Easy chicken fried rice recipe

Imagine tender chunks of chicken and fluffy rice infused with savory soy sauce, all coming together in one aromatic, satisfying dish. This Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The beauty of this classic dish lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors—crispy vegetables, savory chicken, and perfectly seasoned rice create an irresistible combination that’s been beloved across generations. You’ll learn how to create authentic-tasting fried rice at home with minimal effort and maximum flavor, impressing both family and friends with your culinary skills.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation for countless good reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for using up leftover rice and any vegetables lingering in your refrigerator. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when cooking feels like a chore.

The textural contrast is what makes this fried rice truly special. Each bite offers the perfect combination of tender chicken pieces, slightly crunchy vegetables, and rice that’s simultaneously fluffy and slightly crisp around the edges. The umami-rich sauce coats every grain without making it soggy, creating that authentic restaurant-quality experience.

What truly sets this homemade chicken fried rice apart is its customizability. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, making it as mild or flavorful as you desire. Plus, it’s a complete meal in itself, eliminating the need for multiple side dishes or complicated preparation steps.

Ingredients

For this Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe, you’ll need:

• 3 cups cooked white rice, preferably day-old and cold (about 1 cup uncooked)
• 12 oz (340g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into ½-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 1 medium onion (about 1 cup), finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but adds authentic flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
• Salt to taste

The key to excellent chicken fried rice is using cold, day-old rice—freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and will result in a mushy texture. For the chicken, thighs can be substituted for breasts if you prefer more flavor and moisture.

Pro Tips

Use Cold Rice: The absolute most critical factor for perfect chicken fried rice is starting with cold, day-old rice. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This dries out the rice and prevents it from clumping together when stir-fried.

Hot Wok Technique: Preheat your wok or large skillet until it’s very hot before adding oil. This creates that coveted “wok hei” or breath of the wok—the slightly smoky flavor that characterizes restaurant-quality Chinese dishes. Once hot, maintain high heat throughout cooking, moving ingredients constantly to prevent burning.

Cook Ingredients Separately: For the best texture and flavor development, cook each component separately before combining. Begin with eggs, remove them, then cook chicken until just done, followed by vegetables, and finally rice. This ensures every element retains its distinct texture and prevents overcooking. When everything is combined at the end, each ingredient contributes its optimal flavor to the dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare The Rice
If you don’t have day-old rice, cook fresh rice according to package instructions, then spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Before cooking, use your fingers to break up any clumps in the cold rice to ensure even cooking and proper texture in your Easy Chicken Fried Rice.

Step 2: Cook The Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add beaten eggs and swirl to create a thin layer. Let cook undisturbed for 30 seconds, then gently break into pieces with your spatula. Cook until just set but still moist, about 1 minute total. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Stir Fry The Chicken
Return the wok to high heat and add another tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add diced chicken and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown slightly. The chicken should be fully cooked but still tender. Remove from the wok and set aside with the eggs.

Step 4: Cook The Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok. Add diced onions and stir-fry for 1 minute until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the peas and carrots, stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Step 5: Add Rice And Seasonings
Add the cold rice to the wok, breaking up any remaining clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through. Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice. Toss continuously to coat every grain evenly with the seasonings.

Step 6: Combine And Finish
Return the cooked chicken and eggs to the wok. Add white pepper and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Just before serving, fold in the sliced green onions, reserving some for garnish.

Variations

Vegetable Fried Rice: Transform this chicken fried rice recipe into a vegetarian delight by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables. Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli florets, or snap peas. For protein, incorporate cubed tofu that’s been pressed and pan-fried until crispy, or simply double the eggs.

Spicy Chicken Fried Rice: For heat lovers, create a spicy version by adding 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or sambal oelek while stir-frying the rice. Alternatively, include 1-2 thinly sliced Thai chilies with the garlic, or finish the dish with a drizzle of chili oil. The heat perfectly complements the savory flavors of the Easy Chicken Fried Rice.

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice: For a sweet-savory twist, add 1 cup of diced fresh pineapple when combining all ingredients. The juicy sweetness balances the savory soy sauce and creates a delightful tropical variation. This version pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of cashews or toasted coconut flakes as a garnish.

Storage and Serving

This Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly in a microwave or, for better texture retention, in a skillet with a splash of water to rehydrate the rice.

For an impressive presentation, serve your chicken fried rice in a large bowl garnished with extra sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Create a complete Asian-inspired feast by pairing it with egg drop soup, crispy spring rolls, or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar.

For a fun interactive dinner, serve the fried rice family-style in the center of the table alongside small bowls of optional toppings like crushed peanuts, fried shallots, fresh cilantro, and extra soy sauce. This allows everyone to customize their portion to their taste preferences.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
While day-old rice works best for Easy Chicken Fried Rice, you can use fresh rice in a pinch. Cook the rice with slightly less water than usual, then spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate or freeze for 15-30 minutes to quickly cool and dry it out.

Why is my fried rice mushy?
Mushy rice typically results from using warm, freshly cooked rice or overcrowding the pan. Ensure your rice is cold, your wok is hot, and you’re cooking in batches if necessary to maintain high heat throughout the cooking process.

Can I substitute brown rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice makes a nutritious alternative in chicken fried rice. Just note that it has a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. You’ll need to cook it longer initially and may need slightly more oil when stir-frying.

How can I make this gluten-free?
To make gluten-free chicken fried rice, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free (or omit it).

Can I add other proteins?
Yes! This versatile recipe works beautifully with shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu instead of or in addition to chicken. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as shrimp cooks more quickly, while beef may need slightly longer.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe is comfort food at its finest — a perfect harmony of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice that brings restaurant-quality Chinese cuisine right to your dining table. It’s the kind of dish that rescues weeknight dinners with its simplicity and speed, while still delivering deeply satisfying flavors that everyone loves. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile recipe proves that spectacular meals don’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients—just thoughtful preparation and a few kitchen secrets. Make this your go-to fried rice recipe, and watch as it becomes a cherished favorite in your cooking repertoire.

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