Making Chicken Fried Rice is Fast, Easy, and Delicious!

Making Chicken Fried Rice is Fast, Easy, and Delicious! is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Souped Up Recipes on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $6.83 total, $1.71 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken Breast (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 Tbsp Cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
  • 2 Tbsp Light Soy Sauce (low‑sodium)
  • 1 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (adds color and depth)
  • 0.25 tsp Baking Soda (tenderizes the chicken)
  • 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (high smoke point oil for stir‑frying)
  • 2 large Egg (beaten)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium Carrot (peeled and diced)
  • ½ cup Peas (frozen or fresh)
  • ½ medium Onion (diced)
  • 3 cups Cooked Rice (day‑old, long‑grain jasmine or basmati)
  • 1 tsp Chicken Bouillon Powder (adds umami)
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 stalks Scallions (sliced, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Dice the chicken, mince garlic, peel and dice carrot, measure peas, dice onion, slice scallions, and beat the eggs in a bowl.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Marinate Chicken

    In the mixing bowl combine chicken pieces, cornstarch, light soy sauce, vegetable oil, and baking soda. Mix until evenly coated and let rest for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Heat Wok

    Place the wok over high heat and let it become piping hot (about 2‑3 minutes).

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Very hot

  4. Stir‑Fry Egg

    Add a splash of oil, pour in the beaten eggs, scramble quickly, then break the cooked egg into bite‑size pieces and transfer to a plate.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: High

  5. Cook Chicken

    Add the marinated chicken to the hot wok and stir‑fry on high heat until nicely charred, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: High

  6. Add Vegetables

    Add garlic, carrot, peas, and onion to the wok. Stir‑fry until the vegetables are softened, roughly 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: High

  7. Season and Toast Rice

    Add the day‑old rice, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, chicken bouillon powder, and black pepper. Toss continuously until the rice is heated through and you can smell a toasty aroma, about 4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: High

  8. Finish Dish

    Return the scrambled egg to the wok, sprinkle sliced scallions, and give everything a final quick toss to combine.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: High

  9. Serve

    Transfer the fried rice to serving plates and enjoy immediately while hot.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
12g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Contains soy, Contains egg, Not vegan, Not vegetarian, May contain gluten if soy sauce is not gluten‑free

Allergens: Soy, Egg

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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Making Chicken Fried Rice is Fast, Easy, and Delicious!

Recipe by Souped Up Recipes

A quick, easy, and delicious Chinese‑style chicken fried rice made in a hot wok. Marinated chicken, fluffy day‑old rice, crisp vegetables and a perfect balance of light and dark soy sauces create a restaurant‑like flavor at home.

EasyChineseServes 4

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

Source Video
23m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
43m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.83
Total cost
$1.71
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken with cornstarch and baking soda for tenderness
  • Heating the wok until it is piping hot before any ingredients are added
  • Achieving a toasty aroma by allowing the rice to sit briefly against the hot wok surface

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot wok with a thick oven mitt or wok handle cover to avoid burns
  • Hot oil can splatter – keep a safe distance and have a lid nearby
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving

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 Chinese home cooking, originating as a clever way to use leftover rice and bits of meat. It embodies the Chinese principle of minimizing waste while creating a flavorful, balanced dish that can be enjoyed any day of the week.

cultural
Q

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

A

In southern China, especially Cantonese cooking, fried rice often includes shrimp, char siu, and a light soy sauce base. In northern regions, the rice may be seasoned with darker soy sauce and include pork or beef, while Sichuan versions add spicy chilies and peppercorns.

cultural
Q

How is Chicken Fried Rice traditionally served in China?

A

It is typically served hot straight from the wok, often accompanied by a side of pickled vegetables or a simple soup. In restaurants, it may be presented in a large wok for a dramatic, communal feel.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Chicken Fried Rice traditionally associated in Chinese culture?

A

Fried rice is a common everyday dish, but it also appears at family gatherings and Lunar New Year celebrations as a symbol of abundance and prosperity because the grains represent wealth.

cultural
Q

How does Chicken Fried Rice fit into the broader Chinese cuisine tradition?

A

It reflects the Chinese culinary emphasis on balance—combining protein, vegetables, and carbs in one pan—while showcasing the wok‑stir‑fry technique that is central to many Chinese dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chicken Fried Rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include day‑old jasmine rice, light and dark soy sauces, Shaoxing wine (optional), and Chinese five‑spice. Acceptable substitutes are long‑grain basmati rice, tamari for soy sauce, and a splash of oyster sauce for depth.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with Chicken Fried Rice?

A

It pairs beautifully with stir‑fried greens such as bok choy, a light egg drop soup, or a tangy cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicken Fried Rice special or unique in Chinese cuisine?

A

The dish’s uniqueness lies in its ability to transform simple leftovers into a fragrant, savory meal through high‑heat wok cooking that creates a subtle smoky “wok‑hei” flavor.

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 (which becomes mushy), overcrowding the wok (which steams instead of fries), and over‑cooking the chicken, which dries it out. Keep the wok scorching hot and work in batches if necessary.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Fried Rice recipe use baking soda in the chicken marinade?

A

Baking soda raises the pH on the surface of the chicken, weakening protein bonds and keeping the meat tender and juicy during the quick high‑heat stir‑fry.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken Fried Rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prep all components up to the point of cooking. Store the marinated chicken, chopped vegetables, and day‑old rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot wok, adding a splash of oil to revive the texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Souped Up Recipes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Souped Up Recipes specializes in fast, approachable Asian‑inspired home cooking, focusing on wok techniques, flavor‑boosting shortcuts, and step‑by‑step video guides for busy home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Souped Up Recipes' approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Souped Up Recipes emphasizes minimal prep, using pantry staples and day‑old leftovers, whereas many other channels focus on traditional, time‑intensive methods. Their videos are concise, high‑energy, and geared toward weeknight meals.

channel

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