If you’re searching for a flavorful, weeknight meal that rivals your favorite takeout spots, this Chicken Fried Rice absolutely fits the bill. Bursting with colorful veggies, tender diced chicken, fluffy scrambled egg, and loads of savory soy-kissed flavor, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving—without leaving the comfort of your own kitchen. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this fried rice comes together, bringing both comfort and excitement to your dinner table. Chicken Fried Rice is a true crowd-pleaser that strikes the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and veggies in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Fried Rice lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component adds something special—whether it’s texture, savoriness, or a pop of color—coming together in one utterly delicious bowl.
- Cooked Rice (2 cups, day-old): Day-old rice is the secret weapon for perfect fried rice—its drier texture ensures every grain stir-fries up nice and fluffy, never mushy.
- Cooked Chicken (1 cup, diced): Leftovers or rotisserie chicken make this even faster, and the mild chicken flavor soaks up all that lovely sauce.
- Egg (1, beaten): A quick scramble gives richness and classic fried rice flair with lightly golden, tender bites.
- Mixed Veggies (1 cup—peas, carrots, corn): These provide sweetness and crunch, plus a vibrant burst of color that’s irresistible.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): This is where the deep umami flavor comes in; don’t skip it, and taste as you go for perfect seasoning.
- Oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to keep things sizzling—neutral oils like canola or vegetable work great, but a touch of sesame oil is a tasty upgrade.
- Green Onion (1, chopped): This fresh garnish adds lift and a bit of gentle onion snap right at the end.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
First things first: make sure all your ingredients are prepped and within arm’s reach. Set out your cold, day-old rice, the diced cooked chicken, and veggies, and give that egg a quick whisk. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, swirling in the oil to get a nice even coating. This little bit of organization makes the cooking process fast and seamless, which is part of the fun!
Step 2: Scramble the Egg
Pour the beaten egg into the hot, oiled skillet. Let it sit for a few seconds to gently set, then push and stir with your spatula, scrambling until just cooked through but still moist. Slide the egg onto a plate and keep nearby—you’ll return it to the pan soon for that signature Chicken Fried Rice finish.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Next, toss the mixed veggies into the skillet. Give them a couple of minutes in the heat, stirring often, until they’re thawed (if using frozen) and just turning tender-crisp. This quick sauté brings out their sweetness and keeps those colors bright and appealing in your fried rice.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Rice
Time to bring in the protein and carbs! Add the diced chicken to the veggies, stirring a bit to warm it through. Then add your cold, day-old rice, breaking up any large clumps with a spatula or fork. Stir everything well so every grain gets a little mingling with the flavorful vegetables and chicken.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Drizzle the soy sauce evenly over the contents of your pan. Toss and stir everything so the soy sauce coats each bite, letting it sizzle and soak in for that authentic Chicken Fried Rice taste. Finally, return the scrambled egg to the pan, break it up gently, and mix thoroughly. A quick toss, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice
Garnishes
For that perfect finishing touch, sprinkle the freshly chopped green onion over your piping hot fried rice just before serving. A little extra splash of soy sauce, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil can really make this dish sparkle if you’re feeling adventurous!
Side Dishes
While Chicken Fried Rice is satisfying all by itself, pairing it with a simple cucumber salad, steamed dumplings, or even an egg drop soup makes it part of a fantastic DIY takeout night. The mild, savory rice plays beautifully with crunchy, fresh sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation: serve Chicken Fried Rice scooped into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld twist, or mold it into a bowl using a ramekin and flip for a classic dome-shaped restaurant look. You can even try piling it high in a hollowed-out pineapple for a festive spin!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Chicken Fried Rice to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, ready to brighten your next lunch or dinner with nearly zero effort.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch for later, Chicken Fried Rice freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and label with the date. It can be stored for up to two months, making it ideal for meal prepping or quick dinners down the road.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Chicken Fried Rice in a skillet over medium heat—add just a splash of water or an extra drizzle of soy sauce to revive the flavors and keep the rice from drying out. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too; just cover the container to keep the steam in.
FAQs
What kind of rice works best for Chicken Fried Rice?
Day-old, medium or long grain white rice is ideal because the grains are firm and less likely to get sticky during stir-frying. Jasmine rice or even leftover brown rice work great as well—just make sure it’s cold when you start cooking!
Can I use different vegetables or proteins?
Absolutely! Chicken Fried Rice is made for swapping in what you have. Try bell peppers, edamame, broccoli, or mushrooms, and if you’re out of chicken, pork, shrimp, tofu, or extra egg can stand in deliciously.
Is it okay to use fresh-made rice instead of day-old?
You can, but it helps to spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry for at least 20 minutes. This mimics the firm texture of day-old rice and prevents clumping in your fried rice.
How do I make my Chicken Fried Rice taste just like takeout?
Use high heat, a big pan, and don’t skimp on the soy sauce! A quick splash of toasted sesame oil or a pinch of white pepper adds that authentic flavor boost found in your favorite restaurants.
Can Chicken Fried Rice be made gluten-free?
Yes, just use certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free. The result is every bit as delicious and just as satisfying!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a homemade Chicken Fried Rice—it’s fast, flavorful, and unfailingly comforting, no matter the day. So go ahead and give this recipe a try; it just might earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!
Print
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A better-than-takeout classic—protein-packed chicken fried rice with veggies and egg, stir-fried in a savory sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick, delicious meal at home.
Ingredients
Cooked Rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice (day-old)
Cooked Chicken:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
Egg:
- 1 egg, beaten
Mixed Veggies:
- 1 cup mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn)
Soy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Oil:
- 1 tablespoon oil
Green Onion:
- 1 green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil, scramble egg, remove. In a pan, heat oil, scramble the beaten egg, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté veggies, add chicken, and rice. In the same pan, sauté the mixed veggies, then add the diced chicken and cooked rice.
- Stir in soy sauce, return egg, mix. Add soy sauce to the pan, return the scrambled egg, and mix everything together.
- Garnish and serve. Garnish the chicken fried rice with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *