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Easy Crispy Chinese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

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A quick and easy crispy Chinese chicken fried rice recipe that delivers a perfect balance of savory flavors and crispy texture, ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, chilled (day-old rice preferred)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of white pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients (10 minutes): Dice the chicken into small, even pieces (about 1/2 inch). Thaw and drain the peas and carrots. Mince garlic and slice green onions. Break up any clumps in the chilled rice with a fork.
  2. Cook the Chicken (5-7 minutes): Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Scramble the Eggs (2-3 minutes): In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set. Remove and set aside with chicken.
  4. SautΓ© Aromatics & Veggies (3-4 minutes): Add remaining oil to pan. Toss in diced onions and garlic; stir until fragrant and translucent. Add peas and carrots, stir to combine and heat through.
  5. Fry the Rice (8-10 minutes): Increase heat to high. Add cold rice, spreading it evenly. Let cook without stirring for a couple of minutes to develop a crispy bottom layer. Toss and spread again, repeating a few times.
  6. Combine Everything (2-3 minutes): Return cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to pan. Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil over rice. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  7. Final Touches (1 minute): Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and toss once more. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra soy sauce if needed.
  8. Serve Immediately: Dish out the crispy Chinese chicken fried rice while hot and enjoy.

Notes

Use day-old or chilled rice to achieve the best crispy texture. Avoid stirring the rice constantly to allow a crispy crust to form. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari and omit oyster sauce or use a vegan alternative. Fresh rice can be used if spread out to cool and dry before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep rice crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken fried rice, Chinese fried rice, quick dinner, easy fried rice, weeknight meal, stir-fry, sesame oil, chicken recipe