Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice

Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 5. 700 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens on YouTube.

Prep: 37 min | Cook: 32 min | Total: 1 hr 24 min

Cost: $10.06 total, $2.01 per serving

Ingredients

  • 350 g Jasmine Rice (washed; short‑grain for sticky texture)
  • 600 ml Water (cold)
  • 1 pinch Salt (for rice)
  • 1 tbsp Peanut Oil (neutral oil; can use canola or vegetable oil)
  • 800 g Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (can substitute chicken breast)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (crushed and roughly chopped)
  • 4 Spring Onions (both white and green parts used; thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 1 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (for color)
  • 1.5 tbsp Oyster Sauce (can use vegetarian version)
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing Wine (optional; dry sherry works as substitute)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil (toasted)
  • 1 pinch Ground White Pepper (to taste)
  • 3 Eggs (whole, yolks pierced)
  • 4 Egg Whites (separated from yolks)
  • 400 g Frozen Mixed Vegetables (peas, corn, carrot) (can use fresh mixed veg)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and Measure Rice

    Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then measure 350 g (1 ¾ cups).

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cook the Rice

    Place the rinsed rice in a saucepan, add 600 ml cold water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat, cover, reduce to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, still covered, for 5 minutes to steam.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: high

  3. Cool the Rice

    Transfer the cooked rice to a large tray, spread it out to cool quickly. Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes or overnight for best results.

    Time: PT20M

  4. Prepare Aromatics

    Crush 2 garlic cloves with the side of a knife and roughly chop. Thinly slice 4 spring onions (both white and green parts).

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make the Sauce

    In a small bowl whisk together 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1½ tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (optional), 1 tsp sesame oil, and a pinch of ground white pepper until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Cut the Chicken

    Slice the 800 g chicken thighs into thin strips, then dice into uniform bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Stir‑Fry the Chicken

    Heat 1 tbsp peanut oil in a large wok over high heat until lightly smoking. Add the chicken, season with a pinch of salt and ground white pepper, and spread in a single layer. Let cook untouched for 2 minutes, then stir once and continue cooking for another 5‑6 minutes until golden and cooked through.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: high

  8. Cook the Eggs

    Push the chicken to the side, crack 3 whole eggs into the pan, pierce the yolks and whisk quickly. Add 4 egg whites, let sit 20‑30 seconds, then scramble until just set and slightly crispy.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high

  9. Add Vegetables

    Add 400 g frozen mixed vegetables to the wok and stir‑fry for 2‑3 minutes on high heat until any released moisture evaporates.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: high

  10. Add Garlic

    Stir in the chopped garlic and a small pinch of salt, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: high

  11. Stir‑Fry the Rice

    Add the cooled rice to the wok, breaking up any clumps. Stir‑fry for 2‑3 minutes, allowing the rice to contact the hot surface and develop a light crisp.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: high

  12. Add the Sauce

    Pour the prepared sauce over the rice mixture, tossing quickly to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute, ensuring no dry rice remains.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high

  13. Finish with Spring Onions

    Turn the heat down to medium, add half of the sliced spring onions, and fold gently to combine.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium

  14. Final Seasoning and Serve

    Taste the fried rice, adjust salt or pepper if needed, then remove from heat and serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
700
Protein
36g
Carbohydrates
62g
Fat
20g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: High Protein, Contains Soy, Contains Sesame, Contains Eggs

Allergens: Eggs, Soy, Sesame

Last updated: April 24, 2026

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Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice

Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens

A protein‑packed, take‑away style chicken fried rice that uses day‑old jasmine rice for authentic texture. Made with chicken thighs, frozen mixed vegetables, and a savory soy‑oyster sauce, this dish is perfect for meal‑prep and delivers a satisfying balance of carbs, protein, and flavor.

MediumChineseServes 5

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

Source Video
18m
Prep
51m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 19m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.06
Total cost
$2.01
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cook the Rice
  • Stir‑Fry the Chicken
  • Stir‑Fry the Rice

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard or keep face away while heating.

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 use leftover rice and bits of meat, turning them into a quick, satisfying dish. It became a staple street‑food and home‑cooked comfort food throughout China and later spread worldwide as a take‑away favorite.

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‑based sauce. In Sichuan style, spicy doubanjiang and chili oil are added, while Hunan versions may feature pickled vegetables and a hotter flavor profile.

cultural
Q

How is chicken fried rice traditionally served in Chinese households?

A

It is typically served hot from the wok, either as a main dish alongside simple soups or as part of a larger family spread with stir‑fried greens, dumplings, and a protein dish. It is often enjoyed with a side of pickled vegetables for contrast.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is fried rice commonly prepared in Chinese culture?

A

Fried rice is a go‑to dish for Lunar New Year leftovers, family gatherings, and casual weekend meals because it can be made quickly and feeds many people. It also appears in banquet settings as a palate‑cleansing rice option.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients give Chinese chicken fried rice its unique flavor compared to other Asian fried rice dishes?

A

Key ingredients are jasmine rice, light and dark soy sauces, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and toasted sesame oil. The combination of these sauces provides umami depth, a hint of sweetness, and a glossy finish that distinguishes it from Thai or Indonesian fried rice.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include using freshly cooked rice (which becomes mushy), overcrowding the pan which steams the chicken, and stirring the chicken constantly which prevents a crust from forming. Also, adding too much sauce can make the dish soggy.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use both light and dark soy sauce instead of just one type?

A

Light soy sauce provides salty umami without darkening the color, while dark soy sauce adds a richer, caramelized hue and a subtle sweetness. Using both balances flavor and gives the fried rice its characteristic deep brown look.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, prepare the rice and sauce ahead, then store the cooked fried rice in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months. Reheat in a microwave with a splash of stock or water to restore moisture.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the rice is properly fried?

A

Properly fried rice should have individual grains that are slightly crisp on the edges, a light golden‑brown color, and a glossy coating from the sauce. It should not be soggy or clumped together.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens focuses on high‑protein, performance‑oriented home cooking, offering quick, nutritious meals that blend classic techniques with modern fitness nutrition.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens' approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Chef Jack Ovens emphasizes macro‑friendly ingredient choices, such as using chicken thighs for protein and limiting sodium, while still preserving authentic flavors. He often incorporates meal‑prep tips and performance nutrition insights that are less common on traditional Chinese cooking channels.

channel

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