If you are craving a dish that is comforting, delicious, and quick to put together, this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is the perfect choice to satisfy your taste buds. Packed with tender chicken pieces, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy rice all brought together with a harmonious blend of savory sauces, this recipe offers a fantastic balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re reviving leftover rice or simply want a homemade version of a takeout favorite, this dish will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward making an unforgettable Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. Each component plays an important role in creating that classic and colorful stir-fried delight.
- Vegetable oil: Key for stir-frying without overpowering the other flavors.
- Eggs: Adds richness and a lovely soft texture when scrambled.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Provides lean protein and a tender bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic depth and a slight pungency.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and a gentle crunch when cooked.
- Frozen peas and carrots: Introduce color, sweetness, and a bit of snap.
- Cooked and chilled white rice: The foundation of this dish, best if day-old to keep it fluffy and separate.
- Soy sauce: Provides savory umami and saltiness to tie everything together.
- Oyster sauce (optional): Offers a deeper, savory complexity if you want an extra flavor boost.
- Sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma and wonderful finish.
- Green onions: Fresh and mild, perfect to sprinkle over for brightness.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the scrambled eggs
Start by heating half of the vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set but still tender. This step ensures the eggs stay fluffy and won’t overcook later when combined with the rice. Once done, remove the eggs and set aside—trust me, you want to keep them separate until the final mix.
Step 2: Sear the chicken
Next, add the remaining oil to the pan. Season the diced chicken breast generously with salt and black pepper, then place it in the hot skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to build a light golden crust, then stir occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely browned. This adds great flavor and texture to each bite.
Step 3: Add aromatics and veggies
Now, toss in the minced garlic and diced onion. Stir everything around until the mix becomes fragrant and the onions turn translucent, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Follow it up by stirring in the thawed peas and carrots. Give this a couple of minutes to heat through and soften just enough without losing all their crunch and color.
Step 4: Incorporate the rice
Time for the star ingredient! Add your chilled white rice to the skillet. The key here is to break up any clumps with your spatula so the rice heats evenly and every grain is coated with flavors. This is when your dish begins to resemble that delicious takeout favorite you love.
Step 5: Season the dish
Drizzle in the soy sauce and, if you’re using it, the oyster sauce too. These sauces infuse the rice with savory depth that makes every spoonful satisfying. A splash of sesame oil follows to add that classic toasted scent and flavor that rounds out the dish perfectly. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated and piping hot.
Step 6: Add eggs and finish with green onions
Finally, return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and gently toss them into the rice mixture. This step keeps the eggs tender and integrates their silky texture throughout. Just before you serve, sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh pop of flavor and color, completing your Chicken Fried Rice Recipe masterpiece.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes the simplest garnishes make the biggest difference. A handful of chopped fresh cilantro, a few extra green onion slices, or even some toasted sesame seeds elevate this dish. If you like a little heat, consider a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili garlic sauce for that extra zing.
Side Dishes
Chicken Fried Rice works wonderfully as a complete meal, but it also pairs beautifully with sides like steamed or stir-fried vegetables to boost freshness and crunch. A crisp cucumber salad or some quick-pickled radishes can add vibrant contrast. For a heartier pairing, Chinese-style egg rolls or dumplings make great companions to this meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or simply mix things up? Serve the Chicken Fried Rice nestled in halved bell peppers or scoop it into lettuce cups for a fun handheld option. Another crowd-pleaser is topping the fried rice with a fried egg or garnishing with crunchy fried shallots to add layers of texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing, to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess. When you reheat, the flavors will have had time to meld even more, often tasting better the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze chicken fried rice, it’s best to do so if you want to keep it longer than a few days. Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. When frozen properly, it lasts up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your leftover Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, the stovetop is ideal. Warm a little oil in a skillet and stir-fry the rice over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it feels dry. This method helps retain the original texture without drying out. Microwaving works too but can sometimes make the rice a bit mushy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and well-chilled before stir-frying so it doesn’t get mushy.
What if I’m allergic to soy sauce?
You can substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari (gluten-free soy sauce alternative). These options still bring umami without the soy allergens.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with diced tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. You can omit oyster sauce or use a vegetarian alternative as well.
Why use day-old rice?
Day-old rice is drier and has less moisture, so it fries up nicely without turning mushy, which is crucial for that perfect fried rice texture.
Can I add other proteins to my chicken fried rice?
Definitely. Shrimp, pork, or even ground beef are great additions. Simply cook them fully before adding the vegetables and rice.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is a true kitchen champion: quick to make, adaptable, and downright delicious every time. Once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dish across the world. So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the warm satisfaction of homemade fried rice bursting with flavor. Happy cooking!
Print
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
A delicious and easy homemade Chicken Fried Rice recipe featuring tender chicken breast, scrambled eggs, veggies, and rice stir-fried with savory soy and oyster sauces. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that tastes like your favorite takeout.
Ingredients
Protein & Eggs
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 eggs, beaten
Vegetables
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 2 green onions, sliced
Staples
- 4 cups cooked and chilled white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Scramble the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Season the diced chicken breast with salt and black pepper, then add to the pan. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned.
- Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: Stir in the minced garlic and diced onion to the cooked chicken. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent. Add the thawed peas and carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes to soften.
- Add the Rice: Add the chilled, cooked rice to the skillet. Break apart any clumps with a spatula and stir thoroughly to combine with the chicken and vegetables.
- Season and Stir-Fry: Drizzle in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir-fry everything together for 2 to 3 more minutes to heat through and ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauces.
- Combine Eggs and Finish: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and gently toss them into the rice mixture. Sprinkle the sliced green onions on top as a fresh garnish before serving.
Notes
- Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture and to avoid sogginess.
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or tofu to vary the protein.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce according to your taste preference.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
