The Best Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe For Busy Weeknights

Sizzling woks and aromatic spices dance together in this mouthwatering easy chicken fried rice recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen.

Every home cook understands the magic of a perfectly balanced one-pan meal that comes together in minutes.

The secret lies in using day-old rice and high heat to create those irresistible crispy edges.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with vibrant vegetables, delivering a protein-packed punch of flavor in every single bite.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish.

Packed with protein and bursting with authentic Asian-inspired seasonings, you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular meal rotation.

Grab your wok and get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Directions to Cook Chicken Fried Rice

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken into delicate strips, massaging with a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

• Egg Magic

Whisk eggs in a sizzling pan, creating fluffy golden clouds that will later dance through the rice.

• Protein Searing

Crank up the heat and quickly transform chicken strips into crispy, golden bites.

• Aromatic Foundation

Soften diced onions and minced garlic, releasing their fragrant essence into the skillet.

• Rice Symphony

Introduce cooked rice, allowing it to absorb the rich flavors of soy sauce and seasonings.

• Veggie Boost

Toss in colorful frozen vegetables, bringing vibrant texture and nutrition to the dish.

• Final Fusion

Reunite chicken, eggs, and seasonings, gently folding everything into a harmonious blend.

• Serving Flourish

Sprinkle fresh green onions on top, creating a beautiful and zesty finish to your homemade feast.

Tips to Customize Chicken Fried Rice

• Chicken Fried Rice Pro Tips
• Leftover Rice Magic: Day-old cold rice works best because it's drier and won't become mushy during stir-frying. Fresh rice can make your dish sticky and clumpy.
• Quick Protein Boost: Try replacing chicken with shrimp, tofu, or scrambled beef for a different protein twist. Each meat brings its unique flavor profile to the classic dish.
• Veggie Volume Tricks: Use fresh seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas instead of frozen mixed vegetables. Fresh produce adds crunchier texture and brighter colors.
• Seasoning Secret Weapon: Add a small splash of oyster sauce for deeper umami flavor. This unexpected ingredient elevates the entire dish's taste complexity without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Spice Level Control: For those who enjoy heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha sauce directly into the skillet while cooking. Adjust the amount based on personal spice tolerance.

Serving Styles for Chicken Fried Rice

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Top the chicken fried rice with a sprinkle of crispy sesame seeds for added crunch and nutty taste.
• Asian-Inspired Side Kick: Serve alongside a small bowl of tangy pickled cucumber salad to balance the rich, savory flavors of the dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Add a soft-boiled egg on top for extra protein and a creamy texture that blends perfectly with the fried rice.
• Spice Lover's Dream: Drizzle some sriracha sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicy kick to their meal.

Planning Ahead with Chicken Fried Rice

• Quick Batch Cooking: Prepare a double batch of chicken fried rice on weekends. Portion into meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Refrigerator Storage Hack: Store leftover fried rice in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep the rice fresh by placing a damp paper towel on top before sealing to prevent drying out.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture and texture.
• Flavor Refresh Trick: When reheating, add a quick drizzle of soy sauce or sesame oil to revive the rice's original taste and bring back its vibrant flavors. Stir thoroughly while warming to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Everything in Chicken Fried Rice

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substantial texture and flavor to the dish, choose fresh, trimmed cuts for best results.
• Eggs: Provides rich, creamy binding element and extra protein, select farm-fresh eggs with bright, firm yolks.

• White Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create deep, savory undertones, select firm onions and plump garlic cloves without sprouts.
• Green Onions: Adds bright, fresh finishing touch with mild onion flavor, choose crisp stalks with vibrant green color.
• Chicken Bouillon Cube: Concentrated flavor booster that intensifies overall dish depth, look for low-sodium options.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that balance and elevate dish's taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami and rich brown color, choose traditional fermented varieties for authentic taste.
• Sesame Oil: Optional but recommended aromatic oil that adds nutty, complex flavor, select toasted sesame oil for intense taste.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil: Neutral cooking medium for even heat distribution, ensure oil is fresh and clean.

• Cooked Rice: Fundamental base of the dish, use day-old rice for best texture and prevent clumping.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Convenient nutrition booster that adds color and variety, select high-quality blend with minimal ice crystals.

Equipment Required for Chicken Fried Rice

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking all ingredients with even heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing chicken and chopping ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice chicken breast and green onions cleanly.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for beating eggs and preparing seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir ingredients and prevent sticking.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning measurements.

Savory Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic chicken fried rice delivers a quick, satisfying meal packed with protein and bold Asian-inspired flavors. Home cooks can master this simple dish with basic ingredients and quick cooking techniques, creating a delicious dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¾ lbs (340 g) chicken breast
• 4 cups (960 ml) cooked rice
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups (480 ml) frozen mixed vegetables
• ½ cup (120 ml) diced white or yellow onion
• 1 cube chicken bouillon
• 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) sliced green onions
• 2 tsps (10 ml) soy sauce
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
• 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil (optional)
• vegetable or canola oil

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Instructions

1. Protein Preparation: Slice chicken breast into delicate, uniform strips and massage with salt to enhance flavor and tenderize the meat.
2. Egg Transformation: Whisk eggs in a mixing bowl until smooth and pale yellow, creating a uniform custard-like consistency.
3. Culinary Foundation: Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature, coating with a thin oil layer to prevent sticking, then gently cook eggs without excessive stirring until fully set.
4. Chicken Searing: Increase skillet temperature to high, adding additional oil to create a sizzling surface, and cook chicken strips, rotating periodically to achieve golden-brown perfection.
5. Aromatic Infusion: Reduce heat to medium, introduce diced onions and minced garlic, releasing their fragrant essence while creating a flavor base for the fried rice.
6. Rice Integration: Fold cooked rice into the skillet, breaking apart compressed clusters and seasoning with chicken bouillon, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper, ensuring thorough distribution.
7. Vegetable and Protein Harmony: Add frozen mixed vegetables, previously cooked eggs, and seared chicken, gently folding ingredients to create a cohesive, flavor-packed mixture.
8. Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly sliced green onions, serving immediately while steaming hot to celebrate the dish’s textural complexity and vibrant flavors.

Notes

• Slice Precisely: Cut chicken into uniform strips for even cooking and consistent texture, ensuring each bite is perfectly tender.
• Egg Technique: Whisk eggs thoroughly to create a smooth, pale yellow mixture that will provide silky, delicate egg pieces in the final dish.
• Searing Secrets: Use high heat and minimal movement when cooking chicken to develop a golden-brown exterior and lock in flavorful juices.
• Season Strategically: Mix seasonings directly into rice to distribute flavors evenly, creating a rich and harmonious taste profile throughout the fried rice.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg