Chicken Fried Rice 1

Chicken Fried Rice 1 is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Christie at Home on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $7.08 total, $1.77 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless, sliced into bite‑size pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons Regular Soy Sauce (for marinating and flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce (adds color and depth)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (toasted flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon Powder (enhances umami)
  • ¼ teaspoon White Pepper (ground, for mild heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Corn Starch (helps thicken the marinade)
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (divided for stir‑frying)
  • 2 Shallots (thinly sliced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • ½ cup Frozen Peas (thawed)
  • ½ cup Carrots (diced small)
  • 2 Eggs (lightly beaten)
  • 4 cups Cooked Rice (preferably day‑old and chilled)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken

    In a mixing bowl combine the sliced chicken thighs with regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and corn starch. Toss to coat evenly and let sit while you prep the vegetables.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prep Vegetables and Eggs

    Thinly slice the shallots, mince the garlic, dice the carrots, and thaw the peas. Lightly beat the eggs in a small bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Cook the Chicken

    Heat 1½ tablespoons of vegetable oil in the wok over medium‑high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and stir‑fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 4‑5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  4. Sauté Aromatics

    Add another ½ tablespoon of oil to the wok. Toss in the sliced shallots and minced garlic, stirring for about 10 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  5. Stir‑Fry Vegetables

    Push the aromatics to the sides of the wok, add the peas and carrots, and stir‑fry for another 10 seconds just to heat through.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  6. Scramble the Eggs

    Add a splash of oil if the pan looks dry, then pour in the beaten eggs. Let sit briefly, then scramble gently until just set.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  7. Combine Rice and Chicken

    Add the chilled cooked rice to the wok, breaking up any clumps. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss everything together, stirring constantly for 3‑4 minutes until the rice is heated through and lightly coated with the sauces.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  8. Final Seasoning and Serve

    Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more soy sauce or white pepper if desired. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
520
Protein
22g
Carbohydrates
62g
Fat
16g
Fiber
4g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains soy, Gluten‑free if using tamari

Allergens: Eggs, Soy, Gluten (regular soy sauce)

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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Chicken Fried Rice 1

Recipe by Christie at Home

A quick 30‑minute chicken fried rice that tastes better than restaurant takeout. Marinated chicken thighs are stir‑fried with soy sauces, sesame oil, and bouillon, then tossed with peas, carrots, scrambled eggs and day‑old rice for a satisfying main dish.

EasyChineseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
34m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.08
Total cost
$1.77
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken with soy sauces and corn starch
  • Cooking the chicken over high heat without overcrowding
  • Using day‑old rice to prevent sogginess
  • Ensuring garlic does not burn

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken fried rice in Chinese cuisine?

A

Chicken fried rice originated as a way to repurpose leftover rice and meat in Chinese households, turning leftovers into a flavorful, quick meal. It became a staple street‑food and restaurant dish, embodying the Chinese principle of minimizing waste while delivering comfort food.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken fried rice in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Cantonese cooking, fried rice often uses light soy sauce and a hint of oyster sauce, while Sichuan versions may add spicy bean paste and chili oil. Some regions incorporate Chinese sausage or shrimp for added protein.

cultural
Q

How is chicken fried rice traditionally served in China?

A

It is typically served hot, either as a main dish or as part of a larger family meal, often accompanied by stir‑fried greens and a clear soup. In restaurants, it may be presented in a wok with a garnish of sliced scallions.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chicken fried rice associated with in Chinese culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, chicken fried rice is a common comfort food for everyday family meals and is frequently served at gatherings where quick, satisfying dishes are needed.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with chicken fried rice?

A

Pair it with steamed bok choy, hot and sour soup, or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for chicken fried rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include day‑old jasmine rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, scallions, peas, carrots, and diced chicken. Acceptable substitutes are tamari for gluten‑free soy sauce, cauliflower rice for low‑carb, and tofu in place of chicken for a vegetarian version.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken fried rice?

A

Common errors include using fresh rice (which makes the dish soggy), overcrowding the wok (which lowers the temperature), over‑cooking the garlic (causing bitterness), and over‑cooking the chicken, which dries it out.

technical
Q

Why does this chicken fried rice recipe use both regular and dark soy sauce instead of just one?

A

Regular soy sauce provides salty seasoning, while dark soy sauce adds a richer color and a subtle sweetness, creating the characteristic golden‑brown appearance of takeout‑style fried rice.

technical
Q

Can I make chicken fried rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can cook the rice and marinate the chicken a day ahead. Store the rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator and keep the marinated chicken separate. Reheat in a hot wok, adding a splash of oil to restore texture.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making chicken fried rice?

A

The rice grains should be separate, slightly glossy, and lightly browned. The vegetables stay crisp, and the chicken pieces are tender with a thin caramelized coating. The dish should look colorful with specks of green from shallots and orange from carrots.

technical
Q

How do I know when the chicken fried rice is done cooking?

A

The chicken will be opaque and no longer pink, the rice will be hot throughout, and the vegetables will be bright and tender‑crisp. A quick taste test should confirm the seasoning is balanced.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Christie at Home specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Christie at Home specializes in approachable, family‑friendly recipes that focus on quick weeknight meals, comfort foods, and practical cooking tips for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Christie at Home?

A

Christie at Home emphasizes simplicity, using everyday pantry ingredients, minimal equipment, and step‑by‑step guidance so viewers can confidently recreate restaurant‑style dishes at home without fuss.

channel

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