Chinese chicken fried rice is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of chicken with the aromatic essence of soy sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for using up leftover rice and creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
If you don't usually have soy sauce or frozen peas and carrots in your pantry, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. Soy sauce is a staple in many Asian dishes and adds a rich, umami flavor to the fried rice. Frozen peas and carrots are convenient and add a pop of color and sweetness to the dish.

Ingredients For Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Rice: Preferably day-old cooked rice, as it has a firmer texture that holds up well when stir-frying.
Chicken: Diced cooked chicken adds protein and a savory element to the dish.
Soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami flavor that is essential for authentic fried rice.
Peas and carrots: Frozen peas and carrots add color, texture, and a hint of sweetness.
Eggs: Beaten and scrambled, they add richness and a slightly creamy texture.
Vegetable oil: Used for cooking and stir-frying the ingredients.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
Onion: Diced onion provides a sweet and savory base for the dish.
Green onions: Chopped green onions are used as a fresh garnish, adding a mild onion flavor.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When making fried rice, ensure that the cooked rice is preferably a day old. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can result in a mushy texture. Spread the rice out on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for a few hours if you don't have day-old rice. This helps to dry out the grains, giving you the perfect texture for stir-frying.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cooked rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa provides a similar texture and is a great gluten-free option.
cooked rice - Substitute with cauliflower rice: Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative that mimics the texture of rice.
diced cooked chicken - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based protein that absorbs flavors well.
diced cooked chicken - Substitute with shrimp: Shrimp adds a different protein option and a unique flavor.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar taste.
soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are a soy-free, slightly sweeter alternative.
frozen peas and carrots - Substitute with fresh bell peppers and snap peas: Fresh vegetables add a different crunch and flavor profile.
frozen peas and carrots - Substitute with frozen mixed vegetables: A mix of vegetables like corn, green beans, and lima beans can add variety.
beaten eggs - Substitute with scrambled tofu: Scrambled tofu can mimic the texture of eggs and is a vegan option.
beaten eggs - Substitute with chickpea flour batter: Chickpea flour batter can be used to create a similar texture to scrambled eggs.
vegetable oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that complements Asian dishes.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option with a mild flavor.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available.
minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder garlic flavor and add a slight sweetness.
diced onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder onion flavor and a different texture.
diced onion - Substitute with red onion: Red onion provides a sharper taste and a bit of color.
chopped green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.
chopped green onions - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami flavor.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a different heat profile and is commonly used in Asian cuisine.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the Chinese chicken fried rice to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the rice soggy.
- Transfer the cooled fried rice into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Store the fried rice in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer where it can last up to 3 months.
- When ready to reheat, if frozen, thaw the fried rice in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the fried rice in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated.
- Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop by adding a small amount of vegetable oil to a pan over medium heat. Stir-fry the rice until it is hot and evenly heated.
- Avoid reheating more than once to maintain the best texture and flavor of the Chinese chicken fried rice.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of vegetable oil or sesame oil to the skillet.
- Add the leftover Chinese chicken fried rice to the skillet.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, breaking up any clumps of rice.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
Microwave Method:
- Place the leftover fried rice in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the rice moist.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir the rice.
- Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the rice is heated through.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the leftover fried rice evenly in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispy texture.
Steaming Method:
- Place the leftover fried rice in a heatproof bowl that fits into your steamer.
- Add a small amount of water or chicken broth to the rice.
- Set up your steamer and bring the water to a boil.
- Place the bowl in the steamer and cover with a lid.
- Steam for about 5-10 minutes until the rice is heated through.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the leftover fried rice in a thin layer in the air fryer basket.
- Lightly spray with cooking oil to prevent drying out.
- Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check to ensure the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Wok: A large, deep pan with sloping sides, perfect for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly.
Spatula: A flat, broad tool used for flipping and stirring ingredients in the wok.
Knife: Essential for dicing the chicken, onions, and chopping the green onions.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely chop and dice all your ingredients.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the rice and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the soy sauce and vegetable oil.
Mixing bowl: Handy for beating the eggs before scrambling them.
Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the rice and other ingredients without scratching the wok.
Serving spoon: Used to serve the finished fried rice onto plates.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Use day-old rice: Day-old cooked rice is drier and separates easily, making it perfect for fried rice.
Pre-cook ingredients: Have diced chicken, frozen peas and carrots, and beaten eggs ready to go before you start cooking.
High heat cooking: Cook on high heat to quickly stir-fry ingredients, saving time and enhancing flavors.
Minimize chopping: Use pre-diced onions and garlic to reduce prep time.
Batch cooking: Make extra portions and store them for quick meals later in the week.

Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked rice preferably day-old
- 1 cup Cooked chicken diced
- 2 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 cup Frozen peas and carrots
- 2 Eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoon Vegetable oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Onion small, diced
- 2 stalks Green onions chopped
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from wok and set aside.
- 2. Add the remaining oil to the wok. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant.
- 3. Add the diced chicken and cook until heated through.
- 4. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, and cook for a few minutes until they are tender.
- 5. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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