Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 4. 540 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $5.84 total, $1.46 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Jasmine Rice (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup Water (for cooking rice)
  • 1 teaspoon Vegetable Oil (added to rice to reduce stickiness)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (separate white parts (stem) from green tops; white parts for oil, green tops for garnish)
  • 1 cup Bean Sprouts (rinsed, drained, ends trimmed)
  • 1 medium Carrot (cut into thin strips matching bean sprout length)
  • 1 pound Chicken Breast (cut into medium‑sized slices)
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (regular light soy)
  • 1 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce (for color and depth)
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (adds umami)
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (optional, balances flavors)
  • a pinch Baking Soda (optional, tenderizes chicken)
  • 1/4 teaspoon White Pepper Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (helps coat chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (adds nutty aroma)
  • 2 tablespoons Water (for marinade)
  • 1/2 cup Green Peas (frozen) (thawed)
  • 2 Eggs (beaten)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for pan) (for stir‑frying)
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing Rice Wine (adds depth to chicken)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
  • a pinch Black Pepper Powder

Instructions

  1. Cook the Jasmine Rice

    Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice until water runs clear, drain, then add to the rice cooker with 1 cup water, 1 tsp vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt. Start the cooker and let it finish the cycle (about 20 minutes).

    Time: PT20M

  2. Prepare Vegetables and Chicken

    While the rice cooks, mince 2 garlic cloves, slice the white parts of 2 green onions, set green tops aside, rinse and trim 1 cup bean sprouts, cut carrot into thin strips, and slice 1 lb chicken into medium pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Marinate the Chicken

    In a mixing bowl combine 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sugar (optional), a pinch of baking soda (optional), 1/4 tsp white pepper, 1 tsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp water, 1 tsp vegetable oil and 1 tsp sesame oil. Add the chicken slices, toss to coat, and let sit for 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Stir‑Fry Carrots and Bean Sprouts

    Heat 1 tbsp oil in the wok over medium‑high heat. Add carrot strips, toss quickly, then add bean sprouts. Sprinkle a pinch of sugar and a pinch of salt, stir‑fry 1‑2 minutes, drizzle 1 tsp dark soy sauce, and finish with a splash of rice wine (optional). Remove and set aside.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  5. Pan‑Fry the Chicken

    Add another 1 tbsp oil to the wok if needed. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer, let the bottom turn golden (about 2‑3 minutes), then flip to brown the other side. Add minced garlic, stir‑fry until fragrant, splash 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine, toss briefly, then remove the chicken and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Make Green‑Onion Oil

    Add a little oil to the wok, then add the sliced white parts of the green onions. Sauté until they turn golden‑brown and release aroma (about 2 minutes).

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Stir‑Fry the Rice and Scramble Eggs

    Increase heat to high, add the cooked jasmine rice (still warm) and break up any clumps. Stir‑fry until the rice is hot and slightly toasted (2‑3 minutes). Push rice to the side, pour beaten eggs into the empty space, scramble until just set, then mix the eggs through the rice until evenly incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: high

  8. Season the Rice

    Season the rice with 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, stirring until the color is uniform.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Combine All Ingredients

    Add the green peas, then return the carrot‑bean sprout mix and the chicken to the wok. Toss in the green onion tops and a pinch of black pepper. Stir‑fry everything together for another 2‑3 minutes until heated through.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  10. Serve

    Transfer the chicken fried rice to a serving bowl and enjoy while hot.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
540
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
60g
Fat
12g
Fiber
4g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains soy, Contains gluten (regular soy sauce), Can be made gluten‑free with tamari

Allergens: Eggs, Soy, Sesame, Shellfish (oyster sauce)

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook

A flavorful Cantonese‑style chicken fried rice inspired by a restaurant visit. The recipe uses jasmine rice, crisp vegetables, marinated chicken, and a quick‑cook technique to deliver fluffy, aromatic rice that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

