Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

This Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful, and customizable dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a great way to use up leftover rice. With tender chicken, veggies, and savory seasonings, this homemade version is healthier and more satisfying than takeout. It’s made in one pan for easy cleanup and ready in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Made in one pan in less than 30 minutes!
Customizable: Use your favorite veggies and protein options.
Better than Takeout: Homemade fried rice with fresh ingredients and great flavor.
Budget-Friendly: Great way to use up leftover rice and chicken.

Ingredients

(Tip: Full ingredient list and measurements are in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Fried Rice:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced into small pieces
3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old or cold rice)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or use fresh vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli)
2-3 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for added depth of flavor)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 medium onion, diced
1-2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Cook the rice ahead of time if you haven’t already. Day-old rice works best for fried rice, as it’s less sticky and fries up better.
Dice the chicken into small pieces. Chop the onion, garlic, and any other veggies you’re using.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the diced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Scramble the Eggs:

In the same skillet, add a little more oil (about 1 tablespoon). Add the beaten eggs and scramble them in the pan for about 1-2 minutes until fully cooked. Once done, remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside with the chicken.

4. Cook the Veggies:

Add the remaining oil to the skillet, then sauté the onions and garlic for 1-2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the frozen peas and carrots (or other veggies of your choice) and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the veggies are heated through.

5. Add the Rice and Sauces:

Add the cold, cooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and stir everything together.
Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil over the rice. Stir to combine and coat the rice evenly with the sauce.

6. Add the Chicken and Eggs:

Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the skillet with the rice. Stir everything together until the chicken and eggs are evenly mixed into the rice.

7. Garnish & Serve:

Taste the fried rice and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more soy sauce if needed.
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use tofu, tempeh, or just extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Add Shrimp: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
More Veggies: Add extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli for added nutrition.
Spicy Fried Rice: Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or sliced fresh chili peppers for heat.
Other Proteins: This recipe works with cooked , beef, or even leftovers from a rotisserie chicken.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. You can add a small splash of water or soy sauce to help rehydrate the rice.

FAQs

Can I use white rice or brown rice?

Both white and brown rice work well in this recipe. Just make sure the rice is cold or day-old for the best texture.

Can I use fresh rice instead of cold rice?

Freshly cooked rice can be used, but it may be stickier and won’t fry up as well as cold rice. If using fresh rice, try to let it cool for a bit before adding it to the skillet.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately. When ready to cook, simply stir-fry everything together in the skillet.

Can I make this without soy sauce?

You can use coconut aminos as a soy-free alternative to soy sauce, or simply use salt for a less salty version. However, soy sauce adds a lot of flavor to the dish.

Can I freeze fried rice?

Yes! Fried rice freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious and customizable dish that’s quick to make, flavorful, and perfect for using up leftover rice. With its tender chicken, savory sauce, and veggies, it’s sure to become a favorite weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a great way to add variety to your dinner routine while keeping it simple and satisfying.