Name: Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old); 1 cup diced chicken breast or thighs; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup diced carrots; 1/2 cup green peas; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 stalks green onion, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Craving a quick, comforting meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor? Chicken Fried Rice might just be the hero of your weeknight dinners. This dish transforms humble pantry staples into a satisfying, golden bowl of stir-fried goodness. Whether you’re looking to repurpose leftover rice or whip up something hearty in under 30 minutes, this recipe brings bold flavors, tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and fluffy scrambled eggs together in perfect harmony.

Popular across households and takeout menus alike, Chicken Fried Rice is more than a side dish—it’s a full meal in its own right. Packed with protein and customizable to your preferences, it’s the kind of dish that adapts to your pantry and your cravings. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in vegetables for the picky eaters in your life.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start stir-frying, gathering the right tools will set you up for smooth cooking:

Wok or Large Skillet: A wok offers even heat distribution and the high sides keep everything contained while stirring quickly. A large non-stick skillet can also work if you don’t have a wok.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for flipping, stirring, and scooping without damaging your pan. A spatula also helps in getting the perfect sear on the rice.
Mixing Bowls: Helpful for prepping and separating ingredients before you begin. This keeps the workflow smooth.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Precision slicing of chicken and vegetables is key for even cooking and consistent texture.
Measuring Spoons & Cups: To keep your sauce perfectly balanced with just the right amount of soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings.

Having everything prepped and tools within arm’s reach makes the process enjoyable and quick—exactly what a fried rice night should be.

Ingredients for the Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Each ingredient in Chicken Fried Rice plays a distinct role in creating that iconic balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavor:

Cooked Jasmine Rice (preferably day-old): This is the foundation of the dish. Day-old rice is dryer and less sticky, giving you that perfect separated grain texture.
Chicken Breast or Thighs: Lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor. Thighs offer juicier bites, but breasts work great too.
Eggs: Scrambled and mixed in, they add richness and a soft, creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the chewy rice.
Carrots and Green Peas: Classic veggie mix for color, sweetness, and bite. You can use frozen or fresh.
Garlic and Onion: Aromatics that lay the base of the flavor profile.
Soy Sauce: Brings that salty, umami punch that defines fried rice.
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle goes a long way to enhance depth and aroma.
Green Onions: Bright, fresh, and added at the end for color and crunch.
Salt and Pepper: To fine-tune the overall seasoning.

How To Make the Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep All Ingredients First

Have your rice cooked and cooled, chicken sliced, vegetables chopped, and eggs cracked and whisked. This mise en place approach ensures everything is ready to go for fast stir-frying.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a bit of oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Add a touch more oil if needed. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and scramble until just set. Remove and keep aside with the chicken.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, sauté diced onions, garlic, carrots, and peas until they soften slightly and become fragrant. This step builds layers of flavor.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Rice

Add your cold, cooked rice to the pan. Break apart any clumps with your spatula and press the rice into the pan to get a light crisp on the bottom.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together until evenly coated and heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped green onions and a final dash of pepper. Serve hot and fresh.

Serving and Storing Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice is best served immediately while it’s hot and fragrant. Spoon it straight from the wok into bowls or plates, and garnish with extra green onions or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. It makes a hearty lunch or dinner on its own, but it can also be paired with a light soup or Asian-style salad for a complete meal.

If you’re storing leftovers, let the fried rice cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat for best results—a splash of water helps restore moisture. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a hurry, as it can turn the rice mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep fried rice from turning mushy?

Use cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice retains too much moisture, which makes stir-frying difficult without clumping.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the chicken and add more vegetables or tofu. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and snap peas are great additions.

What type of rice works best?

Jasmine rice is ideal for its slightly sticky, fragrant texture, but you can also use long-grain white rice or even basmati.

Can I freeze Chicken Fried Rice?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. If you must freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw fully before reheating in a skillet.

Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and infuses the dish with an extra layer of seasoned flavor.

Do I need a wok?

Not necessarily. A large non-stick or cast-iron skillet works just fine as long as it’s hot and roomy enough to stir-fry comfortably.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If Chicken Fried Rice is your kind of meal, there are plenty of other chicken-based recipes to explore on LadyPlate:

You might enjoy the bold, cheesy comfort of this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe for something oven-baked and crowd-pleasing. Or for a creamy stovetop option, try the Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff—rich and savory with every forkful.

Looking for a spicy twist? The Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken with Noodles balances heat and sweetness in a satisfying noodle bowl. You could also explore something more baked and flavorful with Air Fryer Honey BBQ Explosion Chicken.

And if you’re a fan of one-pan rice dishes like this fried rice, then don’t miss the One-Pan Smoky Spicy Chicken Rice Bake.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it went. Did you add pineapple? Did you make it spicy? Drop your twist in the comments below. Your take on Chicken Fried Rice might inspire someone else!

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Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3 to 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Fried Rice is your go-to weeknight dinner—quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. Perfectly stir-fried jasmine rice gets tossed with tender chicken, scrambled eggs, colorful veggies, and a rich soy-sesame seasoning. It’s a complete meal in one pan that uses simple ingredients and delivers big on taste.

Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients in advance. Cook and cool rice, dice chicken and vegetables, and beat the eggs.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. Add a little oil, pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble just until set. Remove and set aside.

4. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and peas until softened and fragrant.

5. Add the rice and break up any clumps. Let it fry slightly for texture.

6. Return chicken and eggs to the pan. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir-fry to combine and heat through.

7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.