Fried Rice with Chicken Shashlik
This Fried Rice with Chicken Shashlik is a flavorful homemade meal combining Chinese-style vegetable fried rice with spicy and tangy chicken shashlik. Tender chicken, colorful peppers, onions, and a savory sauce are served alongside fluffy fried rice for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Two dishes in one meal: Flavorful chicken shashlik paired with simple vegetable fried rice.
Full of flavor: The chicken has a savory, spicy, tangy sauce.
Colorful and satisfying: Fresh vegetables add texture and flavor.
Great for a family meal: Serve everything together for an easy dinner.
Better than takeout: You can adjust the spice and seasoning to your preference.
Ingredients
For the Fried Rice
3 cups cooked long-grain rice, preferably chilled
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup finely shredded cabbage
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
1/2 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 spring onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce, optional
For the Chicken Shashlik
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 medium onion, cut into chunks
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili sauce
4 tablespoons tomato ketchup
1 teaspoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/3 cup water
Ingredient Notes
Rice: Cold, cooked rice works best for fried rice because the grains are firmer and less likely to become mushy.
Chicken: Chicken breast keeps the dish lean and cooks quickly, while boneless chicken thighs give a juicier result.
Bell peppers: Use red, green, yellow, or a combination for extra color.
Ketchup: It may sound unusual, but ketchup gives the shashlik sauce its characteristic sweet and tangy flavor.
Chili sauce: Adjust the amount according to your preferred level of heat.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the shashlik sauce and helps it coat the chicken and vegetables.
Equipment
Large wok or skillet
Medium saucepan or skillet
Mixing bowls
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Wooden spoon or spatula
How to Make Fried Rice with Chicken Shashlik
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Cook the rice according to the package directions.
For the best fried rice texture, spread the cooked rice on a tray and allow it to cool. Refrigerate it for several hours or overnight if possible.
Before cooking, break up any large clumps with a fork.
Step 2: Make the Fried Rice
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shredded cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, and spring onions.
Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still have some crunch.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Add the chilled cooked rice and toss everything together.
Add the sugar and soy sauce, if using.
Continue stir-frying for another 3–5 minutes until the rice is hot and the grains are separated.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Transfer the fried rice to a serving dish and keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through.
Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Shashlik Sauce
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the ketchup, soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, red chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped bell pepper and onion.
Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. The vegetables should remain slightly crisp rather than becoming completely soft.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with the water in a small bowl until smooth.
Slowly pour the mixture into the pan while stirring.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
Step 7: Finish the Chicken Shashlik
Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
Toss everything together so the chicken and vegetables are coated in the sauce.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Taste and adjust the chili, salt, or vinegar if needed.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the hot chicken shashlik over or alongside the vegetable fried rice.
Garnish with chopped spring onions or fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips for the Best Fried Rice
Use cold cooked rice rather than freshly cooked rice.
Avoid overcrowding the wok so the vegetables and rice can stir-fry properly.
Break up rice clumps before adding them to the pan.
Keep the vegetables slightly crisp for better texture.
Add soy sauce gradually so the fried rice does not become too salty.
Use high heat for a more authentic stir-fried texture.
Tips for the Best Chicken Shashlik
Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
Don't overcook the chicken.
Cook the vegetables briefly so they retain some crunch.
Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and adjust the heat to your preference.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water.
Variations and Substitutions
Make It Spicier
Add extra chili sauce, red chili flakes, or fresh sliced chili peppers.
Make It Milder
Reduce the chili powder and use a mild chili sauce.
Add More Vegetables
You can add carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, peas, or sweet corn to the fried rice.
Use Chicken Thighs
Boneless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative to chicken breast and give the shashlik a richer texture.
Add Egg to the Fried Rice
For an egg fried rice variation, scramble 2 eggs in the wok before adding the vegetables and rice.
Storage
Allow the fried rice and chicken shashlik to cool before transferring them to separate airtight containers.
Refrigerate leftovers and use them within 3–4 days.
Keeping the rice and chicken separate makes reheating easier and helps preserve the texture.
How to Reheat
Reheat the fried rice in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a small splash of water or oil.
Reheat the chicken shashlik separately until steaming hot throughout.
Avoid repeatedly reheating leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Fried Rice with Chicken Shashlik with:
Fresh cucumber slices
Simple green salad
Pickled vegetables
Fresh cilantro
Spring onions
Extra chili sauce
Lime wedges
For a complete takeout-style meal, serve the chicken shashlik on top of a generous portion of fried rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chicken shashlik?
Chicken shashlik is a dish made with pieces of seasoned chicken and vegetables, usually cooked with a flavorful sauce. This version has a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Long-grain white rice works very well. Basmati rice is another good choice because the grains remain relatively separate after cooking.
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
You can, but chilled leftover rice generally produces better fried rice because it contains less surface moisture.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes. The chicken shashlik can be cooked ahead and refrigerated. Reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce the chili powder and chili sauce. The ketchup and vinegar will still provide plenty of flavor.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes. If you already have cooked chicken, cut it into bite-size pieces and add it when preparing the shashlik sauce. Reduce the cooking time so the chicken does not dry out.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
A large wok or non-stick skillet is especially useful for this recipe because it gives you enough space to stir-fry the rice and vegetables without overcrowding the pan.
A sharp chef's knife also makes preparing the chicken and vegetables much easier.
Related Recipes
If you enjoy easy chicken and rice meals, you may also like:
Final Thoughts
This Fried Rice with Chicken Shashlik brings together fluffy vegetable fried rice and bold, saucy chicken in one satisfying meal. The combination of savory rice, crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and spicy-tangy sauce makes it a great homemade alternative to takeout.
Once the rice is prepared, the rest of the recipe comes together quickly, making this a practical choice for a flavorful family lunch or dinner.