The foundation of any great fried rice is, well, the rice itself! Opt for long-grain varieties like jasmine rice or basmati. These types are less sticky and separate beautifully during cooking. Ideally, use day-old rice. Why? Because refrigerated rice loses moisture, making it perfect for that signature fried texture. If you’re in a pinch and need fresh rice, spread it thinly on a tray and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to cool and firm up.

Avoid short-grain or freshly cooked rice as it tends to clump and create a mushy texture—not what you want in a perfect fried rice dish.

Selecting Quality Chicken

When it comes to protein, tender and flavorful chicken is a must. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice due to their juiciness and ability to retain moisture during high-heat cooking. Chicken breast is a leaner alternative but may require extra care to prevent it from drying out.

Slice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. This not only infuses the chicken with rich umami flavors but also ensures it remains juicy when grilled.

Vegetables and Aromatics in Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice

Vegetables bring vibrant color, texture, and nutrients to your fried rice. Classic choices include:

• Carrots: Finely diced for a subtle sweetness.
• Peas: A pop of color and natural sweetness.
• Green onions: Added at the end for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Feel free to customize with mushrooms, bell peppers, or even edamame. Don’t forget the garlic and ginger—they’re small but mighty ingredients that elevate the dish with their aromatic, savory notes.

Additionally, sauces like soy sauce, oyster sauce, or even tamari (for gluten-free options) enhance the dish’s flavor profile. A drizzle of sesame oil adds depth and that distinct nutty aroma.

Equipment Needed for Cooking Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice

Preparing Blackstone chicken fried rice requires the right tools to ensure a seamless cooking process. While the star of the show is undoubtedly the Blackstone griddle, a few additional utensils can make your experience even more enjoyable and efficient.

Overview of the Blackstone Griddle

The Blackstone griddle is a flat-top grill known for its superior heat distribution and spacious cooking surface. This griddle provides the perfect environment for high-heat cooking, allowing you to stir-fry ingredients quickly and evenly without crowding the surface.

The griddle’s versatility is unmatched. It can handle everything from sautéing vegetables to searing chicken and crisping up rice. Its large surface also means you can cook all the components simultaneously, reducing prep time and keeping everything hot and fresh.

Before starting, preheat the griddle to medium-high heat for even cooking. Ensure it’s well-seasoned or lightly oiled to prevent sticking and to enhance the flavors of your dish.

Additional Tools and Utensils

Aside from the griddle, a few key tools will make preparing Blackstone chicken fried rice effortless:

• Spatulas: A wide, flat spatula (or two) is essential for flipping, mixing, and tossing ingredients.
• Oil dispenser: A squeeze bottle filled with oil allows you to control how much you use, ensuring consistent coverage on the griddle.
• Mixing bowls: Use these to marinate chicken, mix sauces, or hold prepped vegetables.
• Tongs: Perfect for handling chicken or larger vegetables without burning your hands.
• Scraper: A griddle scraper helps clean the surface between cooking stages, removing stuck-on bits to keep flavors distinct.

Having these tools handy ensures that you’re well-prepared to create a flawless, restaurant-quality meal right in your backyard.

Preparing the Ingredients for Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice

Preparation is key when it comes to making perfect Blackstone chicken fried rice. Ensuring your ingredients are prepped and ready before you begin cooking will streamline the process and help you achieve that professional, hibachi-style result. Let’s break down each step.

Cooking and Cooling Rice for Blackstone Fried Rice

For fried rice with the ideal texture, the rice must be cooked and cooled properly. Start with your choice of long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, and cook it in slightly less water than usual. This creates a firmer texture that holds up well on the griddle.

Once the rice is cooked, spread it out thinly on a baking sheet or large plate to cool. This prevents the grains from clumping together. For the best results, refrigerate the rice for several hours or overnight. Chilled rice dries out slightly, which is perfect for achieving that sought-after crispy texture when fried.

If you’re short on time, pop the rice in the freezer for about 30 minutes to cool it quickly. Just make sure it’s spread out evenly to avoid clumps.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken adds layers of flavor and ensures it stays juicy during high-heat cooking. Combine these ingredients in a mixing bowl for a simple yet delicious marinade:

• Soy sauce for a salty, umami base.
• Sesame oil for a nutty depth of flavor.
• Minced garlic and ginger for aromatic complexity.

Cut the chicken into small, even pieces, about bite-sized, to ensure quick and uniform cooking. Add the chicken to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator will intensify the flavors. Avoid marinating overnight, as the acidity can break down the chicken too much, altering its texture.

Chopping Vegetables and Aromatics

To keep things moving on the griddle, your vegetables and aromatics need to be prepped and ready beforehand. First, dice carrots and bell peppers into small, uniform pieces for even cooking. Next, fresh or frozen peas can be used without additional chopping, which saves time. Meanwhile, green onions should be sliced finely, with the white and green parts kept separate so that they can be added at different stages of cooking.

Garlic and ginger, the backbone of the dish’s aroma, should be minced or grated finely. Their small size allows them to infuse their flavors into the oil quickly without burning.

