Quick & Tasty Classic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe for Dinner Joy

Whipping up a classic chicken fried rice brings pure comfort to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Fragrant jasmine rice sizzles alongside tender chunks of perfectly seasoned protein.

Colorful vegetables add vibrant layers of texture and nutrition to this beloved dish.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet satisfying meal across many cultures.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical on your plate.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you master these straightforward cooking techniques.

Let’s make magic happen with this delicious recipe that promises to delight every hungry soul at your table.

Why Classic Chicken Fried Rice Is Always A Hit

• Customize with Ease: Perfect for tweaking ingredients based on what's in your kitchen, making this recipe super adaptable for any pantry situation.
• Master Quick Comfort Cooking: Learn a classic restaurant-style dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complex techniques, ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single pan approach, transforming basic ingredients into a delicious meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people, providing excellent value and nutrition in one simple dish.

What Goes In Classic Chicken Fried Rice

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the fried rice.
• Eggs: A rich protein source that creates soft, creamy texture throughout the dish.

• Carrots, Green Onions, Peas: Colorful vegetables that provide crunch, freshness, and nutritional balance to the rice.
• Garlic: A fragrant aromatic that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the dish.

• Dark Soy Sauce: A bold condiment that adds rich color and deep umami flavor to the fried rice.
• Salt: A simple seasoning that helps balance and intensify the overall taste profile.
• Rice: The foundational grain that serves as the primary carbohydrate and main component of the dish.

How To Cook Classic Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Ingredients

Finely mince the garlic into tiny pieces. Slice green onions into delicate rings.

Cut carrots into small, uniform cubes. Line up these prepped ingredients on your cutting board.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken Flavor Bomb

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Ginger
• Pepper

Let the chicken soak up these incredible flavors for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Scramble Golden Eggs

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Pour beaten eggs into the pan. Use a spatula to create soft, fluffy scrambled eggs.

Transfer to a separate plate once fully cooked.

Step 4: Sizzle Succulent Chicken

In the same skillet, cook marinated chicken until golden brown and completely cooked through.

Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Dance of Vegetables

• Minced garlic
• Diced carrots
• Sweet green peas

Stir-fry until vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 6: Rice Fusion Magic

Add cooked rice to the vegetable mixture. Break up any rice clumps.

Gently fold everything together, allowing rice to absorb vegetable flavors.

Step 7: Reunion of Ingredients

Reintroduce scrambled eggs and cooked chicken into the skillet.

Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 8: Flavor Explosion

Drizzle dark soy sauce across the rice.

Sprinkle salt to enhance overall taste. Stir until every grain is beautifully coated.

Step 9: Finishing Flourish

Scatter fresh green onion rings over the top. Give a final gentle mix to distribute the bright, fresh garnish.

Step 10: Plate and Enjoy

Transfer the steaming fried rice to serving plates. Optionally, add extra green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Smart Tips For Classic Chicken Fried Rice

• Use day-old rice for the best texture and prevent clumping during stir-frying, ensuring each grain stays separate and crisp.
• Marinate chicken in advance for deeper flavor absorption, allowing seasonings to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
• Keep ingredients prepped and ready before cooking to maintain high heat and quick stir-frying process, which prevents soggy vegetables.
• Adjust soy sauce quantity based on personal salt preference, and consider using low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version.
• Cook eggs and proteins separately to maintain their individual textures and prevent overcrowding the pan, resulting in perfectly crisp fried rice.

Easy Tweaks For Classic Chicken Fried Rice

• Spicy Sriracha Kick: Replace dark soy sauce with sriracha and add extra chili flakes for a fiery version that packs heat and excitement.
• Veggie Power Bowl: Swap chicken with tofu and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a plant-based nutritious meal.
• Seafood Special: Substitute chicken with shrimp or mixed seafood for a oceanic protein alternative that brings rich maritime flavors to the classic recipe.
• Korean BBQ Style: Marinate chicken in gochujang sauce, add kimchi, and use sesame oil for an authentic Korean-inspired fried rice experience with bold umami notes.

Best Pairings For Classic Chicken Fried Rice

• Enhance Flavor with Perfect Pairings
• Refresh with Crisp Beverage: Pair the savory chicken fried rice with a cold, light Asian lager like Tsingtao or Asahi to cut through the richness and cleanse your palate between bites.
• Complement with Tangy Side: Serve alongside a quick cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of chili flakes to add a bright, refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty rice dish.
• Balance with Cool Condiment: Add a dollop of cooling sriracha-spiked yogurt sauce to introduce a creamy, slightly spicy element that harmonizes with the umami-packed fried rice and provides a delightful temperature variation.

Storing Classic Chicken Fried Rice The Easy Way

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover chicken fried rice to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Always cool the rice completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer Storage: Pack the cooled fried rice in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Microwave Reheating: Place the refrigerated rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
• Skillet Reheating: Warm a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the cold rice, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.

FAQs About Classic Chicken Fried Rice

• What kind of rice works best for fried rice?

Day-old, cold rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps prevent clumping and allows each grain to be perfectly coated with sauce.

• Can I use different proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu depending on your preference and dietary needs.

• Is there a trick to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?

Use a non-stick pan or wok, and make sure to keep the heat at medium-high. Constantly stir the ingredients and add a little oil if needed to prevent sticking.

Classic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling woks and Asian culinary magic come together in this classic chicken fried rice, blending tender chicken, fragrant jasmine rice, and crisp vegetables into a comforting one-pan meal. Savor each flavorful bite as you experience a quick, satisfying dinner that brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 190 grams (6.7 ounces) chicken, diced
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Vegetables:

• 50 grams (1.76 ounces) carrot, diced
• 1/3 cup peas
• 2 stalks of green onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Base:

• 2 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old

Chicken Marinade:

• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon wine (e.g., Shaoxing wine)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons corn starch
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper powder
• 2 teaspoons oil

Cooking Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons dark soy sauce

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Instructions

1. Finely mince garlic, chop green onions, and dice carrots, setting them aside for quick access during cooking.
2. Marinate chicken pieces with selected seasonings, allowing flavors to penetrate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
3. Warm a large skillet over medium heat with oil. Pour beaten eggs and create soft scrambled curds, removing and reserving when fully cooked.
4. Using the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high and sauté marinated chicken until golden and thoroughly cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
5. Reduce skillet heat to medium, add additional oil, and quickly sauté garlic, carrots, and peas until vegetables become slightly tender and fragrant.
6. Introduce cold rice to the vegetable mixture, breaking down any clumps and allowing grains to become crispy and heated through, approximately 3-4 minutes.
7. Reintegrate scrambled eggs and cooked chicken into the rice mixture, stirring continuously to distribute ingredients evenly.
8. Drizzle dark soy sauce across the rice, seasoning with salt, and toss thoroughly to ensure uniform coating and color.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions, giving a final gentle mix to incorporate fresh herbal notes.
10. Transfer to serving dishes immediately, garnishing with additional green onions for vibrant presentation and added flavor.

Notes

• Ensure rice is cold and day-old for the best texture, preventing mushy fried rice.
• Use high heat and a well-seasoned wok or non-stick pan to achieve the signature wok hei flavor and prevent sticking.
• Customize protein by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for dietary preferences or variety.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 533
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 730mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 61g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 186mg