Chicken Fried Rice

If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, look no further than Chicken Fried Rice! This dish is the ultimate comfort food—packed with tender chicken, veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice. Every bite offers that irresistible combination of savory goodness and a hint of smokiness from being fried up in a hot pan. It’s like taking a trip to your favorite Chinese takeout place—but better, because you made it yourself! Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and delicious this is.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Fried Rice

Quick & Easy: This is a weeknight lifesaver! It comes together in under 30 minutes, and it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze.

Customizable: You can easily swap out the veggies or protein to suit your taste. No chicken? No problem! Shrimp, pork, or even tofu work beautifully in this recipe.

Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, this dish is the perfect way to stretch your food budget without sacrificing flavor.

Leftover-Friendly: In fact, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice, making it even more practical and delicious!

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this dish is a hit with just about everyone. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you feel at home.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Chicken Fried Rice:

Chicken Breast or Thighs

The star of the dish! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. If you prefer dark meat, go with thighs for a juicier result.

Day-Old Rice

Using leftover rice or rice that’s been refrigerated overnight gives it the perfect texture for frying. It’s a must for getting that fluffy, non-clumpy texture.

Vegetables

A mix of diced carrots, peas, and onions gives this dish the perfect crunch and balance of flavor.

Soy Sauce

The essential ingredient for that savory, umami punch that’s a hallmark of fried rice.

Garlic

Minced garlic adds aromatic depth and flavor to the dish.

Eggs

Eggs help bind the fried rice together, and they bring an extra richness to the overall flavor.

Green Onions

For garnish and a fresh, mild oniony flavor that complements the richness of the dish.

Sesame Oil

A little drizzle of sesame oil at the end brings that signature nutty fragrance and flavor to the fried rice.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make your very own Chicken Fried Rice:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat a little oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness). Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside. After it cools slightly, dice it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the diced carrots, peas, and onions. Sauté until the veggies are tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Push the veggies to one side of the pan, then crack the eggs into the empty side. Scramble them until fully cooked, then mix them into the vegetables.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Add the day-old rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir everything together so the rice gets coated in the flavorful bits in the pan.

Step 5: Season the Rice

Pour the soy sauce over the rice, stirring well to combine. Adjust the seasoning with additional soy sauce if needed, depending on your taste preference.

Step 6: Combine the Chicken

Add the diced chicken back into the pan and stir everything together. Let it fry for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and everything is evenly distributed.

Step 7: Finish with Sesame Oil & Green Onions

Drizzle a little sesame oil over the fried rice for that final touch of flavor, then toss in the chopped green onions. Give everything a good mix.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Your homemade Chicken Fried Rice is ready to serve! Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy it hot and fresh, or store leftovers for later.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 27g
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice

This dish is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

Serve with a Side of Soup

Pair your Chicken Fried Rice with a light soup like miso soup or hot and sour soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

Add a Fresh Salad

A crisp salad with a tangy dressing (like a simple cucumber salad or an Asian-style coleslaw) complements the rich fried rice perfectly.

Enjoy with Pickled Vegetables

Serve with pickled vegetables (like pickled ginger or kimchi) to add a tangy, flavorful contrast to the richness of the fried rice.

Garnish with Extra Green Onions

For a pop of color and flavor, top with extra chopped green onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Additional Tips

Use Cold, Leftover Rice

Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and less likely to get mushy. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice out on a baking sheet and let it cool for 15 minutes before using it.

Customize the Vegetables

Feel free to swap out or add any vegetables you like. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and corn are great additions to this fried rice.

Add a Kick with Chili Flakes

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.

Make it Spicy

For a spicier version, add some sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the rice as it’s frying.

Make it a One-Pan Meal

This is a complete meal in itself, but you could serve it alongside some crispy egg rolls or a simple stir-fry for an even heartier feast.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A1: Yes, you can! Brown rice works great in fried rice and adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.

Q2: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
A1: Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables work well in this recipe—just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the pan.

Q3: How do I store leftover fried rice?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Q4: Can I add other proteins to this dish?
A4: Yes! You can use shrimp, pork, or even tofu instead of chicken. Just make sure to cook your protein first and set it aside before adding it back to the fried rice.

Q5: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A5: Yes! Skip the chicken and use extra veggies or tofu to make it a delicious vegetarian dish.

Q6: Can I make this ahead of time?
A6: Fried rice is best made fresh, but you can prep the rice and chop the vegetables in advance to save time on the day you’re cooking.

Q7: Can I freeze Chicken Fried Rice?
A7: Yes, you can freeze it! Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat thoroughly before eating.

Q8: Can I use a wok for this recipe?
A8: Yes! A wok is perfect for fried rice because it heats quickly and evenly, allowing for that signature crispy texture.

Q9: How do I avoid soggy fried rice?
A9: The key to avoiding soggy rice is using day-old rice that’s been cooled and dried out slightly. Avoid adding too much soy sauce or liquid.

Q10: Can I add more flavor to the rice?
A10: Absolutely! You can experiment with adding hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or a bit of rice vinegar for extra depth of flavor.

Conclusion

This Chicken Fried Rice is an absolute winner—flavor-packed, quick to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or prepping it for lunch the next day, this dish delivers on taste and satisfaction. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable, so you can tweak it to your liking! Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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