If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and quick, this Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is your go-to meal! Bursting with savory flavors, tender chicken, and colorful veggies all tossed with fragrant jasmine rice, it’s a delicious homemade classic that’s ready in a flash.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Super quick and simple: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Uses pantry staples and leftovers: Day-old rice and basic ingredients transform into a flavorful, satisfying dish.
Balanced and customizable: Protein, veggies, and rice combine for a complete meal, easy to tweak with your favorite add-ins.
Family-friendly crowd pleaser: Mild, tasty, and fuss-free, it’s a recipe that everyone at the table will love.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients come together for big taste. Each component plays a key role—from the aromatic garlic and green onions to the colorful frozen veggies and tender chicken pieces, bringing texture, flavor, and color to life in every bite.
- Day-old cooked rice: Using rice that’s been refrigerated overnight keeps the grains firm and prevents clumping, the secret to perfect fried rice.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Either works wonderfully; thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts keep it lean.
- Frozen peas and carrots: These add a lovely pop of sweetness and vibrant color without extra chopping.
- Soy sauce and sesame oil: Build that signature umami flavor and rich nuttiness that are quintessential to fried rice.
- Eggs: Scrambled right into the mix, they contribute protein and a silky texture to balance everything.
How to Make Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating your skillet or wok over medium-high heat and seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil, then cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Once done, transfer it to a plate and set aside to keep the juices locked in.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and toss in the diced white onion. Sauté until it softens, releasing its sweet fragrance, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic for a quick 30 seconds to layer in flavor, then add the frozen peas and carrots. Cook them until tender, roughly another 4 minutes. This colorful vegetable mix adds freshness and texture.
Step 3: Combine Rice, Chicken, and Flavorings
Add the day-old cooked rice to the pan, along with the cooked chicken and the white parts of the chopped green onions. Pour over the soy sauce and use a spatula to mix everything thoroughly, making sure each grain soaks up those delicious savory notes. Cook everything together for about 2 minutes until warmed through.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs and Finish
Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan and drizzle in the toasted sesame oil. Pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side and season lightly with salt and pepper. Gently scramble the eggs until just cooked, then fold them into the rice and chicken mixture. Sprinkle the green parts of the green onions on top, giving it a fresh, mild bite, and stir everything together one final time before serving warm.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
For an irresistible finish, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro on top to add a burst of aroma. A wedge of lime on the side can brighten the flavors, while a drizzle of sriracha or chili crisp is perfect if you like a bit of heat to kick things up.
Side Dishes
This fried rice pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed dumplings, crunchy Asian slaw, or even a light cucumber salad to balance the savory richness. If you want to keep it simple, a bowl of hot miso soup complements it beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your fried rice inside hollowed-out pineapple halves for a tropical party vibe. Or mold the rice into a dome on each plate and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs, making it look restaurant-worthy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover chicken fried rice in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it a great lunch or dinner option for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, too! Pack cooled fried rice into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For reheating, the stovetop is ideal—just toss the rice in a hot pan with a splash of water or oil and warm until heated through. Microwaving works too; cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring between until hot and steamy.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Freshly cooked rice tends to be softer and more moist, which can cause your fried rice to turn mushy. Using day-old rice that’s been refrigerated gives you drier grains that separate better, resulting in the classic fluffy texture of fried rice.
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What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?
Both boneless skinless chicken thighs and breasts are great options. Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy during cooking, while breasts are leaner but can dry out if overcooked—so keep an eye on them!
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Can I add other vegetables to this chicken fried rice?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, or bean sprouts depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep everything crisp-tender.
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Is it okay to skip the eggs if I’m allergic or vegan?
You can omit the eggs or use scrambled tofu for a vegan alternative. Your fried rice will still be tasty and satisfying with a boost of protein from the tofu.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that ticks all the boxes: speedy, flavorful, and downright comforting. Once you try it, I’m pretty sure it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation too—so go ahead, fire up that skillet and enjoy every fragrant, tasty bite!
Print
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful dish made with day-old rice, tender chicken pieces, fresh vegetables, and savory seasonings. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner, it combines sautéed chicken, onions, peas, carrots, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce for a classic takeout-style fried rice at home.
Ingredients
Protein & Eggs
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 3 large eggs, beaten
Vegetables
- 1½ cups frozen peas and carrots
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
Grains & Oils
- 3 cups day-old cooked jasmine or long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan. When hot, add the diced white onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Mix in the frozen peas and carrots, cooking for about 4 minutes until the carrots are tender.
- Add Rice and Chicken: Stir in the day-old cooked rice, cooked chicken, and the white parts of the chopped green onions. Pour in the soy sauce and mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the rice to warm through and absorb the flavors. Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan.
- Scramble Eggs: Pour the toasted sesame oil into the empty side of the pan. Add the beaten eggs and season with salt and pepper. Scramble the eggs gently until they are almost fully cooked, then mix them into the rice, chicken, and vegetables, stirring to combine everything.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the chicken fried rice warm, garnished with the green parts of the chopped green onions for added freshness.
Notes
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in the microwave or oven. If using the oven, cover the dish with aluminum foil and sprinkle a little water before reheating to prevent drying out.
