Name: Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: ½ lb skinless boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce; 1 teaspoon Shaoxing Cooking Wine or dry sherry / dry white wine / chicken broth; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or any neutral tasting oil; 1.5 cups frozen peas and carrots or frozen vegetable mix (corn, peas, carrots, green beans); 3 large eggs, beaten; 1 small shallot or ¼ onion, finely diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 ½ cups cooked jasmine rice, cold day-old (or see Notes below to prepare uncooked rice for this recipe); 4 teaspoons vegetable oil or any neutral tasting oil, divided; 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce or light soy sauce; ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (a.k.a. chicken stock powder); ⅛ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 61 reviews

If you are craving a satisfying, flavorful, and quick meal that never fails to hit the spot, then this Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with tender marinated chicken, fragrant jasmine rice, colorful veggies, and just the right balance of savory sauces, this dish has it all. It’s a delicious way to transform simple ingredients into a classic comfort food that feels like a homemade victory every time you make it. Whether for a busy weeknight or a weekend indulgence, this recipe is guaranteed to be a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A set of fourteen clear glass bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each holding different cooking ingredients. On the left, a large round bowl contains raw chopped chicken with a pale pink color. Next to it, a round bowl holds a mix of bright orange carrot cubes and green peas. Beside that, a smaller bowl has chopped light purple onions. A row of smaller bowls stretches across the top, filled with different sauces and seasonings: three dark brown sauces, light brown powder, and white seasonings. Below them, three whole white eggs sit in a round bowl, next to a bowl of chopped garlic with a pale yellow tone. Toward the bottom right, there are more bowls filled with clear liquids and white powders. At the bottom left, a square bowl is filled with fluffy white rice. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each element adds flavor, texture, or color that brings the dish to life without complicating the process.

Cooked jasmine rice (4 ½ cups, cold and day-old): Using day-old rice keeps it fluffy and prevents it from turning mushy when fried.
Skinless boneless chicken thighs (½ lb, thinly sliced): Juicy and tender, chicken thighs offer more flavor and moisture compared to breast meat.
Frozen peas and carrots (1.5 cups): These add sweet pops of color and a slight crunch that brighten the texture.
Large eggs (3, beaten): They provide a rich, silky element that binds the rice and adds protein.
Small shallot or ¼ onion (finely diced): A subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the dish.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): For that punch of fragrant, savory depth.
Vegetable oil (4 teaspoons): A neutral oil allows the ingredients’ true flavors to shine without overpowering.
Marinade ingredients: Soy sauce, Shaoxing cooking wine (or substitute), cornstarch, and oil work together to tenderize and flavor the chicken perfectly.
Sauce ingredients: Regular and dark soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken bouillon powder, and white pepper layer on the signature savory richness and subtle warmth to the final dish.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by combining the chicken slices with the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, Shaoxing cooking wine, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. This simple mix not only flavors the chicken but also keeps it tender and juicy through the cooking process. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients, allowing the flavors to seep in deeply.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

Next, whisk together the sauce ingredients—regular and dark soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken bouillon powder, and white pepper—in a small bowl. This savory blend is what transforms usual fried rice into restaurant-quality fare with its balanced umami and fragrant aroma. Set this aside until you need it.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it is completely done with a nice lightly browned exterior. Remove the chicken from the pan and give the pan a quick wipe if needed to avoid burning the next ingredients.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

In the same pan, add another teaspoon of oil and quickly sauté the garlic and shallots for about 10 seconds. This step awakens their flavors without letting them burn. Then toss in the frozen peas and carrots, frying them briefly for about 10 seconds to heat them through but retain a bit of crunch.

Step 5: Cook the Eggs

Slide everything to the side of the pan, create an empty space, and add the remaining vegetable oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them set without stirring for about 20 seconds. Then scramble and break the eggs into bite-sized pieces, mixing them with the aromatics and veggies. This ensures the eggs absorb all the delicious flavors around them.

Step 6: Combine Rice and Chicken

Add the cold cooked jasmine rice and the cooked chicken back into the pan. Toss everything thoroughly to combine the ingredients and evenly distribute heat. This is where the fried rice starts to take shape, absorbing all the mixed aromas and textures.

Step 7: Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking

Pour the prepared sauce around the edges of the pan or directly over the rice. Let it sit and toast for about 5 seconds to deepen the flavors before tossing again. Keep stirring to coat every grain of rice in the sauce until the rice turns a beautiful, appetizing brown color. That’s when you know it’s ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a cooked mix of scrambled yellow eggs, orange small diced carrots, green peas, and small pieces of light purple onion, all evenly spread in a black pan. The eggs have a soft and fluffy texture, while the vegetables add bright, firm colors and contrast. The mix looks fresh and well-cooked, with the colors standing out against the dark pan and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds can elevate your dish with a fresh crunch and mild nuttiness. These final touches add a delightful contrast that complements the richness of the fried rice wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This fried rice pairs perfectly with light and crisp dishes like a simple cucumber salad, steamed bok choy, or even a bowl of hot miso soup. The balance of textures and flavors from these sides enhances the overall meal, making it more satisfying and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe inside a hollowed-out pineapple or colorful bell peppers. Not only does it look impressive, but the slight sweetness from the pineapple or the freshness from the peppers adds a new layer of flavor that surprises and delights every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Because the rice and chicken are both cooked thoroughly, refrigeration helps maintain texture and prevents spoilage, so you can enjoy leftovers without losing quality.

Freezing

You can freeze Chinese Chicken Fried Rice for up to 2 months by placing it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Just portion it into meals to make reheating more convenient. To avoid freezer burn, remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover fried rice in a hot pan with a splash of oil or water to revive its moisture and texture. Microwave reheating works too—just cover the container with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Stir frequently during reheating for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

While jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrance and ideal texture, you can use long-grain rice as a substitute. Just make sure the rice is cooked and refrigerated beforehand to prevent clumping during frying.

Is it okay to use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used if you prefer leaner meat. However, chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and flavorful when cooked quickly, so keep an eye on breast meat to avoid drying it out.

What if I don’t have Shaoxing cooking wine?

No worries! Dry sherry, dry white wine, or even chicken broth make great substitutes in the marinade, providing similar depth and a mild acidity that enhances the chicken’s flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to the fried rice?

Definitely! Feel free to customize your fried rice with additional veggies like bell peppers, corn, or green beans depending on what’s available and your personal taste. Just be sure to cut them into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.

How do I achieve that perfect “wok hei” flavor without a wok?

Using a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a non-stick frying pan on high heat works well. Ensure the pan is very hot before adding ingredients, and avoid overcrowding to allow the rice to fry rather than steam. This technique helps mimic the smoky, charred essence typical in Chinese fried rice.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe becomes one of your go-to meals when you want something quick, delicious, and downright comforting. It’s amazing how such simple ingredients come together to create a symphony of texture and flavor that feels like a special treat every time. Don’t be afraid to make it your own and enjoy every satisfying bite—you’re just a few tasty steps away from something truly wonderful.