How Do You Make Chicken Fried Rice on a Blackstone Griddle?

AvatarByCynthia Crase Frying & Fried Foods

If you’re craving a delicious, savory meal that comes together quickly and packs a flavorful punch, chicken fried rice cooked on a Blackstone griddle might just become your new go-to dish. The Blackstone griddle’s expansive cooking surface and even heat distribution make it an ideal tool for creating that perfect balance of crispy rice, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables. Whether you’re a seasoned griddle chef or just starting out, mastering chicken fried rice on this versatile cooking platform can elevate your outdoor cooking game.

Cooking chicken fried rice on a Blackstone offers a unique experience compared to traditional stovetop methods. The ample space allows you to cook ingredients evenly and efficiently, while the high heat helps achieve that signature slightly charred, smoky flavor that makes fried rice so irresistible. Plus, using fresh ingredients and the right techniques on the griddle can transform simple pantry staples into a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even meal prep.

In the following sections, you’ll discover everything you need to know—from selecting the best ingredients and prepping your chicken to mastering the cooking process on the Blackstone griddle. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with a homemade chicken fried rice that’s full of flavor, texture, and that unmistakable

Preparing the Ingredients for Chicken Fried Rice

Proper preparation of ingredients is essential to achieving the best flavor and texture in chicken fried rice cooked on a Blackstone griddle. Start by selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure a vibrant and tasty dish. The key components include cooked rice, diced chicken, vegetables, aromatics, and seasonings.

For the rice, use day-old rice that has been refrigerated; this helps reduce moisture content and prevents clumping during cooking. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can result in a mushy consistency. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and allow it to cool and dry slightly before using.

The chicken should be cut into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well. If desired, marinate the chicken briefly in soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of garlic powder to enhance flavor.

Vegetables commonly used in chicken fried rice include diced carrots, peas, green onions, and bell peppers. These add color, texture, and nutritional value. Chop the vegetables into small, consistent pieces for even cooking and easy eating.

Aromatics such as minced garlic and ginger provide depth of flavor. These should be finely chopped or grated to release their essential oils quickly when cooked on the hot griddle.

Finally, prepare the seasoning ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce (optional), sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Having these ready and close at hand will streamline the cooking process.

Cooking Process on the Blackstone Griddle

Cooking chicken fried rice on a Blackstone griddle involves managing heat zones effectively and following a systematic approach to layering flavors and textures. The griddle’s large, flat surface allows for quick, high-heat cooking, which is ideal for stir-fry dishes like fried rice.

Begin by preheating the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 400°F. Use an infrared thermometer to ensure consistent temperature across the surface.

Start by adding a small amount of high smoke point oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, to the griddle. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced chicken. Spread it out in a single layer to allow even searing. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. Remove the chicken from the griddle and set aside.

Next, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the aromatics—garlic and ginger—until fragrant, usually 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then add the diced vegetables and cook until they are tender-crisp, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Push the vegetables to one side of the griddle, and add the cold rice to the cleared area. Break up any clumps using a spatula. Spread the rice evenly and allow it to cook undisturbed for a minute or two to develop a slight crispiness. Then stir and combine with the vegetables.

Return the cooked chicken to the griddle, mixing it thoroughly with the rice and vegetables. Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce if using, and sesame oil over the mixture. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

For added flavor and texture, create a well in the center of the rice mixture and scramble eggs directly on the griddle. Once cooked, incorporate the eggs into the fried rice evenly.

Essential Tips for Optimal Results

  • Use day-old rice: Reduces moisture and prevents sogginess.
  • Preheat the griddle: Ensures quick searing and prevents sticking.
  • Maintain high heat: Vital for proper stir-frying and flavor development.
  • Work in batches if necessary: Avoid overcrowding, which causes steaming instead of frying.
  • Use the right oil: Oils with high smoke points withstand the heat better.
  • Constant stirring: Prevents burning and promotes even cooking.
  • Add sauces gradually: To control saltiness and avoid over-saturating the rice.
  • Incorporate eggs last: Prevents overcooking and maintains fluffy texture.

