There is something irresistibly exciting about a dish that brings bold flavors, satisfying textures, and vibrant colors all on one plate, and that is exactly what the Salt and Chilli Chicken with Fried Rice and Satay Sauce Recipe delivers. Tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy, spicy coating mingle beautifully with fragrant fried rice, while a creamy, nutty satay sauce ties everything together with a silky richness. This dish feels like a celebration in every bite, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal made right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the length of this recipe fool you — the ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, each playing a vital role in creating the harmony of flavors you’ll fall in love with. From the spices that give the chicken its kick, to the freshness in the vegetables and the creamy notes in the satay sauce, every component is essential for crafting this memorable meal.
- Chicken breast (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Cornflour (1/2 cup): Provides a crisp, light coating that locks in juiciness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the chicken and fried rice.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings the signature fiery punch to the chicken.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp for frying + 2 tbsp for fried rice): Used for frying and perfect stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- Red and green bell peppers (1 each, sliced): Add sweetness and crunch to balance the spice.
- Spring onions (3-4, chopped): Offer freshness and mild oniony notes.
- Fresh red chilies (2-3 slices): Bring vibrant heat that wakes up the palate.
- Cooked rice (2 cups, preferably day-old): Day-old rice prevents clumping and gives perfect texture.
- Eggs (2, beaten): Add protein and a silky texture to the fried rice.
- Mixed vegetables (1 cup of peas, carrots, corn): Infuse natural sweetness and color.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp for rice + 1 tbsp for satay): Delivers umami richness throughout the dish.
- Peanut butter (1/2 cup): The creamy, nutty base of the satay sauce.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Balances the saltiness and heat with gentle sweetness.
- Garlic (1 tsp, minced): Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Coconut milk (1/2 cup): Brings smoothness and tropical creaminess into the satay.
- Lime juice (1 tsp): Brightens the satay sauce with a fresh citrus zing.
How to Make Salt and Chilli Chicken with Fried Rice and Satay Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces in a bowl with cornflour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. This coating is what gives the chicken its irresistible crunch and spice burst. Make sure every piece is nicely coated, as this is the foundation that will give you that perfect texture with a punch of flavor.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Crispy Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat and fry the coated chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure maximum crispiness. Once cooked, set the chicken aside so it can rest and stay crunchy.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies with Heat
Using the same pan, toss in your sliced bell peppers, chopped spring onions, and fresh red chilies. Stir-fry them for 2 to 3 minutes until vibrant and just tender. Then, add the fried chicken back to the pan and combine everything well so the flavors mingle deliciously.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs for Fried Rice
In a separate pan, warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat and add your beaten eggs. Scramble gently until fully cooked, then transfer them out and set aside. These eggs add a lovely softness and extra protein to your fried rice.
Step 5: Bring Fried Rice to Life
Next, add the cooked rice and mixed vegetables to the same pan. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes to warm through and combine. Add soy sauce, scrambled eggs, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for another minute to marry all the flavors.
Step 6: Whip Up the Creamy Satay Sauce
While your rice cooks, make the satay sauce by gently heating peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, coconut milk, and lime juice in a small saucepan. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and perfectly blended. This luscious sauce is going to elevate your whole dish to another level.
Step 7: Plate and Serve Your Masterpiece
Serve your golden, spicy chicken alongside the colorful fried rice and don’t forget to drizzle the velvety satay sauce generously over the chicken or on the side for dipping. This combination delivers an unforgettable mix of spicy, savory, nutty, and fresh flavors in every bite.
How to Serve Salt and Chilli Chicken with Fried Rice and Satay Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped coriander or Thai basil work brilliantly as garnishes, adding a bright, herbal contrast to the rich satay sauce. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts over the chicken for added crunch and a hint of nuttiness that complements the peanut butter sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out the meal, serving this dish with a simple cucumber salad or a crisp Asian slaw provides a refreshing bite that balances the heat and richness wonderfully. Pickled vegetables are also a great match, introducing acidity to brighten the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get playful with presentation by serving the chicken bites on skewers with small bowls of satay sauce for dipping, turning it into a fun, interactive dining experience. Alternatively, layering the fried rice in a bowl, topped with the chicken and sauce, makes for a visually stunning and satisfying meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken, fried rice, and satay sauce into airtight containers and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy this dish again without any loss in flavor or texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and fried rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Freeze the satay sauce in a small container or ice cube tray to thaw portions as needed. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken and fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to keep the fried rice from drying out. Warm the satay sauce gently in a saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally until smooth and heated through, ensuring the sauce remains luscious.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, chicken thighs can also work beautifully, adding a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the pieces are cooked through.
Is it necessary to use day-old rice for the fried rice?
Day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps to achieve that perfect fried rice texture. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray to cool and dry before stir-frying.
Can I make the satay sauce vegan?
Yes! Simply swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar and make sure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly. This tweak keeps the sauce deliciously creamy and sweet without any animal products.
How spicy is this Salt and Chilli Chicken with Fried Rice and Satay Sauce Recipe?
The level of heat can be adjusted by how many fresh chilies you add and how much chili powder you use. If you prefer milder food, reduce the chili powder and use fewer fresh chilies, or remove seeds which contain most of the heat.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance to save time?
Definitely! You can marinate and coat the chicken ahead of time, and even prepare the satay sauce earlier in the day. Cooking the rice in advance also helps speed up your cooking process without sacrificing freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Salt and Chilli Chicken with Fried Rice and Satay Sauce Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that marries simple ingredients with exciting flavors beautifully. It’s a fantastic reminder that with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh veggies, you can create something truly special and satisfying. So grab your apron and ingredients, and dive into this delicious adventure — your taste buds are going to thank you!
