No-fry Fried Chicken & Greens Fried Rice Recipe
Introduction
This ‘no-fry’ fried chicken and greens fried rice is a clever twist on classic fried chicken, using a simple pressing technique to get a crispy crust without deep frying. Paired with flavorful greens and Chinese sausage fried rice, it makes a satisfying and colorful meal perfect for any night.

Ingredients
- 4 skin-on boneless chicken thigh pieces
- Sea salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Cucumber, radishes, sliced red chilli, to serve (optional)
- Marion’s Kitchen Chilli Crisp Oil, to serve (optional)
- 1½ tbsp vegetable oil (for fried rice)
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- ½ cup diced Chinese sausages (lap cheong)*
- 2 cups sliced Asian green vegetables (e.g. bok choy, Chinese kale)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 2 eggs, lightly whisked
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and cut larger pieces in half if needed. Season generously with sea salt. Heat a heavy-based pan over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, then place chicken skin side down. Cover with a sheet of baking paper and press evenly with another frying pan on top. Cook for 6 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until cooked through. Set aside, keeping warm.
- Step 2: Heat a wok over high heat until smoking. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, then sauté the garlic, onion, and Chinese sausage for 2 minutes until the onion starts to brown. Add the Asian greens and spinach and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Step 3: Push everything to one side of the wok. Add the remaining ½ tablespoon oil to the empty side and pour in the whisked eggs. Let the eggs set for 2-3 minutes, then break them up and mix through the vegetables. Add cooked rice and drizzle soy sauce around the sides of the wok to encourage charring. Toss everything well to combine. Remove from heat, season with black pepper, and stir in the sliced spring onion.
- Step 4: Slice the chicken and serve alongside the greens fried rice. Garnish with cucumber, radish, sliced red chilli, and a drizzle of chilli crisp oil if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Using a heavy pan and pressing the chicken ensures even browning without frying in excess oil.
- Substitute Chinese sausage with cooked bacon or omit for a vegetarian option, increasing the amount of greens and adding mushrooms for umami.
- Use leftover cold rice for better texture and less clumping in the fried rice.
- Add a squeeze of lime or a splash of rice vinegar when serving for a fresh tang.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through to retain crispness in the chicken skin and prevent sogginess in the rice.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless skin-on chicken breasts or drumsticks can work, but cooking times may vary. The key is to ensure the skin crisps up and the meat is cooked through.
What can I use if I can’t find Chinese sausage?
Chinese sausage (lap cheong) adds a sweet and savory note, but you can substitute with diced cooked bacon or smoked sausage for a similar flavor profile.
Print
No-fry Fried Chicken & Greens Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and healthier take on classic fried chicken and greens fried rice, this recipe features crispy ‘no-fry’ fried chicken cooked using a pan-pressing technique to achieve a golden crust without deep frying, paired with a flavorful greens fried rice made with Chinese sausage, Asian greens, and eggs. It’s perfect for a satisfying meal that combines texture and fresh flavors with optional fresh cucumber, radish, and chili for extra brightness.
Ingredients
No-fry Fried Chicken
- 4 x skin-on boneless chicken thigh pieces
- Sea salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Cucumber, sliced, to serve (optional)
- Radishes, sliced, to serve (optional)
- Red chili, sliced, to serve (optional)
- Marion’s Kitchen Chilli Crisp Oil, to serve (optional)
Greens Fried Rice
- 1½ tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- ½ cup diced Chinese sausages (lap cheong)*
- 2 cups sliced Asian green vegetables (e.g., bok choy, Chinese kale)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 2 eggs, lightly whisked
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels and cut larger pieces in half with scissors. Season them generously with sea salt on all sides.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a heavy-based pan over high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, then place the chicken pieces skin side down in the pan. Cover with a sheet of baking paper and place another frying pan on top to press the chicken evenly. Cook for 6 minutes until a golden, crispy crust forms. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes until cooked through. Remove from heat and keep warm in the pan.
- Heat the wok: Heat a wok on high until smoking hot. Swirl in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Cook aromatics and sausage: Add the chopped garlic, diced onion, and diced Chinese sausage to the wok. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the onion begins to brown and the ingredients are fragrant.
- Add greens: Add the sliced Asian green vegetables and baby spinach to the wok, cooking for another 2 minutes until the greens are slightly wilted but still vibrant.
- Cook the eggs: Push the stir-fry mixture to one side of the wok. Pour the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil into the empty side, then pour in the whisked eggs. Allow the eggs to set for 2-3 minutes, then break them up and mix through the vegetables and sausage.
- Add the rice and season: Add the cooked rice to the wok and drizzle the light soy sauce around the edge of the wok. Toss everything together until well combined and the rice is heated through with a slight char.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and toss the spring onion through the rice. Slice the cooked chicken and serve alongside the greens fried rice. Garnish with cucumber, radishes, sliced red chili, and a drizzle of chilli crisp oil if desired.
Notes
- *Chinese sausage (lap cheong) is available in the Asian section of some major supermarkets or from Asian grocery stores.
- Using two pans and baking paper to press the chicken helps achieve a crispy crust without deep frying.
- Ensure the wok is hot and smoking before adding ingredients to achieve the characteristic slight char in fried rice.
- For a spicier kick, add extra sliced red chili or more chilli crisp oil when serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keywords: no-fry fried chicken, greens fried rice, Chinese sausage, lap cheong, healthy fried chicken, Asian greens, stir-fry rice

