This Super Crispy Chicken Fried Rice Bowl combines the bold flavors of classic Chinese-inspired cuisine with the comfort of a homemade meal. The dish features perfectly golden fried chicken bites with a crave-worthy crunch, resting on a bed of garlic-infused egg fried rice. Each bite offers a delicious balance between the juicy tenderness of the chicken and the rich umami of the rice enhanced with soy, oyster sauce, and aromatic garlic.
Ideal for those who want restaurant-style satisfaction in the comfort of their kitchen, this bowl is both easy to prepare and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight meal or serving guests a cozy weekend dinner, the vibrant flavors and crisp textures will win hearts. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice—transforming it into a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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2 tbsp plain flour
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1 egg, lightly beaten
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Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
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1½ cups cooked jasmine rice (cold or day-old rice preferred)
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
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2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
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2 eggs, lightly beaten (for rice)
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2 spring onions, sliced
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1 small red chili, sliced (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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In a bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then coat with the flour mixture.
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes). Remove and drain on paper towels.
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For the fried rice, heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry for 10–20 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the rice, breaking it apart with your spatula. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
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Push the rice to one side of the pan, add the eggs, and scramble until just set.
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Mix the eggs with the rice. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Stir well to combine and coat the rice evenly.
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Add the sliced spring onions and chili, if using. Stir-fry for another minute.
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Serve the crispy chicken pieces over the hot fried rice.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 560 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Why the Super Crispy Chicken Fried Rice Bowl is a Must-Try Dish
The Super Crispy Chicken Fried Rice Bowl is more than just another quick and tasty dinner—it’s a celebration of textures and flavors rooted in the magic of Asian comfort food. Inspired by classic Chinese takeout dishes, this meal brings together two universally loved elements: golden, crispy chicken and aromatic, savory fried rice. But what makes this version stand out is its homemade simplicity, customizable nature, and mouthwatering results that rival any restaurant dish.
This recipe originated from the ever-popular street-style fried rice bowls often served across Asia—from the bustling night markets of Bangkok to cozy home kitchens in China. By combining crispy chicken, seasoned to perfection and fried until golden brown, with a rich base of garlic-egg fried rice, it brings forward a soul-satisfying experience that hits all the right notes: crunchy, tender, savory, and satisfying.
Benefits of This Recipe
1. It’s a Meal in One Bowl
Busy weeknights call for fuss-free meals that deliver both nutrition and comfort. This chicken fried rice bowl is packed with protein from the eggs and chicken, complex carbohydrates from the rice, and optional veggies for added nutrients. No need to make separate sides—it’s a complete and well-rounded meal on its own.
2. Budget-Friendly and Minimal Waste
One of the unsung benefits of this dish is that it’s a great way to use up leftovers, especially that extra bowl of cold rice sitting in your fridge. Day-old rice is actually preferred for fried rice because its drier texture prevents clumping, resulting in a better stir-fry. Add in pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and eggs, and you’ve got a meal that’s both resourceful and delicious.
3. Customizable to Taste and Diet
Want it spicier? Add more chili or drizzle with hot sauce. Craving more vegetables? Toss in diced carrots, peas, or even spinach. This dish can easily adapt to what you have on hand or your dietary needs. You can also swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a pescatarian or vegetarian version. The crispy coating works on just about any protein.
4. Crowd-Pleaser Approved
This dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. The crispy chicken alone will have everyone reaching for seconds—even picky eaters love the golden crunch and juicy center. It’s a perfect gateway recipe for introducing kids or hesitant eaters to Asian-inspired cuisine, thanks to familiar ingredients and universal appeal.
5. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
The fried rice and crispy chicken can both be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge. Just reheat in a pan or air fryer to restore the crispiness, and you’ve got lunch or dinner ready to go. It reheats beautifully without losing flavor or texture, making it ideal for busy households or packed lunches.
Why This Recipe Is the Best Version of Fried Rice with Chicken
Unlike many takeout versions that can sometimes be oily or overly salty, this homemade Super Crispy Chicken Fried Rice Bowl gives you control over every ingredient. You choose the oil, the sodium level, and the quality of your proteins. The batter for the chicken uses a simple combination of flour and cornstarch, which results in an airy, ultra-crispy coating without needing deep-fryer tricks. It’s quick but still incredibly indulgent, offering the satisfaction of crispy fried food with better ingredients and fewer additives.
The rice itself gets elevated with a trio of umami-rich ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine. These bring out a deep, layered flavor without overpowering the dish. Garlic and spring onions add a fresh aroma, while the egg provides creaminess and richness that balance out the crisp chicken.
Tips to Get It Just Right
- Use day-old rice: Always go for rice that’s been refrigerated overnight. It fries better and absorbs the sauces without becoming mushy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying the chicken, cook in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure a crispy finish.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: This recipe is flexible. Taste and tweak the soy or oyster sauce levels depending on your personal flavor profile.
- Air fryer friendly: If you want to make it a little lighter, try cooking the chicken in an air fryer—it still gets beautifully crispy.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking a cozy dinner for two or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is a winner. It works for casual nights in, as a meal prep solution, or even for a small dinner party where you want to impress without stress. Pair it with a light cucumber salad or steamed greens for an extra boost of freshness.
Conclusion
The Super Crispy Chicken Fried Rice Bowl is the ultimate fusion of texture, flavor, and comfort—all in one hearty dish. With its irresistibly crunchy chicken, fragrant garlic-infused fried rice, and savory umami-rich sauces, it transforms simple ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, prepping ahead for busy days, or treating yourself to a homemade version of your favorite takeout, this recipe delivers every time. Best of all, it’s endlessly adaptable, budget-friendly, and loved by all ages. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.