Grilled Chicken Fried Rice on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Fried rice is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. This recipe takes traditional fried rice to the next level by grilling the chicken and vegetables on the Arteflame grill before combining them with rice. The result is a smoky, delicious dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty side.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, chilled (day-old rice works best)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for cooking
• Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour, to allow the flavors to infuse.

2. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Preheat your Arteflame grill to medium-high heat. You'll be grilling the chicken and vegetables directly on the flat cooktop.

3. Grill the Chicken and Vegetables

Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry. Place the chicken breasts on the hot cooktop and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and charred with grill marks. Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. For extra char, use the center grill grate.

While the chicken is grilling, add the diced bell pepper and thawed peas and carrots to the grill. Drizzle with a bit of vegetable oil and grill for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly charred and tender. Remove the vegetables from the grill and set them aside.

4. Cook the Fried Rice

On the cooler side of the grill, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and the remaining sesame oil. Pour the beaten eggs onto the cooktop and scramble them until fully cooked. Once cooked, push the eggs to the side.

Add the chilled rice to the cooktop and stir it into the eggs. Allow the rice to sit on the grill for 1-2 minutes to develop a bit of a crispy texture before stirring again.

5. Combine and Finish

Add the grilled chicken and vegetables back to the cooktop with the rice and eggs. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the soy and oyster sauce mixture from the chicken marinade. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Serve

Transfer the grilled chicken fried rice to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot as a main dish or a hearty side.

Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Fried Rice

• Day-Old Rice: Using chilled, day-old rice helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy and allows it to absorb more flavor.
• Marinating: Marinating the chicken adds depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step and season the chicken directly on the grill.
• Grill Heat: Keep the grill at medium-high heat to ensure the chicken and vegetables cook quickly without burning.

Variations

1. Shrimp Fried Rice: Substitute shrimp for the chicken, grilling them just until they turn pink and are slightly charred.
2. Vegetarian Fried Rice: Omit the chicken and add more grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli.
3. Spicy Fried Rice: Add a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
4. Pineapple Fried Rice: Add grilled pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory flavor.
5. Beef Fried Rice: Substitute grilled steak strips for the chicken to create a heartier version.

Best Pairings

• Drink: Pair with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea.
• Side Dish: Serve with a simple green salad or grilled vegetable skewers.
• Dessert: Finish the meal with a light dessert like fresh fruit or sorbet.

Conclusion

Grilled chicken fried rice on the Arteflame grill is a flavorful, smoky twist on a classic dish. The combination of grilled chicken, vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice makes this dish satisfying and delicious. Whether served as a main course or a side, this fried rice is sure to be a hit at your next meal.