Chicken Chopper Rice with Gravy Recipe
Chicken Chopper Rice with Gravy is a delicious and fulfilling dish that combines crispy fried chicken chops, fragrant rice, and rich, flavorful gravy. This dish is a popular choice for those who love comfort food with a perfect balance of textures and flavors. If you're wondering what chicken chopper rice is, it's a dish that features crispy boneless chicken pieces served over seasoned rice with a savory gravy poured on top.
History of Chicken Chopper Rice
Chicken Chopper Rice is inspired by various Asian culinary traditions, blending elements of fried chicken with rice-based dishes commonly found in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines. The name "chopper" refers to the method of chopping crispy fried chicken into bite-sized pieces before serving it over rice with a delicious gravy.
Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Taste and Texture
Chicken Chopper Rice offers a delightful mix of textures—crispy and juicy fried chicken, fluffy and fragrant rice, and a smooth, flavorful gravy. The dish boasts a savory umami taste with a hint of spice, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Chicken Chopper Rice Ingredients
- To make chicken chopper rice with gravy, you'll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 500g boneless chicken breast (cut into thin fillets)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying
For the Rice:
- 2 cups basmati or jasmine rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
How to Make Chicken Chopper Rice – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix chicken with salt, black pepper, soy sauce, garlic paste, and ginger paste.
- Let it marinate for 20 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg. In a separate plate, mix flour and cornstarch.
- Dip each chicken piece in egg, then coat with the flour mixture
- Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the chicken until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak for 10 minutes.
- In a pot, add water, salt, soy sauce, and butter. Bring to a boil.
- Add the rice, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and keep it warm.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger paste until fragrant.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and salt.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until the gravy thickens.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Slice the crispy chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve hot rice on a plate, place the chopped chicken on top.
- Pour the warm gravy over the chicken and rice.
Variations of Chicken Chopper Rice
- Spicy Chopper Rice: Add red chili flakes or hot sauce to the gravy for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Chopper Rice: Melt cheese over the chicken before serving.
- Vegetable Chopper Rice: Add stir-fried vegetables to the rice for added nutrition.
Reheat Suggestions
- Microwave: Cover the dish and heat for 2 minutes, adding a little water to the gravy to prevent drying.
- Stovetop: Reheat the chicken separately in a pan and warm the rice and gravy on low heat.
- Oven: Heat the chicken at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to retain crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds.
- Pair with a refreshing lemonade or iced tea for a balanced meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Chopper Rice
- Use boneless chicken breast for quick cooking and even frying.
- Double fry the chicken for an extra crispy texture.
- Adjust gravy thickness by adding more or less cornstarch slurry.
- Let the rice steam properly to avoid excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make chicken chopper rice with gravy, you can prepare this flavorful dish at home with ease. Whether you prefer a crispy or saucy texture, this chicken chopper rice recipe is perfect for a hearty meal. Enjoy with family and friends, and experiment with different variations to make it your own
FAQs
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time and more water.
3. How can I make the gravy richer?
Add a tablespoon of butter at the end for a richer texture and taste.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but store the crispy chicken separately to maintain its crunch.
