Chinese Chicken Fried Rice: Quick & Easy Recipe
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish that has become a staple in many households and restaurants worldwide. This quick and easy recipe allows you to bring the classic Chinese takeout dish to your kitchen, offering a delicious, one-pan meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Whether you have leftover rice or are making it fresh, this chicken fried rice recipe is highly customizable, packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and a savory soy sauce-based seasoning.
The beauty of Chinese Chicken Fried Rice lies in its versatility. It's a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and transform simple ingredients into a hearty meal. The key to a great fried rice lies in using day-old rice, which helps achieve that signature slightly dry and separated texture. However, if you’re short on time, freshly cooked rice works just as well—just be sure to cool it down before frying!
This dish is quick to make, requiring only about 30 minutes from start to finish. The ingredients come together easily, with chicken, vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions, and a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and scrambled eggs creating a delightful mix of flavors. Chinese Chicken Fried Rice can be enjoyed on its own or served alongside other dishes like egg rolls or stir-fried vegetables.
Let’s get started with this simple, delicious recipe that will surely become a family favorite!
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok : Ideal for stir-frying the rice and ingredients. A wok allows for quick, even cooking and helps achieve that crispy texture in the rice.
- Large Mixing Bowl : Used for preparing the chicken, veggies, and beaten eggs before cooking. It also helps in combining the ingredients before adding them to the pan.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons : For accurately measuring the rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and other ingredients.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon : To stir and toss the rice and ingredients in the pan without sticking or burning. A spatula is also great for breaking up clumps of rice while frying.
- Knife and Cutting Board : Essential for chopping the chicken, vegetables, and green onions to the desired size for even cooking.
- Egg Beater or Fork : For beating the eggs before adding them to the pan. This will help you create a scrambled egg texture in the fried rice.
- Small Bowl or Dish : For setting aside the cooked chicken and eggs before combining everything in the pan. This helps prevent overcrowding the pan during the cooking process.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice preferably day-old
- 1/2 lb chicken breast or thighs diced into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup peas and carrots frozen or fresh
- 2 eggs beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce low-sodium preferred
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce optional
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: If you haven't already, cook the rice and let it cool. Day-old rice is best for fried rice because it's less sticky, but fresh rice will work too—just let it cool down for a few minutes. Dice the chicken, chop the vegetables, and beat the eggs.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs: In the same pan, add sesame oil and sauté the onion for 1-2 minutes until softened. Push the onions to one side of the pan, then pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked through, then mix them with the onions.
- Add Garlic and Veggies: Add the minced garlic, peas, and carrots to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine the Rice: Add the cooled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir to combine with the veggies and eggs.
- Season the Fried Rice: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, followed by soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve the fried rice hot. Enjoy it as a main dish or alongside your favorite Chinese dishes.
Notes
To make this Chinese Chicken Fried Rice even more delicious, use day-old rice for the best texture and flavor. For extra richness, add a dash of sesame oil and soy sauce to the rice while frying. You can also marinate the chicken in a little soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for added depth of flavor. Feel free to customize the dish by adding more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a sweet touch. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions as a garnish will enhance both the flavor and presentation!