MediumChineseServes 4

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

Source Video
5m
Prep
43m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
58m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.84
Total cost
$1.46
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Remove cooked rice from the rice cooker promptly to prevent drying
  • Do not overcook bean sprouts – they should stay crisp
  • Fry chicken until golden on each side, not fully cooked, to retain juiciness
  • Ensure rice is hot and fluffy before adding eggs
  • Final toss should evenly coat all ingredients

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid burns
  • Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety
  • Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken to prevent cross‑contamination

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 is a staple of Cantonese home cooking, originally created as a way to repurpose leftover rice and meat. It embodies the Chinese principle of "waste not," turning day‑old rice into a flavorful, quick meal that can be enjoyed any time of day.

cultural
Q

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

A

In Cantonese cooking, the rice is kept light and fluffy with minimal sauce, while in Sichuan versions, spicy chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns are added. Taiwanese fried rice often includes pineapple for a sweet‑savory twist, and Indonesian nasi goreng incorporates kecap manis and shrimp paste.

cultural
Q

What is the authentic traditional way chicken fried rice is served in Cantonese households?

A

Traditionally, Cantonese chicken fried rice is served hot from the wok, garnished with sliced green onion tops, and accompanied by a side of soup or stir‑fried vegetables. It is often eaten with a bowl of clear broth to balance the richness.

cultural
Q

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

A

Fried rice is a common dish for family gatherings, Lunar New Year leftovers, and casual weekend meals. Its quick preparation makes it ideal for busy weekdays while still offering a comforting, celebratory feel.

cultural
Q

How does chicken fried rice fit into the broader Chinese cuisine tradition?

A

Fried rice showcases the Chinese cooking technique of high‑heat stir‑frying, which preserves texture and flavor. It reflects the cuisine’s emphasis on balance—combining protein, vegetables, and carbs in one harmonious bowl.

cultural
Q

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

A

Traditional ingredients include jasmine rice, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and Cantonese‑style chicken. Substitutes can be tamari for gluten‑free soy sauce, fish sauce for oyster sauce, and chicken thigh instead of breast for extra juiciness.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with chicken fried rice?

A

Pair it with a light soup such as egg drop or hot and sour soup, a simple stir‑fried bok choy, or steamed dumplings. The mild flavor of the fried rice complements richer dishes like sweet‑and‑sour pork or mapo tofu.

cultural
Q

What makes chicken fried rice special or unique in Cantonese cuisine?

A

Its hallmark is the fluffy, separate grains of rice achieved by using day‑old rice and a quick, high‑heat stir‑fry. The balance of savory soy sauces with a hint of sweetness and the addition of crisp vegetables give it a distinctive texture and flavor profile.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include using freshly cooked rice (it becomes mushy), overcooking the vegetables (they lose crunch), and cooking the chicken too long (it dries out). Also, overcrowding the wok lowers the temperature, resulting in soggy rice.

technical
Q

Why does this chicken fried rice recipe use a brief chicken marination instead of a longer one?

A

A short 3‑minute marination infuses flavor while keeping the chicken tender. Longer marination can make the coating too thick, causing the chicken to steam rather than fry, which defeats the goal of a crisp exterior.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes. Cook the rice a day ahead and refrigerate; it will dry out slightly, perfect for frying. Store the cooked chicken and vegetables separately in airtight containers. Reheat everything together in a hot wok for best 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 toasted. Vegetables stay crisp‑bright, and the chicken pieces are golden on the outside but still juicy inside. The dish should have a uniform amber hue from the dark soy sauce.

technical
Q

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

A

When the rice is hot throughout, the vegetables are still crisp, and the chicken pieces are no longer pink and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A quick taste should reveal balanced seasoning without excess salt.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, offering step‑by‑step videos that blend classic techniques with modern twists, often featuring quick weeknight meals and viewer‑requested recipe variations.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Stacey Cook emphasizes simplicity and ingredient accessibility, using everyday pantry items and clear explanations rather than specialized equipment. She also engages directly with viewer questions, tailoring recipes like this chicken fried rice to common home‑cook challenges.

channel

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