Chicken Fried Rice - Sri Lankan Style

Step 1: Prepare Basmati Rice

Wash 2 cups of Basmati rice thoroughly with water until the water runs clear. Transfer the washed rice to a rice cooker. Add 4 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to combine. Cover the rice cooker and cook the rice for 30 minutes until fluffy.

Step 2: Cool the Cooked Rice

Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl or tray and spread it out. Allow the rice to cool completely to prevent it from becoming sticky when mixed later.

Step 3: Prepare Boiled Chicken

Place 500g of washed and cleaned chicken pieces in a pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper powder, 2 cups of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Mix well to coat the chicken pieces evenly. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and boil the chicken for 15 minutes until cooked through.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, strain it from the broth and set aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, cut or shred the boiled chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Prepare Aromatics and Vegetables

Julienne 2 medium carrots. Slice the white and green parts of 1 large leek stalk separately. In a mortar and pestle, pound 6 cloves of garlic, 1 inch of ginger, 3 cardamom pods, 1 inch cinnamon stick, and 3 cloves to form a coarse paste.

Step 6: Stir-fry Chicken and Vegetables

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large wok or pan over high heat. Add 1 chopped big onion and sauté until translucent. Add the pounded ginger-garlic-spice paste, 1 strip of pandan leaves, and 1 sprig of curry leaves. Sauté until fragrant. Add the shredded chicken pieces to the wok and stir-fry for a few minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of crushed dry chillies and the julienned carrots. Stir-fry until the carrots are slightly tender-crisp. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper powder, 1 tablespoon of chili flakes, and the sliced green chillies. Mix well. Add the sliced white part of the leeks and stir-fry for another minute. Finally, add the sliced green part of the leeks and mix everything thoroughly.

Step 7: Combine with Rice and Serve

Add the cooled basmati rice to the wok with the stir-fried chicken and vegetables. Pour 2 tablespoons of soya sauce over the rice. Gently mix all the ingredients together until the rice is evenly coated and heated through. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chicken fried rice!

• Ensure rice is cooled before mixing for best results, preventing it from becoming mushy.

• Adjust chili and pepper quantities to your personal spice preference.

• Cut chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution and quicker cooking.

• Use other proteins like shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different flavor profile.

• Add more vegetables such as bell peppers, cabbage, or green beans for added nutrition and texture.