Once all your ingredients are prepped, arrange them in bowls or containers within easy reach. This will keep the cooking process smooth and efficient, allowing you to focus on achieving perfect results on the griddle.

Cooking Techniques on the Blackstone Griddle

Cooking Blackstone chicken fried rice is as much about technique as it is about ingredients. The griddle’s high heat and large surface make it perfect for creating that signature fried rice texture, but mastering a few essential methods will take your dish to the next level.

Preheating and Oil Management

Start by preheating your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. This ensures the surface is evenly heated, preventing hot spots that could burn your ingredients. A properly preheated griddle is crucial for achieving that smoky, charred flavor.

Once the griddle is hot, add a generous drizzle of oil, such as vegetable or avocado oil, using a squeeze bottle for easy application. Spread the oil evenly with a spatula or brush to create a nonstick surface. The oil also helps lock in the flavors of your ingredients, giving the dish its rich taste and golden color.

Pro tip: Use oils with a high smoke point to prevent burning during high-heat cooking.

Sautéing Chicken to Perfection

Place your marinated chicken on the griddle and spread it out into a single layer. This allows each piece to develop a golden, caramelized crust. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for the first 2-3 minutes to ensure proper searing.

Once the edges begin to brown, flip the pieces with a spatula or tongs and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through. Depending on the size of the pieces, this should take an additional 4-5 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the griddle and set it aside. This step ensures the chicken remains juicy while you prepare the other components.

Incorporating Vegetables

Add another drizzle of oil to the griddle and toss in the vegetables, starting with the firmest ones, like carrots and bell peppers. Stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add softer ingredients, such as peas and the white parts of the green onions, and sauté for another minute or two.

To boost the flavor, add minced garlic and ginger at this stage. Stir them quickly into the vegetables, ensuring they don’t burn. This step infuses the veggies with a robust, aromatic base that complements the chicken and rice.

Achieving the Ideal Fried Rice Texture

Push the vegetables to the side of the griddle, leaving enough space to add your chilled rice. Spread the rice out in a thin, even layer and drizzle lightly with oil. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes without stirring to create those crispy, golden edges that make fried rice irresistible.

Once the rice starts to crisp, toss it gently with a spatula to combine it with the vegetables. Add the cooked chicken back to the mix and drizzle with soy sauce, oyster sauce, or tamari. Stir everything together, ensuring each grain of rice is coated with flavor.

This step is where the magic happens—the high heat of the Blackstone griddle locks in the flavors, giving you that smoky, authentic taste of fried rice.

Health Considerations for Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice

Nutritional Breakdown

Blackstone chicken fried rice offers a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal. A standard serving contains:

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 (varies based on portion size and ingredients).
• Protein: Around 20-25 grams, mainly from chicken and eggs (if included).
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams, predominantly from rice.
• Fats: 8-12 grams, primarily from cooking oils and sesame oil.

This dish is rich in vitamins A and C from vegetables like carrots and peas, and it also provides iron and zinc from chicken. However, the sodium content can be high due to soy sauce and other seasonings, so it’s important to use these in moderation.

Making Healthier Choices

For a lighter, healthier version of Blackstone chicken fried rice, consider these tips:

• Switch to brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce salt levels.
• Opt for lean proteins like chicken breast or plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh.
• Add more vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or spinach, to increase fiber and vitamins.
• Use avocado oil or olive oil instead of vegetable oil for healthier fats.

Cooking at home also gives you control over portion sizes and the ability to customize the dish according to dietary preferences, such as gluten-free or low-carb variations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you cook frozen rice on Blackstone?

Yes, you can cook frozen rice on a Blackstone griddle, but it’s best to thaw the rice slightly before cooking for better results. Frozen rice can release excess moisture as it heats, so spread it thinly on the griddle and let it steam off. Tossing the rice frequently prevents clumping and ensures even cooking.

What other proteins can I use besides chicken?

While chicken is the classic choice, Blackstone fried rice can be made with a variety of proteins, including:

• Shrimp, which cooks quickly and adds a sweet, briny flavor.
• Beef, thinly sliced for a hearty alternative.
• Pork, diced or ground, for a richer flavor.
• Tofu, marinated and cubed, as a plant-based option.

Feel free to mix proteins for a hibachi-style medley!

What is the secret ingredient to restaurant fried rice?

The secret ingredient often used in restaurant fried rice is butter or a splash of fish sauce. Butter adds richness and enhances the savory flavors of the dish, while fish sauce provides a deep umami flavor. Another trick is using a small amount of oyster sauce to elevate the overall taste.

Can you make fried chicken on a Blackstone griddle?

Yes, you can make fried chicken on a Blackstone griddle, but the technique differs from deep frying. You’ll need to flatten the chicken pieces and cook them with a generous amount of oil to mimic frying. While it won’t replicate the crispy coating of deep-fried chicken, the griddle provides a healthier and flavorful alternative.

Why pre-cook rice for fried rice?

Pre-cooking rice is essential because freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky for frying. Chilled, day-old rice is drier, allowing each grain to fry individually and achieve a crispy, non-clumpy texture. Pre-cooking also saves time during the stir-frying process, letting you focus on blending flavors and achieving the perfect texture.

 

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