Name: Chicken Fried Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked long-grain rice (preferably chilled overnight); 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces); 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided); 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); ½ cup peas; ½ cup diced carrots; 2 large eggs (lightly beaten); 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; ½ teaspoon sesame oil; Salt and black pepper (to taste); ¼ cup chopped green onions (Optional)

Jump to Recipe

This easy and delicious Chicken Fried Rice recipe is perfect for anyone looking to whip up a satisfying and customizable meal in no time. With its rich flavors, colorful presentation, and versatile ingredient, this dish will surely become a family favorite.

The easiest Chicken fried rice recipe

If you're anything like me, you've had your fair share of Chinese takeout, and there's one dish that always seems to hit the spot: chicken fried rice. The beauty of fried rice lies in its adaptability: with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Chicken fried rice is a hearty, delicious, and flavor-packed meal made from cooked rice, boneless chicken pieces, eggs, veggies, garlic, and other seasonings. The contrasting textures and flavors of the ingredients that make up chicken fried rice make it the hearty and wholesome meal it is.

While it is known for its roots in Chinese cuisine, Chicken fried rice is a meal that has grown globally and is a favorite of many. This is most likely because of the ease that comes with making the meal, as well as how delicious and filling it is, and it can be easily tailored to your taste preferences.

Using day-old rice

The key to a perfect Chinese Fried Rice is using day-old rice, which ensures a chewy, non-soggy texture.

Day-old rice for fried rice is recommended because it has a drier and less starchy texture compared to freshly cooked rice.

When you use fresh, warm, and just-cooked rice, your fried rice can turn out soggy, lacking the distinct chewy grains that make a good fried rice. On the other hand, day-old rice that has been refrigerated helps dry the grains out enough to give your fried rice a better texture.

Moreover, the drier texture of leftover rice allows it to better absorb the flavors and moisture introduced during the cooking process, preventing the dish from becoming mushy or soggy.

Ingredients to make the easiest Chicken fried rice recipe

Day-old rice: This is the secret to achieving that perfect, chewy texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and can result in a soggy, mushy fried rice.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well, but feel free to experiment with other proteins like shrimp or tofu.
Vegetables: A mix of peas, carrots, and red bell peppers adds color and crunch, but you can also use your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand.

Seasonings: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil bring that signature savory flavor,
Garlic and onions add depth and aroma.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Chicken Fried Rice. The chicken adds a lean protein source. The vegetables not only add color and texture but also contribute valuable nutrients. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil create a savory and umami-rich flavor profile, while the eggs add extra protein and richness.

How to make healthy chicken fried rice

Heat oil in a skillet, cook seasoned chicken, and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook onions, garlic, peas, carrots, and bell pepper.
Push veggies aside, scramble eggs in the skillet, and mix with vegetables.
Add rice, cooked chicken, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, cooking until heated through.
Adjust seasoning, remove from heat, and optionally stir in green onions before serving.

What goes with chicken fried rice?

Chicken fried rice is a great meal on its own, and it can also be enjoyed as a side dish to accompany other dishes. Some side dishes that pair well with chicken fried rice include Hamburger Helper: Quick, Delicious, & Budget-Friendly, grilled or roasted meats for extra protein, salad, stir-fried vegetables, dumplings, steamed wontons, omelet, spicy shrimps, chicken teriyaki, roasted vegetables, e.t.c.

Is it compulsory to put eggs in Chicken fried rice?

It is not compulsory to put eggs in chicken fried rice. It is a personal preference to put eggs in chicken fried rice however you can substitute eggs with tofu or more veggies. If you are allergic, it's best to leave them out completely. You will still have delish chicken fried rice regardless.

What do I do if I don't have leftover cooked rice?

If you don't have leftover cooked rice, we recommend that you cook your rice ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer, depending on when you are ready to make your meal. You can as well spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for 10-15 minutes to dry out slightly.

How long is chicken fried rice good for?

Chicken fried rice can last in the fridge for about 4 days. We recommend that you serve this meal as soon as it is made to enjoy good quality freshness, especially if you didn't skip eggs.

How can I prevent the rice from burning when frying it?

Ensure to use a non-stick pan or wok to fry your rice so it does stick. Heat the pan or wok first before adding oil to prevent the oil from burning and sticking to the pan. Ensure that your rice is not mushy. Do not leave your rice unattended. Keep stirring the rice to prevent it from burning.

Delicious Homemade Chicken fried rice served in a bowl

Can I make chicken fried rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can make chicken fried rice ahead of time. Making Chicken fried rice requires using leftover rice which means you need to have cooked your rice ahead of time and stored in the fridge. You can also prepare the vegetables and protein ahead of time to save time when cooking.

Storage and Reheating Tips

How long do I store Chicken fried rice for?

Have leftovers? Store your chicken fried rice leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I store chicken fried rice in the freezer?

Yes, you can store chicken fried rice in the freezer. First, ensure that the rice is cooled to room temperature in order to prevent bacteria growth, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags, and remove all the air. Chicken fried rice can keep up to 3 months in the freezer.

How do I reheat Chicken fried rice?

There are four different ways you can reheat chicken fried rice. These four ways include reheating in the microwave, oven, stove top or frying your chicken fried rice again.

For Microwave, start by putting your rice in a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Warm for about 2 minutes, and make sure to stir occasionally until the rice is heated through.
The oven method involves heating your chicken fried rice in a preheated oven (preheat to 425 F). Add little water and warm the rice for about 15-20 minutes.
On the stovetop, warm the leftover rice with little water or broth as desired for about 5-10 minutes until the chicken fried rice is heated through.
To refry on the stovetop, begin by heating up some oil or butter in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the leftover chicken fried rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is steaming hot.

Tips:

The serving size would be approximately 1 to 1.5 cups per serving. The recipe yields about 6 to 7 cups of chicken fried rice, making 4 to 6 servings in total. If you are serving as a main dish, 1 to 1.5 cups per person is a good estimate. If it is being served as a side dish, a smaller serving size of ¾ to 1 cup per person might be more appropriate.
Be sure to thaw your carrots and peas if you are using frozen.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as corn, bell peppers, green beans, or mushrooms.
For a spicy kick, add a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Other delicious rice recipes to try:

Chicken Fried Rice

Savory, flavorful and hearty are words that describe chicken fried rice. This meal is very easy to make and doesn't take time at all. In 30 minutes, you will have this gracing your table.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 30

Servings: People

Calories: 286.5kcal

Ingredients

3 cups cooked long-grain rice preferably chilled overnight
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
1 small yellow onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
½ cup peas
½ cup diced carrots
2 large eggs lightly beaten
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
½ teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup chopped green onions Optional

Instructions

If using day-old rice, fluff it with a fork to break up any clumps. If you don't have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for 10-15 minutes to dry out slightly.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Stir in the peas, carrots, and red bell pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly softened.
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil into the empty side. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any large clumps with the back of a spoon.
Stir in the cooked chicken, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
Remove the skillet from the heat and, if desired, stir in the chopped green onions and serve.

Notes

The serving size would be approximately 1 to 1.5 cups per serving. The recipe yields about 6 to 7 cups of chicken fried rice, making 4 to 6 servings in total. If you are serving as a main dish, 1 to 1.5 cups per person is a good estimate. If it is being served as a side dish, a smaller serving size of ¾ to 1 cup per person might be more appropriate.
Be sure to thaw your carrots and peas if you are using frozen