Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
When you’re craving something warm, comforting, and wonderfully quick to pull together, Easy Chicken Fried Rice is your best friend in the kitchen. This dish captures all the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures you expect from your favorite takeout—tender chicken, fluffy scrambled eggs, and colorful veggies, all tossed with savory sauces in one sizzling pan. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing, better-than-takeout meal at home, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or those dinners when you really just want a bowl of something cozy in your hands.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a lineup this simple, every ingredient in Easy Chicken Fried Rice earns its spot. Each element delivers unmistakable flavor, pops of color, or plenty of texture—no fancy shopping trip required. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Vegetable oil: Sets the foundation for a hot, nonstick pan and helps everything sizzle perfectly.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (diced): Provides bite-sized, hearty protein with a mild flavor that soaks up every bit of seasoning.
- Salt and pepper: Simple, but essential for highlighting every ingredient’s natural character.
- Eggs (lightly beaten): Offer soft, creamy bites throughout the rice and boost the protein.
- Cooked and chilled white rice: The heart of the dish—using day-old rice ensures every grain stays fluffy and never mushy.
- Frozen peas and carrots (thawed): Add a sweet touch and beautiful color, making the dish pop.
- Green onions (sliced): Infuse each bite with subtle sharpness and vibrant freshness.
- Garlic (minced): Releases a rich, savory aroma and flavor that makes the kitchen smell irresistible.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings the essential umami punch without going overboard on saltiness.
- Oyster sauce (optional): Optional, but if you add it, expect a deeper, more complex savory-sweet finish.
- Sesame oil: Just a drizzle infuses the rice with that unmistakable nutty aroma and authentic restaurant flair.
How to Make Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken, season generously with salt and pepper, and let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes—you want golden edges! Then toss and cook for 5–6 minutes until it’s perfectly browned and no longer pink inside. Scoop the chicken out and set it aside, but keep your pan hot for the next step.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil straight into your pan and swirl it around. Pour in the lightly beaten eggs, spreading them out to cook evenly. Let them set for about a minute, then gently scramble until just done—soft and glistening, not dry. Push the eggs off to one side of your pan; this is the secret to those signature ribbons of egg throughout your Easy Chicken Fried Rice.
Step 3: Combine Rice and Veggies
Add the garlic to the empty space in your pan and let it sizzle for a few seconds to unlock that amazing aroma. Immediately add the chilled rice, peas and carrots, and green onions. Stir, breaking up any clumps of rice, and keep things moving for two to three minutes. The rice should heat through and the veggies will turn even brighter.
Step 4: Finish and Season
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Drizzle over the soy sauce, splash in the oyster sauce if you’re using it, and pour in the fragrant sesame oil. Toss everything together so each grain of rice looks glossy and evenly coated. Let the whole thing cook for another one to two minutes, until the flavors mingle, the sauce soaks in, and your Easy Chicken Fried Rice smells absolutely irresistible. Now, grab your bowls—it’s ready to serve!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Garnishes
Top each serving of Easy Chicken Fried Rice with a sprinkle of extra green onions or toasted sesame seeds. For those who love a touch of heat, a few dots of sriracha or chili crisp add just the right kick. Garnishes don’t just brighten up your dish—they bring new flavors and fun textures to every bite.
Side Dishes
Though Easy Chicken Fried Rice shines all on its own, you can make it a full feast with simple Asian-inspired sides. Try pairing it with crispy spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a quick cucumber salad for cool crunch. A bowl of miso soup or a plate of sautéed bok choy rounds out even the hungriest appetites.
Creative Ways to Present
For an appealing twist, serve your Easy Chicken Fried Rice in individual bowls with chopsticks tucked alongside, or mound it into lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option. If you’re serving a crowd, set out toppings like extra sauces, chopped peanuts, or fresh herbs so everyone can build their dream bowl. Dinner just got interactive and a little extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Chicken Fried Rice makes a fantastic lunch the next day. Let it cool to room temperature before packing in airtight containers, and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen after a night in the fridge!
Freezing
If you like having a speedy dinner on hand, Easy Chicken Fried Rice freezes like a charm. Transfer completely cooled rice into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out any extra air. Store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the tastiest leftovers, reheat Easy Chicken Fried Rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to revive its texture. Stir constantly until piping hot. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well, lending a nutty flavor and a boost of fiber. Be sure it’s chilled and day-old for that signature, non-soggy fried rice texture.
Is it possible to make Easy Chicken Fried Rice vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the chicken for firm tofu, tempeh, or extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas. Keep the eggs, or use a plant-based egg substitute if you’d prefer it fully vegan.
What’s the secret to restaurant-style fried rice?
Cold, day-old rice is the real game changer! It stays separate and gets slightly crisp when stir-fried, just like your favorite takeout version. Fresh rice tends to clump and turn mushy.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to mix in corn, diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or whatever veggies you love or need to use up. This recipe is wonderfully flexible.
How spicy is this dish?
Easy Chicken Fried Rice is mild as written, but you can amp up the heat by adding chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or spicy sauces at the end to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a cozier, more satisfying weeknight staple than Easy Chicken Fried Rice. Every bite is packed with savory goodness, crunchy veggies, and just the right touch of nostalgia. If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, endlessly customizable, and sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation, give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a classic Asian dish right at home. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful veggies come together in a savory, satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (diced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 3 cups cooked and chilled white rice
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: In the same pan, cook beaten eggs, then add garlic, rice, peas, carrots, and green onions. Stir and heat through.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the pan, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together and cook briefly. Serve hot.
Notes
- For best texture, use day-old chilled rice.
- Feel free to customize with shrimp, tofu, or other veggies like bell peppers or corn.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
