The Best Chicken Fried Rice Recipe You’ll Actually Love Making

Whipping up a delectable chicken fried rice can transform an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Fragrant jasmine rice mingles with tender chicken pieces, creating a symphony of flavors.

My kitchen always comes alive when this classic dish simmers in the wok.

Crisp vegetables add vibrant colors and nutritional punch to every delightful bite.

Seasonal ingredients make this recipe uniquely yours, allowing personal creativity to shine through.

Authentic Asian techniques blend seamlessly with home-style cooking techniques.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this comforting and satisfying meal.

Big Reasons To Love Chicken Fried Rice

• Boost Your Meal Prep: Incredibly quick and simple recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into a delicious, satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customize Your Flavor: Flexible dish that welcomes creative variations with different vegetables, proteins, or spice levels to match your taste preferences.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Single wok cooking method reduces cleanup time and simplifies the entire cooking process, making it ideal for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Nutrition in Every Bite: Balanced meal packed with protein from chicken, essential nutrients from mixed vegetables, and energy-boosting carbohydrates from rice – a complete and wholesome dinner solution.

Everything Inside Chicken Fried Rice

• Chicken Breast: A lean and versatile protein that provides a tender and satisfying base for the fried rice.

• Garlic, Onion: Foundational ingredients that create a rich and flavorful base for the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the fried rice.
• Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil: Signature Asian-inspired condiments that add depth and umami flavor to the dish.

• Eggs: Provide additional protein and create a creamy texture throughout the fried rice.
• Mixed Vegetables: Add nutrition, color, and variety to the dish.
• Rice: The primary carbohydrate and core component that serves as the foundation of the fried rice.
• Vegetable Oil: Necessary for cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking to the wok.
• Green Onions: A fresh garnish that adds a bright, crisp finish to the dish.

How To Make Chicken Fried Rice Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut chicken breast into small, neat cubes to ensure quick and even cooking.

Step 2: Fire Up the Wok

Warm vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until it’s sizzling and fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Toss in the diced chicken and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and cooks completely through.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Slide the chicken to one side of the wok and crack eggs into the empty space. Quickly scramble them with a spatula.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Eggs

Mix the partially set eggs with the cooked chicken pieces.

Step 6: Add Aromatic Flavors

Introduce minced garlic and diced onions to the wok. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until they become soft and release their wonderful aroma.

Step 7: Toss in Vegetables

Fold mixed vegetables into the chicken and egg mixture. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 8: Add Cooked Rice

Dump cooked rice into the wok. Break up any clumps and mix ingredients thoroughly.

Step 9: Season the Dish

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil

Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.

Step 10: Stir-Fry to Perfection

Toss everything together for 3-4 minutes. Let the rice develop a slight crispy texture and absorb all the delicious seasonings.

Step 11: Garnish and Finish

Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Plate directly from the wok to keep the dish piping hot and maximize taste.

Good To Know Tips For Chicken Fried Rice

• Dice Chicken with Precision: Cut chicken into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and quick preparation throughout the dish.
• Wok Temperature Matters: Heat oil until it shimmers and becomes fragrant, creating the perfect base for stir-frying and developing rich flavors.
• Boost Protein Variety: Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to create different protein variations and keep the recipe exciting for everyone.
• Season Boldly: Experiment with additional seasonings like ginger, chili flakes, or rice vinegar to elevate the traditional fried rice flavor profile.
• Keep Rice Cold: Use day-old refrigerated rice to prevent clumping and achieve that signature crispy texture in your fried rice.

Tasty Styles For Chicken Fried Rice

• Spicy Thai Chicken Fried Rice: Add red chili flakes, replace soy sauce with fish sauce, and mix in fresh Thai basil leaves for an authentic Southeast Asian kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Fried Rice: Incorporate oregano, use olive oil instead of vegetable oil, add diced feta cheese, and sprinkle with za'atar seasoning for a Greek-inspired version.
• Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce, add mirin, garnish with nori strips, and top with sesame seeds for a Japanese-style preparation.
• Curry Coconut Chicken Fried Rice: Stir in mild yellow curry powder, splash coconut milk during cooking, and mix in golden raisins for a tropical and aromatic variation.

What Goes Best With Chicken Fried Rice

• Pair with Crisp Sake: Select a chilled, light Japanese sake that complements the savory chicken fried rice, cutting through its richness and enhancing the subtle garlic and soy flavors.
• Boost with Cucumber Salad: Create a refreshing side dish with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds to provide a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, hearty rice.
• Match with Ginger-Citrus Mocktail: Blend fresh ginger, orange juice, and sparkling water for a zesty, non-alcoholic drink that cleanses the palate and adds a bright, citrusy note to the meal.

Storing Chicken Fried Rice Made Easy

• Store leftover chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Transfer cooled fried rice to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 1 month. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Warm refrigerated rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra oil to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Microwave as a quick alternative, stirring midway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Cool rice completely at room temperature within 2 hours of cooking before storing.

All The FAQs On Chicken Fried Rice

• Why should I use cold, day-old rice for this recipe?

Cold, day-old rice has less moisture and prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy, helping each grain stay separate and develop a delicious crispy texture during stir-frying.

• Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! You can easily replace chicken with shrimp, beef, tofu, or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version of the dish.

• How do I prevent my rice from sticking to the wok?

Use a well-seasoned wok or non-stick pan, ensure the oil is hot before adding ingredients, and continuously stir the rice to prevent burning and sticking.

• What if I don't have sesame oil?

While sesame oil adds a distinctive flavor, you can substitute with a small amount of peanut oil or skip it entirely.

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Chinese-style chicken fried rice delivers a perfect harmony of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp vegetables in one delightful pan. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a quick, satisfying meal that will transport you straight to the streets of Beijing.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 lb chicken breast
• 3 eggs

Vegetables:

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1/2 cup diced onions

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Dice the chicken breast into small, uniform cubes for even cooking and faster preparation.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
3. Add diced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
4. Push chicken to one side of the wok and crack eggs into the empty space, scrambling them quickly with a spatula.
5. Once eggs are partially set, mix them with the cooked chicken pieces.
6. Add minced garlic and diced onions to the wok, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until they become translucent and aromatic.
7. Incorporate mixed vegetables into the chicken and egg mixture, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes.
8. Introduce cooked rice to the wok, breaking up any clumps and ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
9. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, then sprinkle salt and black pepper.
10. Stir-fry the entire mixture for 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to develop a slight crispy texture and absorb the seasonings.
11. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and additional flavor.
12. Serve hot, directly from the wok for maximum taste and temperature.

Notes

• Perfectly dice chicken into uniform small cubes to ensure even and quick cooking throughout the dish.
• Shimmer oil until hot to create that signature golden-brown color and lock in chicken’s moisture during searing.
• Scramble eggs separately before mixing with chicken to maintain distinct texture and prevent overcooking.
• Keep vegetables crisp by stir-frying briefly, preserving nutrients and preventing mushy consistency.
• Use day-old cold rice to prevent sticking and achieve ideal fried rice texture with minimal clumping.
• Customize protein by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for varied dietary preferences.
• Enhance flavor profile by adding ginger or chili sauce for extra depth and personal touch.
• Control sodium intake by using low-sodium soy sauce or reducing total sauce quantity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg