Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is the kind of dish that instantly wins over a crowd—savory, satisfying, and exploding with vibrant color and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking to recreate the magic of your favorite takeout or simply need a hearty way to use up leftovers, this recipe promises fluffy rice, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and that signature hint of wok-charred aroma. Trust me, once you make Chinese Chicken Fried Rice from scratch, you’ll never look at fried rice the same way again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—every ingredient plays a starring role, contributing to the taste, texture, and stunning appearance of the final bowl. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice absolutely irresistible:

• Jasmine Rice (4 ½ cups, day-old): Day-old cooked rice is key for the perfect texture—dry enough to avoid clumping, ensuring every grain stays distinct.
• Chicken Thighs (½ lb, thinly sliced): Thighs provide juicy, flavorful bites; their higher fat content keeps the meat tender through stir-frying.
• Shallot (1, finely chopped): Shallots bring a delicate sweetness, building a subtle flavor base with the garlic.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is essential for that irresistible aroma and punchy undertone.
• Carrot (¾ cup, finely diced): Carrots add color, crunch, and a gentle sweetness to balance the salty notes.
• Frozen Peas (½ cup): These give pops of green and a burst of sweetness—no need to thaw, just toss them in!
• Eggs (3, beaten): The scrambled eggs add a creamy, rich texture and extra protein.
• Vegetable Oil (4 tsp): Use a neutral oil to avoid overpowering the star flavors of your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice.
• Regular Soy Sauce (1 tsp, for chicken marinade): Adds umami and helps the marinade soak into the chicken.
• Shaoxing Cooking Wine (1 tsp, for chicken marinade): This classic Chinese wine tenderizes the chicken and deepens flavor; dry sherry works in a pinch!
• Cornstarch (1 tsp, for chicken marinade): Locks in moisture, keeping the chicken incredibly tender.
• Vegetable Oil (1 tsp, for chicken marinade): Keeps the marinade smooth and well-blended.
• Regular Soy Sauce (2 tbsp, for sauce): The backbone of the savory sauce, tying everything together.
• Dark Soy Sauce (½ tbsp, for sauce): Adds gorgeous color and a richer depth of flavor.
• Sesame Oil (2 tsp, for sauce): Just a drizzle infuses your fried rice with irresistible toasty aroma.
• Chicken Bouillon Powder (1 tsp, for sauce): Concentrated chicken flavor dials up the savory factor.
• White Pepper (⅛ tsp, for sauce): A pinch adds gentle heat and a uniquely tingling sharpness; black pepper will do if needed.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing your thinly sliced chicken thighs with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and oil. Let them sit for just 5 minutes—this brief marinade ensures the chicken pieces are juicy, seasoned, and perfectly tender once stir-fried. It might seem quick, but you’ll really taste the difference in your final Chinese Chicken Fried Rice!

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Whisk together the regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken bouillon powder, and white pepper in a small bowl. Mixing the sauce ahead of time guarantees every bite gets coated evenly, and layers of flavor will shine through as it melds with the rice and chicken later on.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a hot wok set over medium-high. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until just cooked through, with the edges slightly golden. Remove the chicken and set it aside; this way, it stays tender and doesn’t overcook as your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice comes together.

Step 4: Stir-fry the Aromatics and Veggies

Add another teaspoon of oil to your wok. Toss in the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic, stirring for about 10 seconds until they’re fragrant and just softened. Next, add the diced carrots and peas. Stir-fry these for another 10 seconds—the goal is to brighten their color and keep a little fresh crunch.

Step 5: Scramble the Eggs

Push the veggies to the side of the wok and pour a teaspoon of oil into the cleared space. Add the beaten eggs and scramble them until just set, then mix the eggs in with the veggies. This step gives your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice that signature yellow ribbon of egg running throughout.

Step 6: Add Rice and Chicken

Drizzle in the remaining oil, then add the cold, day-old jasmine rice. Use your spatula to break up any clumps and toss together with the eggs, veggies, and chicken pieces. Stir-frying the rice ensures each grain is separate and lightly toasted, so your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice achieves that iconic texture.

Step 7: Finish with Sauce

Pour the pre-mixed sauce around the edges of the hot wok—this creates extra sizzle and brings that classic smoky flavor to the rice. Stir thoroughly, making sure all grains are evenly coated and the fried rice takes on a rich brown color. Remove from heat and serve immediately—you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

Top your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice with vibrant garnishes to boost both taste and presentation. A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds freshness and a gentle bite, while toasted sesame seeds lend a nutty pop. For a little extra flair, add some finely chopped fresh red chilies or a drizzle of chili oil.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice with classic sides for a full feast. Simple steamed bok choy, crisp cucumber salad, or chicken and sweetcorn soup all work beautifully alongside. If you’re really looking to impress, add some shrimp dumplings or light spring rolls for a restaurant-worthy combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For something fun, serve Chinese Chicken Fried Rice in halved pineapple bowls for a tropical touch, or scoop it into individual lettuce cups for a playful, hand-held appetizer. Hosting a big family meal? Pile it onto a large communal platter and let everyone dig in family-style! The golden rice and rainbow vegetables really shine against a simple white plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Chinese Chicken Fried Rice will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a little as it sits, making your next bowl just as delicious (if not even better) than your first!

Freezing

Chinese Chicken Fried Rice freezes surprisingly well. Cool it completely before sealing in freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for up to 2 months—perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The quickest way is to reheat in a hot wok or skillet, with a splash of water to help steam the rice and keep it fluffy. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between. Whichever method you choose, you’ll enjoy perfectly revived Chinese Chicken Fried Rice with minimal effort.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and tend to stay tender even after stir-frying, chicken breast will work well too. Just avoid overcooking to prevent the meat from drying out in your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice.

Why is day-old rice best for Chinese Chicken Fried Rice?

Using day-old rice ensures the grains are slightly dried out, so they don’t clump together when stir-fried. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky, making it harder to achieve that perfect restaurant-quality fried rice texture!

Is it necessary to use Shaoxing wine?

Shaoxing wine is traditional and adds real depth to the marinade, but you can substitute dry sherry or even skip it if needed. Your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice will still be delicious, though the extra nuance of flavor might be missing.

Can I add other vegetables?

Go for it! Feel free to toss in corn, bell peppers, bean sprouts, or even baby spinach. Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is super flexible, making it a great way to clear out your veggie drawer.

How do I get that authentic smoky “wok hei” flavor?

A very hot wok and quick stir-frying are your friends here! Make sure your pan is heated before adding ingredients and avoid overcrowding. For a home kitchen, this gets your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice pretty close to what you’d enjoy at your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Final Thoughts

Making Chinese Chicken Fried Rice from scratch is easier—and more rewarding—than you might think. Every step brings layers of flavor and texture that simply can’t be matched by takeout. So grab your wok, gather some pantry staples, and enjoy homemade comfort food at its best. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

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