PF Chang's Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

PF Chang’s Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Craving that restaurant-style fried rice you get at PF Chang’s? This PF Chang’s chicken fried rice recipe brings those bold, savory flavors right into your kitchen – tender chicken, golden eggs, and fluffy rice tossed in a rich soy-sesame sauce.

It’s the perfect quick dinner that tastes just like the one from your favorite Asian bistro. This copycat PF Chang chicken fried rice hits all the right notes: smoky wok flavor, perfectly seasoned rice, and just the right amount of crunch from fresh vegetables.

Plus, it’s easy to customize with shrimp, tofu, or even leftover chicken. Once you make it at home, you’ll never go back to takeout!

Why You’ll Love This PF Chang Chicken Fried Rice

PF Chang’s has built its reputation on Asian-inspired dishes that feel both comforting and upscale. Their chicken fried rice is one of the menu’s most-loved sides – warm, flavorful, and satisfying enough to stand on its own. This homemade version recreates that same magic while letting you control every ingredient.

pf chang chicken fried rice

What makes this PF Chang’s chicken fried rice recipe stand out is its perfect balance of flavor. You get the savory depth of soy sauce, the nuttiness of sesame oil, and the freshness of diced scallions – all brought together in a few simple steps. It’s everything you love about PF Chang’s, right from your own stove.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting dinner at home, this fried rice pairs beautifully with dishes like Mongolian beef, honey chicken, or even copycat Wingstop corn for a complete restaurant-style experience.

What Makes PF Chang’s Fried Rice So Special?

PF Chang’s fried rice isn’t just any fried rice – it’s crafted with that signature wok-charred flavor that defines true Asian-style cooking. Each bite combines tender chicken pieces, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic jasmine rice lightly coated with a rich soy and garlic glaze.

The secret lies in the high-heat stir-frying method, which gives the rice a slightly toasted texture and enhances every ingredient’s flavor. Another trick is the use of cold, day-old rice – this prevents clumping and creates that fluffy, separate grain texture you get at PF Chang’s.

This chicken fried rice PF Chang’s style recipe brings that same restaurant-quality experience home, allowing you to enjoy the authentic taste and aroma without needing a professional wok station.

Ingredients You’ll Need for PF Chang’s Chicken Fried Rice

Creating the perfect PF Chang’s chicken fried rice starts with simple pantry staples and a few key flavor boosters. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

  • Cooked jasmine rice (cold, day-old rice works best)
  • Chicken breast or thigh, diced into small cubes
  • Eggs, lightly beaten
  • Vegetables – peas, carrots, and chopped green onions
  • Garlic and ginger, freshly minced
  • Soy sauce (light and dark for depth)
  • Sesame oil, for that signature PF Chang’s aroma
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • Cooked shrimp or tofu for variation
  • A pinch of chili flakes or sriracha for spice
  • Extra vegetables like bell peppers or bean sprouts

These ingredients come together to create that familiar balance of salty, savory, and slightly nutty flavor PF Chang’s is known for.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need restaurant-grade equipment to make this PF Chang fried rice recipe, but the right tools can help you capture that authentic wok flavor.

  • Wok or large non-stick skillet – essential for even stir-frying
  • Rice cooker or saucepan – to prepare fluffy jasmine rice
  • Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring and tossing ingredients evenly
  • Mixing bowls – to hold prepped ingredients

How to Make PF Chang’s Chicken Fried Rice (Step-by-Step)

Ready to cook? Here’s exactly how to make this PF Chang’s chicken fried rice recipe at home – quick, flavorful, and restaurant-quality.

Step 1 – Prepare the Rice Ahead of Time

Use cold, day-old jasmine rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to clump and turn mushy when fried. If you’re in a hurry, spread warm rice on a baking tray and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before using.

Step by Step PF Chang's Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Step 2 – Cook the Chicken Perfectly Tender

Heat a bit of sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through, then remove it from the wok and set aside.

Step 3 – Stir-Fry the Veggies and Aromatics

Add a touch more oil, then toss in minced garlic, ginger, peas, and carrots. Cook until fragrant and slightly softened – this builds the base flavor that makes PF Chang’s fried rice so special.

Step 4 – Add the Rice and Sauce Blend

Return the chicken to the pan. Add your cold rice and drizzle with soy sauce and a few drops of sesame oil. Use a spatula to toss and mix everything thoroughly. You should hear that classic “sizzle” – that’s the wok magic!

Step 5 – Mix Everything and Serve Hot

Push everything to the side, pour the beaten eggs in, and scramble quickly. Mix them back into the rice.

