Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

This Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in just 30 minutes. Packed with savory flavors, this dish features fluffy rice combined with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic garlic and shallots. It’s versatile enough for lunch or dinner and is sure to satisfy your cravings for takeout without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a homemade meal in no time.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of chicken, eggs, peas, and carrots creates a satisfying taste that rivals your favorite restaurant dish.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a standalone dinner or a side for other Asian dishes.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make this fried rice your own.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with everything cooked in one wok.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful recipe, having the right tools will make the process easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok
• Cooking spatula
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok: A wok distributes heat evenly, allowing for quick cooking and perfect stir-frying.
• Cooking spatula: This tool helps to toss ingredients efficiently, ensuring they cook uniformly without sticking.
• Mixing bowls: Use these for marinating chicken and mixing sauces, keeping your workspace organized.

Ingredients

For the Rice

• 4 ½ cups cooked jasmine rice (day old)

For the Chicken

• 1/2 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (thinly sliced)

For the Vegetables

• 1 shallot (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3/4 cup carrot (finely diced)
• ½ cup peas (frozen)

For the Sauce

• 1 tsp regular soy sauce
• 1 tsp Shaoxing Cooking apple vinegar (or sub with Dry Sherry apple vinegar)
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp regular soy sauce
• ½ tbsp dark soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder (aka chicken stock powder)
• ⅛ tsp white pepper (or sub with black pepper)

For Cooking

• 4 tsp vegetable oil (or any neutral tasting oil)
• 3 eggs (beaten)

How to Make Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine thinly sliced chicken with marinade ingredients.
2. Let it sit for about 5 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In another small bowl, mix together all sauce ingredients until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tsp of vegetable oil in a hot wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until fully cooked. Remove from wok and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

1. Add another teaspoon of oil to the hot wok.
2. Fry minced garlic and chopped shallots for about 10 seconds until softened.
3. Quickly add frozen peas and diced carrots; sauté for an additional 10 seconds.
4. Push all ingredients to one side of the wok.

Step 5: Scramble Eggs

1. In the empty space of the wok, add another teaspoon of oil.
2. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble them before mixing with other ingredients.

Step 6: Combine Rice and Chicken

1. Add remaining vegetable oil along with day-old jasmine rice into the wok.
2. Toss everything together until well mixed before adding back in the cooked chicken.

Step 7: Add Sauce and Serve

1. Pour prepared sauce around the edges of the wok instead of directly on top of rice.
2. Stir well until each grain of rice is coated brown from the sauce.
3. Remove from heat and serve hot!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice! Perfect for any occasion or just a weeknight dinner at home!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to complement your meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Garnishes

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a crisp texture and fresh flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch.
• Chili Flakes: A sprinkle of chili flakes can add a spicy kick.

Accompanied by Sauces

• Soy Sauce: A classic choice that enhances the umami flavor of the fried rice.
• Sriracha: For those who enjoy heat, Sriracha adds both spice and tanginess.
• Sweet Soy Sauce: This adds a sweet and savory touch that pairs well with the rice.

In a Bowl

• Rice Bowl Style: Serve the fried rice in bowls topped with fresh herbs for an inviting presentation.
• Layered Bowl: Create layers with fried rice, proteins, and veggies for added texture.

As Part of a Meal

• With Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls make for an excellent appetizer alongside the fried rice.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pairing with stir-fried vegetables adds color and nutrition.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Perfecting your Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice comes down to technique and ingredient quality. Here are some tips to get it just right.

• Use Day-Old Rice: This helps your fried rice maintain its texture without becoming mushy.
• High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat ensures that the ingredients fry quickly, enhancing flavors and preventing sogginess.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary to give each ingredient enough space to cook evenly.
• Proper Marination: Marinate the chicken for at least 5 minutes to infuse it with flavor before cooking.
• Toss Quickly and Often: Frequent tossing helps evenly distribute heat and prevents sticking.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning during cooking for optimal flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

Adding side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside your Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice.

1. Egg Drop Soup: A light soup that complements the hearty fried rice with its delicate flavors.
2. Steamed Dumplings: These can be filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables for a tasty addition.
3. Asian Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad provides crunch and balances flavors perfectly.
4. Hot & Sour Soup: The spicy-sour profile offers a nice contrast to the savory fried rice.
5. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with veggies make for an enjoyable appetizer or side.
6. Braised Tofu in Soy Sauce: This dish offers protein and absorbs rich flavors that pair well with fried rice.
7. Mapo Tofu: A spicy tofu dish that adds depth and heat to your meal ensemble.
8. Chili Garlic Broccoli: Stir-fried broccoli gives you a healthy side packed with flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best outcome.

• Using fresh rice: Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when fried. Always use day-old rice for fluffier results.
• Overcooking chicken: Cooking chicken too long makes it dry. Cook just until fully done and remove from the heat.
• Not preparing ingredients in advance: Having everything chopped and ready before starting is crucial. This prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
• Pouring sauce directly on rice: Adding sauce on top can lead to uneven flavor. Pour it around the edges of the wok for better distribution.
• Skipping the marination: Marinating chicken enhances flavor. Even a short marination time can make a big difference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread fried rice on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil, then add rice. Stir often until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice.

What type of rice is best for fried rice?

Jasmine rice is ideal due to its fluffy texture and aroma. Day-old jasmine rice works best because it’s drier.

Can I add vegetables to Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, broccoli, or any vegetables you enjoy to enhance nutrition and flavor.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can skip the chicken and replace it with tofu or additional vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version of fried rice.

Is Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just ensure proper storage techniques are followed.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can swap out ingredients based on what you have at home or your dietary preferences. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a delightful lunch option. Give it a try!