Name: Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce; 1 teaspoon Shaoxing Cooking Wine or Dry Sherry Wine; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce; 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder; 1/8 teaspoon white or black pepper; 4 1/2 cups cooked jasmine rice (day-old); 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 teaspoons vegetable oil or neutral-tasting oil

Jump to Recipe·5 from 14 reviews

There’s something magical about a bowl of Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice: fluffy, golden grains tossed with juicy, marinated chicken, scrambled eggs, fresh peas and carrots, all kissed by the fragrance of garlic and shallots. With every bite, you get a rich blend of savory flavors and tender textures—plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes! Whether you need a satisfying dinner, a make-ahead meal for the week, or a crowd-pleaser for your next get-together, this take-out classic checks every box for home cooks who crave effortless deliciousness.

Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is its simplicity—each ingredient shines, bringing distinct flavor, texture, or visual appeal. Don’t skip a component; every one has a purpose in your upcoming kitchen masterpiece!

Cooked Jasmine Rice (4 ½ cups, day-old): Day-old rice holds its shape and fries up perfectly, so your rice is never mushy.
Chicken Thighs (½ lb, thinly sliced): Thighs stay juicy and tender, absorbing the quick marinade beautifully for every savory bite.
Shallot (1, finely chopped): Adds a gentle, sweet onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Lends irresistible aroma and a classic Chinese fried rice depth.
Carrot (¾ cup, finely diced): Brings pops of color and subtle sweetness, balancing the flavors.
Frozen Peas (½ cup): Adds freshness and bright color, and they heat up in seconds right in the pan.
Eggs (3, beaten): Scrambled eggs add gentle richness and those signature yellow ribbons.
Vegetable Oil (4 teaspoons): Ensures your ingredients cook evenly and helps everything sizzle beautifully; use any neutral oil.
Soy Sauce (for marinade & sauce): Essential for salty, umami-packed flavor—both in the chicken and for seasoning the rice.
Shaoxing Cooking Wine (1 tsp, for marinade): Brings authentic Chinese aroma and extra depth; dry sherry is a fine substitute.
Cornstarch (1 tsp, for marinade): Helps the chicken stay extra tender during a quick stir-fry.
Sesame Oil (2 tsp, for sauce): Adds a nutty finish that makes the dish taste irresistibly “restaurant” good.
Chicken Bouillon Powder (1 tsp, for sauce): Delivers savory chicken flavor throughout every bite, like the best take-out shops.
White Pepper (⅛ tsp, for sauce): Offers gentle heat and a uniquely aromatic kick; black pepper also works in a pinch.
Dark Soy Sauce (½ tbsp, for sauce): Deepens both the color and the savory notes, for that glossy, mouthwatering finish.

How to Make Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing the thinly sliced chicken thighs with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. This quick five-minute marinade transforms the chicken, making it ultra-tender and deeply savory. Don’t rush this step—even a quick soak makes a difference!

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: regular and dark soy sauces, sesame oil, bouillon powder, and white pepper. Stir until the bouillon powder dissolves. Having the sauce pre-mixed ensures your fried rice gets evenly coated at just the right moment in the wok.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat your wok (or a large skillet) over medium-high heat and swirl in a teaspoon of oil. Once shimmering hot, add the marinated chicken, spreading it out in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed at first for nice caramelization, then stir-fry until cooked through—just a few minutes! Set the chicken aside so it doesn’t overcook.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Add another teaspoon of oil to your hot wok, then the minced garlic and chopped shallots. Sauté for about 10 seconds—just until their fragrance fills the kitchen. Quickly add the diced carrots and frozen peas, stir-frying until they brighten and soften slightly.

Step 5: Scramble the Eggs

Push everything to one side of the wok, creating space for the eggs. Add another teaspoon of oil in the empty section, then pour in the beaten eggs. Let them just start to set, then scramble and gently fold them into the vegetables—a classic fried rice move, for soft, golden egg throughout.

Step 6: Add Rice and Chicken

Now it’s time for the star! Toss in your day-old jasmine rice along with the last bit of oil, breaking up any clumps so the grains separate. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, and begin tossing everything together, ensuring the rice, veggies, chicken, and eggs mingle evenly.

Step 7: Add the Sauce and Finish

Pour your pre-mixed sauce around the edges of the wok (this helps the sauce sizzle and intensify flavor as it hits the hot pan). Toss everything thoroughly so the rice is beautifully colored and each grain is coated. Remove from the heat and get ready for the best part—serving and eating!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! I love a sprinkle of sliced green onions for a fresh crunch, a dash of toasted sesame seeds for subtle nuttiness, and maybe a bit more white pepper if you like extra heat. If you have cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil, don’t hold back—personalizing your bowl makes every bite memorable.

Side Dishes

This Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice shines as the main event, but it pairs perfectly with light, crisp sides like an Asian cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or some simple stir-fried greens. If you’re feeling fancy, serve alongside spring rolls or dumplings for a festive spread!

Creative Ways to Present

Try shaping your fried rice into a neat dome using a small bowl as a mold—just press in and invert onto the plate for that restaurant touch! Or serve it in individual bowls topped with extra garnishes. Even kids love scooping from colorful bento boxes or tucking the rice into lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your next meal just as crave-worthy. Just be sure to cool it fully before sealing and popping it in the fridge.

Freezing

This dish is also freezer-friendly: portion cooled fried rice into resealable freezer bags (squeeze out extra air) or freezer containers. It’ll keep for up to three months. Flattening bags helps rice reheat evenly and saves precious freezer space.

Reheating

For best results, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the rice before reheating. Microwave covered, or stir-fry briefly in a skillet until steaming hot. Don’t skip the water—it steams the rice back to fluffy, just-cooked perfection instead of leaving it dry or chewy.

FAQs

What’s the secret to non-mushy fried rice?

The trick is to use day-old, cold rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky, but chilled rice gives you those perfect separate grains that soak up all the flavors without turning soggy.

Can I use another type of rice if I don’t have jasmine?

Definitely! While jasmine rice offers a lovely, light fragrance, long grain white rice, basmati, or even leftover brown rice all work well—the key is that it’s cold and not freshly made.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for only five minutes?

Yes—a quick marinade is plenty for thinly sliced chicken. It infuses flavor and locks in juiciness without a long wait, which is why this recipe is so convenient on busy days!

Can I make this Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap in extra veggies (like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms) and use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Be sure to use vegetarian bouillon or skip it if you’re avoiding animal products.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a few dashes of chili oil, toss in some sliced fresh chili, or stir in a spoonful of sambal oelek when mixing in the sauce. You control the heat—make it as mild or fiery as your taste buds demand!

Final Thoughts

There’s a special joy in crafting your own Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice at home—it’s delicious, efficient, and endlessly customizable. I promise, once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat. Trust me: your family, friends, and tastebuds will thank you, so grab your wok and let’s fry up something amazing tonight!