BETTER THAN TAKEOUT AND EASY! Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

BETTER THAN TAKEOUT AND EASY! Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Souped Up Recipes on YouTube.

Prep: 44 min | Cook: 19 min | Total: 1 hr 13 min

Cost: $6.06 total, $1.52 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon Light Soy Sauce (for marinating the chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon Light Soy Sauce (for seasoning the rice)
  • 4 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for marinating and stir‑frying)
  • 1/8 teaspoon Baking Soda (a pinch; tenderizes the chicken)
  • 2 large Eggs (beaten)
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic (minced (about 3 cloves))
  • 1/4 cup Onion (diced, white or yellow)
  • 1/3 cup Green Beans (trimmed and cut into 1‑inch pieces)
  • 1/2 cup Carrot (diced)
  • 3 cups Day‑Old Cooked Rice (preferably refrigerated overnight; loosen with wet hands before cooking)
  • 2 teaspoons Dark Soy Sauce (adds deep color)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground, or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons Spring Onion (chopped, added at the end)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken

    Cut the chicken breast into bite‑size pieces. In a bowl combine the chicken with 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp vegetable oil and a pinch (1/8 tsp) baking soda. Mix well and let it sit for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  2. Beat the eggs

    Crack 2 large eggs into a mixing bowl and beat until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Cook the scrambled egg

    Heat the wok over high heat, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and swirl to coat. When the oil smokes, pour in the beaten eggs. Let sit 10 seconds, then stir quickly until fluffy and just set. Break into small pieces and set aside.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high heat

  4. Stir‑fry the chicken

    Add another splash of oil to the wok, re‑heat, then add the marinated chicken. Stir‑fry for 1‑2 minutes until the surface is lightly browned. Push the chicken to one side of the wok.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high heat

  5. Add the vegetables

    Add 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1/4 cup diced onion, 1/3 cup green beans and 1/2 cup diced carrot to the empty side of the wok. Stir‑fry 2‑3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables are just tender.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: high heat

  6. Season the chicken‑veg mix

    Add a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper, toss quickly, then remove the chicken and vegetables from the wok and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Prepare the rice

    Wet your hand with water and gently break apart any clumps of the day‑old rice. This makes it easier to stir‑fry.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Stir‑fry the rice

    Return the wok to high heat (about 15 seconds). Add 2 tbsp vegetable oil, then add the loosened rice. Use the spatula to break up any remaining clumps and stir‑fry for 3‑5 minutes until the rice is heated through and lightly toasted.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: high heat

  9. Add soy sauce seasonings

    Stir in 1 tbsp light soy sauce and 2 tsp dark soy sauce. Toss quickly so the sauces coat the rice before evaporating.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Combine all components

    Return the cooked chicken, vegetables, and scrambled egg to the wok. Toss everything together for about 2 minutes so flavors meld.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high heat

  11. Final seasoning and garnish

    Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle the chopped spring onion over the top just before serving.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains soy, Contains eggs, Not vegetarian, Contains gluten (if regular soy sauce), Dairy‑free

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

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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BETTER THAN TAKEOUT AND EASY! Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Recipe by Souped Up Recipes

A quick, restaurant‑style chicken fried rice made with day‑old rice, tenderized chicken, fresh vegetables, and a perfect balance of light and dark soy sauces. Ideal for a weeknight dinner and ready in just over an hour including marination.

EasyChineseServes 4

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

Source Video
36m
Prep
16m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 2m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.06
Total cost
$1.52
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating chicken with baking soda for tenderness
  • Using day‑old rice and breaking it up before frying
  • Heating the wok until it smokes before adding oil
  • Adding light and dark soy sauces quickly to prevent evaporation
  • Ensuring high heat throughout for authentic wok‑hei

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot wok and oil with care to avoid burns
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
  • Be cautious of oil splatter when the wok is smoking hot

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 classic Chinese stir‑fry dish that originated as a way to repurpose leftover rice and ingredients. It became popular in street food stalls and home kitchens across China, embodying the principle of "wok‑hei"—the smoky flavor from high‑heat cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Fried Rice in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Cantonese cooking, light soy sauce and a hint of oyster sauce are common, while in Sichuan style, chili oil and peppercorns may be added for heat. Some regions use Shaoxing wine or fermented bean paste for deeper flavor.

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 many households it is a main dish for lunch or dinner, eaten with a bowl of broth.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Fried Rice traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, fried rice is a staple for family gatherings, birthday banquets, and Lunar New Year meals because it symbolizes abundance and the reuse of leftovers in a delicious way.

cultural
Q

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

A

The dish showcases the technique of stir‑frying over ultra‑high heat, creating a smoky "wok‑hei" flavor, and the balance of textures—tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and fluffy rice—all in one pan.

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 clumps), over‑cooking the chicken, cooking the vegetables too long, and adding soy sauce too early, which can make the rice soggy.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Fried Rice recipe use baking soda in the chicken marinate instead of baking powder?

A

Baking soda raises the pH of the meat surface, breaking down proteins and making the chicken more tender and juicy. Baking powder contains acid and would not have the same tenderizing effect.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes. Marinate the chicken and cook the rice a day ahead. Store the rice, chicken, and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat everything together in a hot wok just before serving for the best texture.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Chicken Fried Rice?

A

The rice grains should be separate and slightly toasted, not mushy. Chicken pieces should have a light brown sear, and vegetables should stay bright‑colored and crisp‑tender. The dish should have a glossy sheen from the soy sauces.

technical
Q

How do I know when Chicken Fried Rice is done cooking?

A

When the rice is hot throughout, the chicken is no longer pink (165°F internal temperature), and the vegetables are tender‑crisp. A quick taste should reveal balanced seasoning and a pleasant smoky aroma.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Souped Up Recipes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Souped Up Recipes specializes in fast, flavorful, home‑cooked meals that emphasize simple techniques, pantry staples, and a "souped up" twist to classic comfort dishes.

channel
Q

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

A

Souped Up Recipes focuses on quick, weeknight-friendly adaptations using readily available ingredients, while many traditional Chinese cooking channels emphasize authentic techniques, longer prep, and specialty tools. The channel blends authenticity with convenience.

channel

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