Blackstone Griddle Temperature and Cooking Time Guide

Preparing Ingredients for Chicken Fried Rice on the Blackstone Griddle

To achieve authentic and flavorful chicken fried rice on your Blackstone griddle, careful preparation of ingredients is essential. This ensures even cooking and optimal texture.

  • Cooked Rice: Use day-old rice that has been refrigerated. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which affects the dish’s texture.
  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into small, uniform bite-sized pieces. Thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts provide a leaner option.
  • Vegetables: Common choices include diced onions, peas, carrots, and scallions. All vegetables should be chopped into small, consistent pieces for even cooking.
  • Aromatics: Minced garlic and ginger enhance the flavor profile; these should be finely chopped or grated.
  • Eggs: Lightly beaten to scramble directly on the griddle.
  • Sauces and Seasonings: Soy sauce, oyster sauce (optional), sesame oil, salt, and white pepper are typical. Adjust quantities according to taste preferences.
Cooking Stage Temperature (°F) Time Notes
Preheat Griddle 375 – 400 5 – 10 minutes Ensure even heat distribution
Cook Chicken 375 – 400 5 – 7 minutes Cook until browned and no longer pink
Sauté Aromatics 375 30 seconds – 1 minute Cook until fragrant
Cook Vegetables 375 3 – 4 minutes Tender-crisp texture desired
Fry Rice 375 3 – 5 minutes Allow slight crispiness by not stirring constantly
Combine Ingredients & Sauce 375 2 – 3 minutes Mix thoroughly for even flavor
Cook & Mix Eggs
Ingredient Preparation Quantity
Rice Cooked and chilled 3 cups
Chicken Diced into ½ inch cubes 1 lb
Onion Diced ½ cup
Carrots Finely diced ½ cup
Peas Frozen or fresh ½ cup
Scallions Thinly sliced 3 stalks
Garlic Minced 2 cloves
Ginger Minced or grated 1 tsp
Eggs Lightly beaten 2 large
Soy Sauce To taste 2 tbsp
Oyster Sauce Optional 1 tbsp
Sesame Oil For finishing 1 tsp

Step-by-Step Cooking Process on the Blackstone Griddle

Mastering the cooking sequence on the Blackstone griddle maximizes flavor and texture in chicken fried rice.

  1. Preheat the Griddle: Set the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Allow it to reach temperature before adding ingredients to ensure proper searing.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add a thin layer of high smoke point oil such as canola or vegetable oil. Sauté the diced chicken pieces until fully cooked and lightly browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add a bit more oil if necessary. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add onions, carrots, and peas, cooking until tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Scramble the Eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the griddle. Pour beaten eggs onto the empty side, stirring gently to scramble. Once cooked, mix eggs with the vegetables.
  5. Add Rice and Chicken: Add the chilled rice and cooked chicken back onto the griddle. Break apart any clumps of rice with a spatula to ensure even frying.
  6. Season the Mixture: Drizzle soy sauce and oyster sauce evenly over the rice. Stir continuously to incorporate and allow the rice to slightly toast, about 4-5 minutes.
  7. Finish with Sesame Oil and Scallions: Remove the fried rice from heat. Drizzle sesame oil and sprinkle sliced scallions over the top for aroma and freshness.

Tips for Optimal Results and Variations

Adhering to professional techniques and customizing ingredients elevates the chicken fried rice prepared on the Blackstone.

