What Is In Chinese Chicken Fried Rice? A Guide to Authentic Ingredients

Chinese chicken fried rice is a delicious and popular stir fried rice dish that is served in Chinese restaurants around the world. It is made with cooked rice, vegetables, protein like chicken or shrimp, and flavorful sauces. The ingredients come together quickly in a wok or large skillet for a fast, easy, and tasty meal. But what exactly goes into authentic chicken fried rice to give it that signature flavor and texture? Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this iconic fried rice dish truly Chinese.

The Rice

Long grain white rice is traditionally used for Chinese fried rice. Jasmine and basmati rice are popular choices as they have a nice light, fluffy texture when cooked. Day old rice works best as it has had time to dry out a bit making it less sticky during stir frying. The individual grains separate more easily when tossed with other ingredients. Freshly cooked rice can be used in a pinch, but should be spread on a baking sheet to cool and dry for an hour before stir frying. Short grain or sticky rice is not ideal for fried rice dishes.

When it comes to rice chicken fried rice typically calls for about 3-4 cups of cooked rice. This equates to around 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice. Rinsing the raw rice well before cooking can help reduce stickiness. Follow package directions for cooking the rice or use a rice cooker for perfect rice every time. Once cooked, the rice is cooled completely before being used in the fried rice.

The Protein

Chicken is the protein of choice for traditional chicken fried rice, but shrimp, pork, beef or tofu can also be used. Chicken thighs or breasts are cut into small bite size pieces, around 1/2 inch cubes. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly when stir fried.

For the best flavor and texture, the chicken is usually marinated before cooking. A simple marinade of soy sauce, oil, cornstarch, and sometimes egg white or sherry is brushed on the chicken pieces. The soy sauce adds flavor, while the cornstarch seals in juices keeping the chicken tender. The oil prevents sticking. Letting the chicken marinate for 20-30 minutes enhances the flavor.

Once marinated, the chicken is stir fried in batches in hot oil over high heat until lightly browned outside but still juicy inside, about 3-5 minutes total cooking time. It is then set aside and later tossed back in with the finished fried rice.

The Vegetables

The vegetable additions help make chicken fried rice filling and adds nutrition. Onion and garlic provide aromatic flavor. Common stir fry vegetables like carrots, peas, bean sprouts and cabbage provide crunch and color.

The vegetables are stirred fried for just 1-2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Overcooking makes them soggy. Fresh or frozen vegetables can both be used. If using frozen veggies, thaw them first before adding to the wok. Canned veggies should be avoided as they will be too soft.

Aim for about 1 1/2 to 2 cups total vegetables. Feel free to mix and match favorites or use what you have on hand. Just be sure to cut into small pieces so everything cooks quickly.

The Eggs

Beaten eggs get scrambled into chicken fried rice contributing protein, richness and texture. The eggs cook directly in the hot oil, stirring constantly so they form small tender crumbles rather than rubbery chunks.

2-3 eggs is typical for a batch of chicken fried rice. Make sure they are well beaten and seasoned with a pinch of salt before adding to the wok. Cook the egg on its own first before incorporating into the fried rice.

The Sauces and Seasonings

To achieve the distinct flavor of takeout chicken fried rice, the right sauces and seasonings are key. Here are some classics:

• Soy Sauce – Regular soy sauce adds salty, savory flavor. A combination of light and dark soy sauce gives added depth.

• Oyster Sauce – Adds richness and enhaces the savory umami taste.

• Sesame Oil – A small amount of aromatic sesame oil finishes the fried rice. Adds nutty flavor.

• Rice Wine – Chinese rice wine like Shaoxing wine adds complex flavor. Dry sherry makes a good substitute.

• White Pepper – Preferred over black pepper for its spicy kick without the gritty texture.

• MSG – While optional, MSG enhances the savory flavor in moderation. Chicken bouillon is a good substitute.

• Sugar – A pinch of sugar balances out some of the saltiness and helps season the rice.

• Ginger, Garlic – Finely minced ginger and garlic provide a tasty aromatic backbone.

These ingredients are mixed into a sauce that is poured over the hot cooked rice. This allows the rice to absorb maximum flavor. The chicken, veggies and eggs are then tossed in and further seasoned to taste.

The Wok

A round bottomed carbon steel wok is the preferred cooking vessel for authentic Chinese fried rice. The shape allows the ingredients to be tossed and stirred constantly as they cook over intense heat. This keeps the rice from sticking and burning. The steel also imparts a lovely smoky “wok hay” flavor to the dish.

However, chicken fried rice can certainly be made without a wok. Use a large non-stick skillet or saute pan instead. The key is keeping the ingredients moving over relatively high heat as they cook. Add a small amount of oil at a time to prevent sticking. While you may not achieve the coveted wok hay taste, it will still be delicious.

Putting It All Together

Making chicken fried rice is actually quite simple when you have these essential ingredients and tools on hand. Here is a brief overview of the basic steps:

1. Prepare the protein and marinate – cube chicken and marinate for flavor.

2. Cook rice if needed – use day old or freshly cooked.

3. Prepare aromatics & vegetables – slice, dice, mince.

4. Heat wok or skillet over high heat and add oil.

5. Stir fry chicken until just cooked through then set aside.

6. Stir fry vegetables just until slightly softened.

7. Push veggies to side. Add beaten eggs and scramble.

8. Add cooled rice and toss everything together over high heat.

9. Make a well and add sauce ingredients to heat through.

10. Toss chicken and sauce with rice and veggies to combine.

11. Adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce, salt, or pepper.

12. Serve immediately and enjoy this tasty one pan meal!

Chicken fried rice is affordable, quick cooking, and customizable to your tastes. With fluffy rice, plentiful veggies, juicy chicken and signature Chinese flavors, this fried rice will satisfy any craving. Now that you know the essential ingredients that give this stir fry its authentic character, you can easily make restaurant worthy chicken fried rice in your own kitchen. Give it a try tonight!

Chinese chicken fried rice typically includes cooked rice, chicken, eggs, soy sauce, and vegetables like peas and carrots.

Chinese fried rice typically includes cooked rice (often day-old and chilled), eggs, and a combination of vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions. Soy sauce and sesame oil are used for flavoring, and green onions are often added for garnish.