How to make PF Chang's Chicken Fried Rice

Top with green onions, toss again, and serve immediately while it’s hot and fragrant.

This PF Chang fried rice recipe captures the same umami-packed flavor that makes the restaurant version irresistible.

Copycat Tips: How to Get That Authentic PF Chang Flavor

  • Use cold rice – it fries better and keeps the grains separate.
  • Cook on high heat – helps achieve that “wok hei” flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan – stir-fry in batches if needed.
  • Balance the sauce – start with light soy and adjust to taste.
  • Finish with sesame oil – for the signature PF Chang aroma.

Pro Tip: If you love variety, try pairing this copycat PF Chang chicken fried rice with copycat Wingstop corn or lettuce wraps for a restaurant-style dinner spread.

Variations and Pairings

Make It Vegetarian or Shrimp Fried Rice

To make this recipe meat-free, simply skip the chicken and add tofu or extra veggies. For seafood lovers, swap in shrimp – it cooks fast and absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.

chicken fried rice pf changs

What to Serve with PF Chang’s Fried Rice

This versatile dish pairs perfectly with your favorite Asian-inspired meals, such as:

  • Mongolian beef
  • Honey sesame chicken
  • Egg rolls or spring rolls
  • Copycat Wingstop corn as a crispy, buttery side

Experiment with combinations to build your own PF Chang-style dinner night!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover PF Chang’s chicken fried rice tastes just as good the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice and warm it in a skillet or microwave. This helps restore its fluffy texture without drying out the grains. Avoid freezing, as it can make the rice soggy once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What rice is best for PF Chang’s chicken fried rice?

Jasmine rice or medium-grain white rice works best. It holds flavor well and stays fluffy even after stir-frying.

2. Can I make PF Chang’s fried rice without a wok?

Absolutely. A large non-stick skillet will do the job just fine – just make sure it’s hot enough for quick frying.

3. What’s the secret ingredient in PF Chang’s fried rice sauce?

A touch of sesame oil and freshly grated ginger are key. They give that authentic, restaurant-style aroma.

4. How do I keep fried rice from turning mushy?

Always use cold, day-old rice and high heat. This prevents moisture from making the rice sticky.

5. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for quick prep and adds extra flavor.

Now that you’ve mastered this PF Chang’s chicken fried rice recipe, you can skip the takeout and enjoy the same bold, savory flavors at home. Each bite delivers that perfect mix of soy, sesame, garlic, and tender chicken – all in one comforting bowl.

PF Chang's Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

PF Chang's Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Craving that restaurant-style fried rice you get at PF Chang’s? This PF Chang’s chicken fried rice recipe brings those bold, savory flavors right into your kitchen – tender chicken, golden eggs, and fluffy rice tossed in a rich soy-sesame sauce.

Ingredients

  • Cooked jasmine rice (cold, day-old rice works best)
  • Chicken breast or thigh, diced into small cubes
  • Eggs, lightly beaten
  • Vegetables – peas, carrots, and chopped green onions
  • Garlic and ginger, freshly minced
  • Soy sauce (light and dark for depth)
  • Sesame oil, for that signature PF Chang’s aroma
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

    1. Use cold, day-old jasmine rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to clump and turn mushy when fried. If you’re in a hurry, spread warm rice on a baking tray and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before using.
    2. Heat a bit of sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through, then remove it from the wok and set aside.
    3. Add a touch more oil, then toss in minced garlic, ginger, peas, and carrots. Cook until fragrant and slightly softened – this builds the base flavor that makes PF Chang’s fried rice so special.
    4. Return the chicken to the pan. Add your cold rice and drizzle with soy sauce and a few drops of sesame oil. Use a spatula to toss and mix everything thoroughly. You should hear that classic “sizzle” – that’s the wok magic!
    5. Push everything to the side, pour the beaten eggs in, and scramble quickly. Mix them back into the rice. How to make PF Chang's Chicken Fried Rice
    6. Top with green onions, toss again, and serve immediately while it’s hot and fragrant.

Notes

To reheat, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice and warm it in a skillet or microwave. This helps restore its fluffy texture without drying out the grains. Avoid freezing, as it can make the rice soggy once thawed.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 224

Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this easy PF Chang chicken fried rice is a must-try. Pair it with your favorite sides like copycat Wingstop corn or lettuce wraps, and bring the restaurant experience straight to your table.

👉 Try it tonight and let us know how your homemade PF Chang’s fried rice turned out!

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