Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Skip the takeout and make this easy chicken fried rice right at home. Loaded with tender chicken, fluffy rice, vegetables, eggs, and savory soy sauce flavor, this quick skillet dinner is packed with restaurant-style flavor and comes together in about 30 minutes.
Chicken fried rice is one of those recipes that’s perfect for using leftover rice and leftover chicken. Everything cooks in one skillet, making it an easy weeknight dinner that’s budget-friendly, filling, and always a family favorite.
Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a delicious way to use up ingredients already in your refrigerator, this homemade chicken fried rice is guaranteed to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better than takeout
- Easy one-pan meal
- Great for leftover rice
- Family-friendly dinner
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Packed with flavor
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice, chilled
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
Heat butter and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add:
- onion
- peas and carrots
Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Push vegetables to one side of the skillet.
Pour beaten eggs into the empty side.
Cook and scramble until set.
Mix with the vegetables.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Rice
Add:
- cooked chicken
- chilled rice
Break apart any clumps.
Stir well.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour in:
- soy sauce
- oyster sauce
Add:
- garlic powder
- black pepper
Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
Cook for 4-5 more minutes, stirring frequently.
The rice should be hot and lightly toasted.
Step 6: Serve
Top with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Rice
Use Cold Rice
Day-old rice works best because it stays fluffy and doesn’t become mushy.
Cook Over High Heat
Higher heat helps create that classic fried rice texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Use a large skillet or wok for best results.
Prep Ingredients First
Fried rice cooks quickly, so have everything ready to go.
Can I Use Minute Rice?
Absolutely! Minute Rice is a great shortcut when you need dinner on the table quickly.
While day-old rice typically creates the best fried rice texture, cooked Minute Rice works surprisingly well for busy weeknights. Simply prepare the rice according to the package directions and allow it to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes before adding it to the skillet.
For the best results, spread the cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for 20 to 30 minutes to help remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the rice from becoming too soft while stir-frying.
Whether you use leftover rice, freshly cooked rice, or Minute Rice, this easy chicken fried rice recipe is a delicious way to create a quick homemade dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Jennie’s Thoughts
This is one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it’s quick, easy, and tastes just as good as takeout. I almost always make extra rice the night before just so I can turn it into fried rice the next day.
The combination of chicken, eggs, vegetables, and savory sauce makes this a complete meal all by itself. Plus, it’s a great way to clean out the refrigerator and use ingredients you already have on hand.
What to Serve with Chicken Fried Rice
- Egg rolls
- Crab rangoon
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Orange chicken
- Teriyaki chicken
- Sweet and sour chicken
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
This chicken fried rice is easy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, vegetables, and savory sauce. Better than takeout and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect family dinner for busy weeknights.
