Name: Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 ½ cups cooked jasmine rice, day-old; ½ lb skinless boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cup carrot, finely diced; ½ cup peas, frozen; 3 eggs, beaten; 4 teaspoons vegetable oil or any neutral-tasting oil; Chicken marinade: 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce; 1 teaspoon Shaoxing Cooking Wine or Dry Sherry Wine; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon vegetable oil; Sauce: 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce; ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder; ⅛ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper

If you’re after a dish that balances flavor, ease, and a little touch of comfort, this Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is destined to be your new go-to. Imagine fluffy jasmine rice, tender marinated chicken, vibrant veggies, and savory seasonings all tossed together in a sizzling wok for an irresistibly aromatic meal. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or those times you crave takeout without leaving home. With colorful vegetables and rich, caramelized sauce coating every grain, this is a meal the whole family will request on repeat.

Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Assembling Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is truly simple, yet each ingredient has a purpose — building layers of flavor, popping with texture, or just injecting that iconic color. The magic happens when everyday staples join forces with savory sauces and aromatic veggies. Here’s what you’ll need (and why they matter):

Cooked Jasmine Rice (4 ½ cups, day-old): Day-old rice is drier, which helps every grain fry up fluffy and separate instead of turning mushy.
Chicken Thighs (½ lb, thinly sliced): Juicy and flavorful, thigh meat stays tender and soaks up the marinade beautifully.
Shallot (1, finely chopped): Shallots add a gentle sweetness and depth to balance the savory flavors.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for that fragrant, mouthwatering aroma you expect from any great fried rice.
Carrot (¾ cup, finely diced): Brings sweetness, color, and a little crunch to every bite.
Frozen Peas (½ cup): A pop of green goodness, with just the right touch of sweetness.
Eggs (3, beaten): Soft, silky scrambled eggs are a fried rice classic, soaking up flavor and making the dish hearty.
Vegetable Oil (4 tsp): Choose a neutral oil to let the other flavors shine — it keeps everything from sticking and helps the wok sizzle.
Soy Sauce (Regular, for marinade and sauce): Adds that signature umami and savory essence.
Shaoxing Cooking Wine (or dry sherry, for marinade): Gives the chicken an authentic, complex aroma; a worthy addition, but you can swap in dry sherry if needed.
Cornstarch (for marinade): Coats the chicken for that silky finish and helps lock in the juices.
Dark Soy Sauce (for sauce): Deepens color and brings a subtle richness to the dish.
Sesame Oil (for sauce): Adds a warm, toasty aroma and rounds out the flavors.
Chicken Bouillon Powder (for sauce): Introduces another layer of savory, strong chicken flavor.
White Pepper (or black pepper): For gentle spice and depth; white pepper has a delicate heat, but use black pepper if that’s what you have.

How to Make Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by combining your thinly sliced chicken thighs with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and a splash of oil. Toss it all together and let the chicken marinate for five minutes. This quick soak ensures your chicken is tender, juicy, and rich with flavor once it hits the hot pan. While it’s a short wait, those few minutes make all the difference to your Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice.

Step 2: Mix Up the Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken bouillon powder, and white pepper. You’re building your fried rice’s backbone here, so don’t skip this step! Having the sauce pre-mixed lets you add it all at once, ensuring every bite is evenly coated and super savory.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat about a teaspoon of oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, letting it sear without stirring for a minute to get some caramelization before tossing. Cook just until fully done, then immediately scoop the chicken out and set it aside. This keeps your chicken perfectly juicy for your Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics & Veggies

Wipe out any browned bits then add another teaspoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped shallots, letting them sizzle for about ten seconds until fragrant. Quickly add the diced carrot and frozen peas, stir-frying until they’re just tender and vibrant, around another ten seconds. Push everything to the side of your wok to create a space for the egg.

Step 5: Scramble the Eggs

Pour in your beaten eggs into the empty part of the wok, adding another teaspoon of oil if needed. Gently scramble the eggs until they’re just set and still a little creamy, then mix them with the vegetables and aromatics. The eggs soak up all those fantastic flavors, making every forkful richer.

Step 6: Add the Rice & Chicken

Drizzle in the last bit of oil and tumble your day-old cooked jasmine rice into the wok. Use a spatula or spoon to break up any clumps and toss it until evenly heated and separated. Return the cooked chicken to the wok, getting ready for the grand finale.

Step 7: Pour in the Sauce & Finish

For the ultimate flavor, pour your pre-mixed sauce around the edge of the wok rather than directly onto the rice. This method lets the sauce sizzle and caramelize as it drips down, infusing everything with that “takeout magic.” Toss vigorously until every grain glistens brown and smells incredible. Remove from heat and serve your delicious Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice right away!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

The best part of serving Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is choosing the perfect finishing touches. Try a sprinkling of sliced scallions for freshness, a dusting of white pepper or chili flakes if you like a little heat, or toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. For an even fancier touch, add a few sprigs of cilantro or a drizzle of extra sesame oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

While this fried rice is hearty enough to shine solo, it loves company on the table! Serve it with homemade spring rolls, quick-steamed vegetables, or a crisp Asian cucumber salad. If you’re in the mood, pair it with a simple soup like hot and sour or egg drop to make dinner feel as special as your favorite restaurant takeout.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice in pineapple halves or small individual bowls for personal portions. Hosting? Spoon the rice into a big family-style platter and let everyone help themselves. It’s also fantastic in a bento box for lunch — just add some sliced fruit and a fortune cookie for that extra-special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is honestly rare!), store your Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to three days, and the flavors often get even better as they meld.

Freezing

To freeze, let the fried rice cool completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container or zippered bag, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. The rice can happily hang out in your freezer for about a month. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just take out what you need — no defrosting required.

Reheating

Reheat leftover fried rice either in a hot nonstick skillet or microwave. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth and stir frequently until hot. In the microwave, cover loosely and heat in one-minute bursts, fluffing with a fork in between to ensure even warming and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Absolutely! While jasmine rice is classic, any cooked long-grain variety will work in Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice. Just be sure your rice is fully cooled and a bit dried out so each grain fries up light and fluffy.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, don’t worry — dry sherry is a great substitute, or you can leave it out completely if needed. Your chicken will still taste delicious with the soy and seasonings in the marinade.

Can I make this vegetarian or with another protein?

Definitely! Swap the chicken with tofu, shrimp, or another protein of your choice. Just marinate and cook it as you would the chicken, and your Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice will be just as satisfying.

Why use day-old rice instead of freshly cooked rice?

Day-old rice is firmer and contains less moisture, helping each grain fry evenly and stay fluffy without sticking together. Fresh rice tends to clump and get mushy when stir-fried, so prepping your rice ahead is the secret to perfect fried rice texture.

How do I avoid soggy or sticky fried rice?

For the best Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice, let your rice chill in the fridge overnight so it dries out. Fry over high heat, don’t overcrowd your pan, and toss everything well so each ingredient gets coated without steaming. These steps ensure your fried rice comes out perfectly light every time.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice enough — it’s that happy intersection of fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Next time you’re craving Chinese takeout or just need a dinner in a hurry, give this recipe a try. You’ll love how easily it comes together and how the bowl empties fast at the table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to put your own twist on it!