Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that delivers both comfort and flavor in record time, look no further than this Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice. Bursting with juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice, this recipe strikes that magical balance of savory, satisfying, and just a little bit nostalgic. The best part? With simple ingredients and unfussy steps, you’ll turn leftovers or pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy meal in under thirty minutes. Whether you’re a fried rice fanatic or just looking for a speedy dinner idea, this is the weeknight hero everyone deserves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice brings something special to the skillet—whether it’s richness, color, or texture. Having everything prepped and ready to roll not only makes your cooking more enjoyable, but also guarantees the classic flavors you crave with every bite.
- Cooked jasmine rice (4 ½ cups): Day-old rice is the golden standard for fried rice, ensuring each grain stays distinct and delightfully chewy.
- Skinless boneless chicken thighs (1/2 lb, thinly sliced): Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy with a quick marinade, bringing essential protein and great flavor.
- Shallot (1, finely chopped): Shallots add a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth that rounds out the savory notes.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic is the flavor backbone—don’t skip it for that signature fried rice aroma.
- Carrot (3/4 cup, finely diced): For crunch, color, and a touch of sweetness, carrots are a classic veggie mix-in.
- Peas (1/2 cup, frozen): Quick-cooking and packed with color, they brighten up every spoonful.
- Eggs (3, beaten): Eggs provide richness and those irresistibly soft, golden bits throughout the rice.
- Vegetable oil (4 tsp, plus 1 tsp for marinade): Use a neutral oil for frying; it keeps things crisp without overpowering flavors.
- Soy sauce (1 tsp for marinade, 2 tbsp for sauce): Regular soy sauce supplies salty depth and umami magic.
- Shaoxing Cooking Wine (1 tsp, or dry sherry): A splash amplifies the complexity of the chicken marinade.
- Cornstarch (1 tsp, for marinade): It helps seal in juiciness when stir-frying your chicken.
- Dark soy sauce (½ tbsp): This richer soy sauce imparts a beautiful brown color and caramelized flavor.
- Sesame oil (2 tsp): Just a drizzle for unmistakably nutty, toasty perfume at the end.
- Chicken bouillon powder (1 tsp): Intensifies the savory, “wok hei” taste you love in takeout fried rice.
- White pepper (⅛ tsp, or black pepper): Lends a gentle peppery heat that ties every component together.
How to Make Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your thinly sliced chicken thighs with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and a splash of vegetable oil. Just five minutes is all it takes for the flavors to infuse and for the cornstarch to tenderize the meat. Trust me, this tiny extra step is the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken in every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together your regular and dark soy sauces, sesame oil, chicken bouillon powder, and white pepper. Having this sauce ready to go makes it easy to finish your fried rice with that shop-worthy shine and taste—all in one swift motion.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in your wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the marinated chicken, stirring constantly until it’s fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove it from the wok and set aside—don’t worry, it’ll join the party again soon!
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Add another teaspoon of oil to your wok, then tip in the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Stir-fry quickly until fragrant, then throw in the diced carrots and peas. Cook for 10 seconds more; a really fast sauté preserves their crisp colors and freshness.
Step 5: Scramble the Eggs
Scoot your veggies to the side, pour an additional teaspoon of oil into the bare spot, and pour in the beaten eggs. Let them set slightly, then gently scramble and combine with veggies. Those golden ribbons of egg woven through the rice are one of the best parts, right?
Step 6: Add Rice, Chicken, and Toss
Drizzle the last of the oil around the edges, then add your day-old rice and reserved chicken. Use a spatula to break up any rice clumps, mixing everything together until every grain gets some veggie action.
Step 7: Finishing Touches with Sauce
Now, pour your pre-mixed sauce around the edge of the wok—this key tip caramelizes the sauce in contact with heat, boosting the overall flavor. Toss and mix until the rice is beautifully coated with deep brown color and enticing aroma. Take off the heat and serve while it’s steamy-hot.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
Garnishes
Elevate your Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice with a final sprinkle of chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or a dash of extra white pepper. If you’re feeling bold, a handful of crispy fried shallots or a drizzle of chili oil really makes the dish pop, both visually and flavor-wise!
Side Dishes
While this fried rice is satisfying enough as a standalone meal, it absolutely shines alongside light sides like a crisp Asian cucumber salad or steamed bok choy with oyster sauce. For a bigger spread, consider pairing with egg drop soup or simple stir-fried greens to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by serving Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves for tropical flair or in individual small bowls for easy, shareable portions. Mold the rice into neat domes using a bowl or cup for a truly restaurant-style look. Don’t forget chopsticks if you want to make it fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors develop even more by the next day, making leftovers a real treat for lunch or a next-day dinner.
Freezing
This fried rice freezes brilliantly. Spoon portions into freezer-safe bags, press out excess air, and freeze flat. You can store it for up to two months. Write the date on your bags, so you never miss out on enjoying it at its peak!
Reheating
For the freshest results, reheat Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice in a hot pan with just a splash of water or stock to revive its fluffy texture. Microwaving works too—cover the bowl to trap in moisture. In just minutes, it’ll taste as good as when first served!
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
Day-old rice is best because it’s drier and less likely to turn mushy. If you need to use freshly cooked rice, spread it on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes uncovered to remove excess moisture—this trick will give you great results.
What are some protein alternatives if I don’t have chicken thighs?
You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breast, shrimp, tofu, diced ham, or even leftover roast meats. Just be sure to adjust cooking times so everything stays juicy and tender.
Is there a way to make this Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check your chicken bouillon powder for hidden gluten. That’s all it takes to enjoy your fried rice with peace of mind.
How do I prevent my fried rice from turning out soggy?
Soggy rice is usually caused by too much moisture. Always use cold, day-old rice, cook over high heat, and avoid overcrowding the wok. Quick stir-frying keeps everything crisp and light.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You definitely can! For the best texture, fry in batches so the wok isn’t overcrowded. This keeps your Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice perfectly stir-fried and full of flavor for everyone.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice a try the next time you need a fast, satisfying meal. With its delicious flavors, speed, and versatility, it just might become your favorite new staple—just like it did for me. Gather your ingredients, fire up that wok, and let the comfort begin!
Print
Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice recipe that brings together tender chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, and a medley of vegetables stir-fried to perfection with savory seasonings.
Ingredients
For Chicken Marinate:
- 1 tsp regular soy sauce
- 1 tsp Shaoxing Cooking Wine (or Dry Sherry Wine)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
For Fried Rice:
- 4 ½ cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1/2 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (thinly sliced)
- 1 shallot (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3/4 cup carrot (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup peas (frozen)
- 3 eggs (beaten)
- 4 tsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp regular soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
- 1/8 tsp white pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken with marinade ingredients and set aside for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a hot wok, fry chicken in oil until fully cooked. Set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: Fry garlic, shallots, peas, and carrots in the wok. Push to the side.
- Scramble Eggs: Cook eggs in the wok and mix with other ingredients.
- Combine Ingredients: Add rice, chicken, and sauce to the wok. Toss to combine.
- Finish: Cook until rice is browned, then remove from heat. Serve hot.
Notes
- Day-old cooked jasmine rice works best for fried rice.
- Adjust soy sauce to taste for saltiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Chinese Chicken Fried Rice, Easy Fried Rice Recipe, Chicken and Rice Stir Fry
