If you love bold flavors and crave a dish that’s both comforting and packed with a spicy kick, you’re going to adore this Chili Crisp Fried Rice Recipe. It’s a vibrant celebration of textures and tastes, where tender chicken pieces, fresh veggies, and the irresistible heat of chili crisp oil come together over perfectly cooked rice. This recipe isn’t just about making fried rice; it’s about taking a beloved classic to a whole new level of deliciousness with that crunchy, spicy chili crisp magic that wakes up your taste buds and leaves you wanting more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays an essential role in building the unforgettable flavors and textures in this dish. From the juicy chicken to the punchy aromatics and the creamy eggs, everything harmonizes perfectly to make this fried rice truly special.
- Chicken breasts or thighs, 4 ounces: Small pieces cook quickly and add tender protein to the dish.
- Onion, 1/2 cup diced: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Carrot, 1/2 cup diced or shredded: Brings vibrant color and just the right amount of natural sweetness.
- Mushrooms, 4 ounces sliced: Provide earthy umami that rounds out the flavors.
- Garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped: Essential for that aromatic base and punchy flavor.
- Ginger, 1 tablespoon chopped: Adds a fresh, zesty warmth that pairs beautifully with chili crisp.
- Green onions, 2 thinly sliced: Use the white parts for cooking and the greens for garnishing.
- Eggs, 2 lightly mixed: Make the fried rice luscious and add a soft texture contrast.
- Cooked rice, 3 cups: Best if it’s a day old for ideal frying texture.
- Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons: Brings salty, savory notes that deepen the rice’s flavor.
- Dark soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon (optional): Adds color and additional savory complexity.
- Oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon: Gives the dish a subtle sweetness and rich umami kick.
- Shaoxing wine, 2 teaspoons: (Or sake, cooking wine, or omit) It brightens and layers the tastes.
- Brown sugar, 1 teaspoon: Balances the heat and saltiness with a hint of sweetness.
- Chili crisp oil, 2 tablespoons: The star ingredient—infusing the dish with heat, crunch, and depth.
- Red chili powder, 1 teaspoon: Amplifies the spicy vibe for true fire lovers.
- Peas, 1/2 cup: Add pops of color and a sweet, tender bite.
How to Make Chili Crisp Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Cutting the chicken into small pieces and slicing the vegetables evenly ensures they cook quickly and uniformly. Having your garlic, ginger, and green onions chopped ahead of time makes the cooking process smooth and keeps the flavors vibrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil, and toss in the chicken pieces. Stir-fry until they turn golden and are cooked through. This step sets the stage with juicy, tender bites of protein that soak up every flavor the fried rice has to offer.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Next, add the diced onions, carrots, and mushrooms to the pan. Let them soften, releasing their natural sweetness, before stirring in the garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. This layering builds the aromatic foundation that makes this fried rice irresistible.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the veggies to one side of the pan and pour the lightly beaten eggs into the cleared space. Gently scramble until just set, creating soft, fluffy ribbons of egg that blend flawlessly into the rice.
Step 5: Add Rice, Peas, and Sauces
Now comes the magic: add your cooked rice, peas, and all the sauces—soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and brown sugar—right into the pan. Stir vigorously to combine everything evenly, coating the rice grains in a rich, savory glaze that’s bound to impress.
Step 6: Spice It Up with Chili Crisp
Finally, stir in the chili crisp oil and red chili powder. These are what transform ordinary fried rice into a crave-worthy dish bursting with heat, crunch, and bold flavor. Toss everything together thoroughly for maximum deliciousness.
Step 7: Finish with Green Onions
Sprinkle the green parts of the sliced green onions on top. They add a fresh, crisp bite that balances the rich, spicy notes perfectly, making every forkful a complete experience.
How to Serve Chili Crisp Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
When serving, a few extra spoonfuls of chili crisp oil on the side let everyone customize their heat level. Fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime are fabulous finishing touches that add brightness and contrast.
Side Dishes
This fried rice shines as a main dish but also pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed bok choy, cucumber salad, or a light Asian slaw. These sides keep things refreshing and let the robust fried rice flavors stand front and center.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the fried rice inside crispy lettuce cups or atop a bed of crunchy roasted vegetables. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for extra texture, making your Chili Crisp Fried Rice Recipe party-ready and extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover fried rice keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze your leftover Chili Crisp Fried Rice Recipe in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Be sure to cool the rice completely before freezing to maintain the best texture when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat fried rice gently in a skillet or wok over medium heat to restore its texture and bring back that chili crisp crunch. Adding a drizzle of a little extra chili crisp oil when reheating revives the fiery flavor and makes it taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use any type of rice for this recipe?
While jasmine rice is commonly used for fried rice dishes, you can use any long-grain rice you have on hand. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled so it fries nicely without becoming mushy.
What if I don’t have chili crisp oil?
Chili crisp oil is unique for its crunchy texture and balanced heat, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute with chili oil and add a bit of fried garlic to approximate the crunch and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives to make this Chili Crisp Fried Rice Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive folks without sacrificing any flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables, and use a vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce to keep the umami depth intact.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level can be adjusted easily. The chili crisp oil and red chili powder bring a medium heat, but you can add more or less depending on your personal spice tolerance.
Final Thoughts
This Chili Crisp Fried Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that feel like a warm hug and a flavor explosion all at once. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, it delivers comfort and excitement in every bite. Give it a try and prepare to make it a forever favorite in your kitchen!
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Chili Crisp Fried Rice Recipe
Chili Crisp Fried Rice is a flavorful and vibrant stir-fry dish combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and the signature spicy crunch of chili crisp oil. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe balances savory, sweet, and spicy notes with a hint of aromatic garlic and ginger.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 ounces skinless boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into small pieces
- 2 eggs, lightly mixed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup carrot, diced or shredded
- 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced and divided (lights and greens)
- 1/2 cup peas
Sauces & Seasonings
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine (or sake, cooking wine, or omit)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and carrot, slice the mushrooms, chop the garlic and ginger, and thinly slice the green onions, separating the white and green parts. Lightly beat the eggs in a small bowl.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are cooked through and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the onions, carrots, mushrooms, and peas. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the vegetables to the side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them gently until just set. Mix the eggs with the vegetables afterward.
- Add the Rice and Sauces: Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, chili crisp oil, and red chili powder. Stir-fry everything together for another 3-4 minutes to heat through and combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Finish with Green Onions: Stir in the green parts of the sliced green onions just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish. Adjust seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and oyster sauce and replace with tofu and a vegetarian stir-fry sauce.
- Use day-old rice for best texture; freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky.
- Adjust chili crisp oil and red chili powder to taste, depending on your spice preference.
- Gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce are available for gluten-sensitive diets.
- If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, substitute with sake or cooking sherry, or omit entirely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
