Chicken Fried Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Fried Rice is a savory, satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables all stir-fried in a flavorful soy-based sauce. It’s a perfect way to use leftover rice and comes together quickly for a weeknight meal. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it’s a delicious crowd-pleaser packed with texture and taste.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked white rice (preferably day-old)chicken breast or thighs (diced)eggsvegetable oilsoy sauceoyster saucegarlic (minced)onion (chopped)carrots (diced)peasgreen onions (sliced)sesame oilblack pepper

directions

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then scramble the eggs until just set. Push them to one side of the pan.

Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant and translucent.

Add carrots and peas, cooking for a few minutes until slightly tender.

Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything together.

Drizzle in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat the rice evenly.

Add green onions and season with black pepper to taste.

Stir-fry everything for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and well combined.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein.

Add bell peppers, broccoli, or bean sprouts for extra veggies.

Use brown rice for a healthier twist.

Spice it up with a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.

Top with a fried egg for extra richness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.Add a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems dry.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice?

Day-old rice is best as it’s drier and less sticky, preventing a mushy texture.

What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs are ideal for quick cooking and tender results.

Can I freeze Chicken Fried Rice?

Yes, it freezes well. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.

Is it necessary to use oyster sauce?

No, but it adds depth of flavor. You can omit or replace with hoisin sauce.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking?

Use cold, separated rice and a hot pan with enough oil.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables or use tofu.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best due to high smoke points.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

How do I get the “restaurant flavor”?

A combination of high heat, sesame oil, and oyster sauce helps replicate that classic taste.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and verify other sauces for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Rice is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that tastes better than takeout. Ideal for busy nights or using up leftovers, it’s a staple recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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