Chicken Schezwan Fried Rice
A fiery and flavorful Indo-Chinese classic! Tender chicken pieces and crisp vegetables are stir-fried with fluffy rice and a bold, spicy Schezwan sauce. A perfect one-pot meal that comes together in minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Rice and Marinate Chicken
- b.Ensure your cooked rice is cold. Use a fork or your hands to gently break up any clumps so the grains are separate. This is the key to non-sticky fried rice.
- c.In a small bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 tsp white pepper powder, and 1 tsp corn starch. Mix well and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook Chicken and Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
- c.Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
- d.To the same wok, add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. Add the chopped garlic, ginger, green chilies, and the white parts of the spring onions. Stir-fry for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-fry Vegetables
- b.Add the diced carrots and french beans to the wok. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender.
- c.Add the diced capsicum and stir-fry for another minute. The vegetables should remain crisp-tender.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine Rice and Sauces
- b.Add the cold, separated rice to the wok along with the cooked chicken. Toss everything together for 1 minute to heat the rice through.
- c.Add the Schezwan sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, rice vinegar, 1/2 tsp white pepper powder, and salt. Using a tossing motion with your spatula, stir-fry vigorously for 2-3 minutes on the highest heat.
- d.Ensure the sauce evenly coats every grain of rice and the classic 'wok hei' (smoky aroma) develops.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Drizzle with the toasted sesame oil and add the green parts of the spring onions. Give it a final toss to combine.
- c.Serve immediately, piping hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use day-old, refrigerated rice. The cold, dry grains separate easily and won't turn mushy.
- 2High heat is non-negotiable for authentic fried rice. It creates the signature smoky 'wok hei' flavor.
- 3Prep all your ingredients (mise en place) before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process.
- 4Don't overcrowd the wok. If needed, cook in two smaller batches to ensure everything fries rather than steams.
- 5Marinating the chicken with corn starch creates a protective layer, keeping it tender and juicy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Replace chicken with 200g of cubed firm tofu or paneer. For a vegan version, use tofu and ensure your Schezwan sauce is vegan.
Prawn Schezwan Fried RicePrawn Schezwan Fried Rice
Substitute chicken with 250g of peeled and deveined prawns. Add them after the vegetables and cook just until they turn pink and curl up (about 2-3 minutes).
Egg Schezwan Fried RiceEgg Schezwan Fried Rice
Omit the chicken. After sautéing the aromatics, push them to one side of the wok. Pour in 2 lightly beaten eggs and scramble them. Then, mix with the aromatics and proceed with the recipe.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The chicken provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Sustained Energy
Rice is a primary source of complex carbohydrates, which are broken down slowly to provide a steady release of energy throughout the day.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The variety of vegetables like carrots, capsicum, and beans contributes essential vitamins (like A and C), minerals, and dietary fiber, supporting immune function and digestive health.
Metabolism Support
Ingredients like ginger, garlic, and chilies (in the Schezwan sauce) contain compounds that can provide a slight boost to your metabolism and offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (approximately 2 cups or 410g) of this Chicken Schezwan Fried Rice contains around 550-600 calories, depending on the specific sauces and amount of oil used.