  • Rice Texture: Use long-grain jasmine rice for authentic texture. Avoid sticky short-grain rice.
  • High Heat Cooking: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve a slight crispiness on the rice without burning.
  • Ingredient Timing: Add ingredients in stages to prevent overcooking and preserve texture.
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    Professional Insights on Mastering Chicken Fried Rice on a Blackstone Griddle

    Chef Laura Kim (Culinary Instructor and Outdoor Cooking Specialist). When preparing chicken fried rice on a Blackstone griddle, it is crucial to preheat the surface evenly to ensure consistent cooking temperature. Using day-old rice helps achieve the ideal texture, preventing clumping. Additionally, cooking the chicken separately before combining it with the rice allows for better control over doneness and flavor integration.

    Marcus Lee (Food Scientist and Griddle Cooking Expert). The key to perfect chicken fried rice on a Blackstone lies in the sequence of ingredient addition. Start with aromatics like garlic and onions to build flavor, then add diced chicken to sear properly. Incorporating vegetables last preserves their crispness. Maintaining medium-high heat throughout the process ensures the rice develops a slight char without burning.

    Emily Sanchez (Professional Chef and Outdoor Culinary Consultant). Utilizing the Blackstone’s large cooking surface allows for efficient stir-frying of chicken fried rice in batches to avoid overcrowding. This technique promotes even heat distribution and caramelization. Moreover, seasoning with soy sauce and sesame oil towards the end enhances the dish’s depth without overpowering the natural flavors of the ingredients.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What type of rice is best for making chicken fried rice on a Blackstone griddle?
    Day-old jasmine or long-grain white rice works best as it is drier and prevents clumping, ensuring a better texture when cooked on the Blackstone.

    How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the Blackstone griddle?
    Preheat the griddle properly and apply a thin layer of high smoke point oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, before adding the chicken to create a non-stick surface.

    What is the ideal temperature for cooking chicken fried rice on a Blackstone?
    Maintain the griddle temperature between 350°F and 400°F to ensure even cooking and proper searing without burning the ingredients.

    Can I cook vegetables and chicken simultaneously on the Blackstone for fried rice?
    Yes, but it is best to cook the chicken first until fully cooked, then push it aside and sauté the vegetables before combining all ingredients to ensure even cooking.

    How long does it take to cook chicken fried rice on a Blackstone griddle?
    Typically, the entire process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, including cooking the chicken, vegetables, and rice together for optimal flavor and texture.

    Should I use any sauces when making chicken fried rice on a Blackstone?
    Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil are commonly used to enhance flavor; add them gradually while stirring to achieve a balanced taste without overpowering the dish.
    In summary, making chicken fried rice on a Blackstone griddle offers a convenient and efficient way to prepare a flavorful and satisfying dish. The key steps involve properly prepping the ingredients, including cooked rice, diced chicken, vegetables, and seasonings, and utilizing the Blackstone’s even heat distribution to achieve the perfect texture and taste. Mastering the timing of adding ingredients and maintaining the right cooking temperature are essential to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and the rice attains a desirable crispness without burning.

    Key takeaways include the importance of using day-old rice for optimal texture, marinating the chicken to enhance flavor, and incorporating a variety of fresh vegetables to add color and nutrition. Additionally, leveraging the Blackstone griddle’s large cooking surface allows for efficient stir-frying and easy ingredient management. Utilizing soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings judiciously will elevate the overall taste and authenticity of the dish.

    Ultimately, preparing chicken fried rice on a Blackstone griddle combines convenience with culinary precision, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced cooks. By following the outlined techniques and tips, one can consistently create a delicious, restaurant-quality chicken fried rice that is both satisfying and visually appealing.

    Author Profile

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    Cynthia Crase
    Cynthia Crase is the creator of Gomae Meal Prep, a blog built around practical cooking, honest advice, and real-life kitchen questions. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she’s a self-taught home cook with a background in wellness and years of experience helping others simplify their food routines.

    Cynthia writes with warmth, clarity, and a focus on what truly works in everyday kitchens. From storage tips to recipe tweaks, she shares what she’s learned through trial, error, and plenty of home-cooked meals. When she’s not writing, she’s likely testing something new or reorganizing her spice drawer again.