Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Chicken fried rice is one of those meals I make when I need dinner to come together quickly but still feel complete. It’s familiar, comforting, and incredibly practical—especially when there’s leftover rice in the fridge. I usually make this on busy nights when I want something warm and satisfying without pulling out a long list of ingredients or following anything too precise.

This recipe came together out of necessity more than planning. I wanted a version of fried rice that tasted balanced and savory without being greasy or overloaded with sauce. After a lot of trial and error, this became my reliable base—simple enough to adapt, but solid enough to stand on its own.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Fried rice originated as a way to use leftover rice and avoid waste. Over time, it evolved into countless variations across cultures, each shaped by available ingredients and local flavors. Chicken fried rice remains one of the most popular versions because it’s affordable, filling, and adaptable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and satisfying: Perfect for busy days
• Great use for leftovers: Especially rice
• Balanced and savory: Not greasy or heavy
• Customizable: Easy to adapt
• One-pan cooking: Minimal cleanup
• Family-friendly: Familiar flavors
• Budget-conscious: Uses simple ingredients

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use cold rice: Prevents mushy texture
• Cook chicken first: Ensures proper browning
• High heat matters: Helps develop flavor
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Better texture

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Large skillet or wok: Space is important
2. Spatula: For quick stirring
3. Cutting board: Prep work
4. Sharp knife: Clean cuts
5. Small bowl: For eggs or sauce

Ingredients in This Recipe

1. Cooked rice: Day-old rice works best
2. Chicken breast or thigh: Lean, tender protein
3. Eggs: Add richness and structure
4. Frozen peas and carrots: Easy and reliable
5. Green onions: Fresh bite and color
6. Garlic: Savory depth
7. Soy sauce: Salty, umami backbone
8. Sesame oil: Adds aroma
9. Neutral oil: For cooking
10. Salt: Adjusts seasoning
11. Black pepper or white pepper: Gentle heat

Ingredient Substitutions

• Chicken → shrimp or tofu: Easy protein swap
• Soy sauce → tamari: Gluten-free option
• Frozen vegetables → fresh: Use what you have
• Sesame oil → omit: Still good without it

Ingredient Spotlight

• Cold rice: Key to proper fried rice texture
• Soy sauce: Brings everything together

Fried Rice

Fried rice is a dish made by stir-frying cooked rice with ingredients such as diced chicken, eggs, and vegetables. The rice develops a slightly crispy, charred exterior while remaining fluffy inside, with aromatic seasoning like soy sauce adding depth of flavor. The dish features a blend of textures, combining tender ingredients with crispy rice edges, resulting in a hearty, comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 390

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Cooked rice: Day-old rice works best
• Chicken breast or thigh: Lean tender protein
• Eggs: Add richness and structure
• Frozen peas and carrots: Easy and reliable
• Green onions: Fresh bite and color
• Garlic: Savory depth
• Soy sauce: Salty umami backbone
• Sesame oil: Adds aroma
• Neutral oil: For cooking
• Salt: Adjusts seasoning
• Black pepper or white pepper: Gentle heat

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok: Space is important
• Spatula: For quick stirring
• Cutting board: Prep work
• Sharp knife: Clean cuts
• Small bowl: For eggs or sauce

Method

 

1. Prep ingredients: Dice chicken, beat eggs, and chop vegetables
2. Heat pan: Add oil over medium-high heat
3. Cook chicken: Season lightly and cook until done, then remove
4. Cook eggs: Scramble in the same pan and set aside
5. Add garlic and vegetables: Cook briefly until fragrant
6. Add rice: Break up clumps and stir-fry
7. Season: Add soy sauce and sesame oil
8. Return chicken and eggs: Toss everything together
9. Finish: Add green onions and adjust seasoning

Notes

Use day-old rice for best texture. Adjust soy sauce for saltiness. Feel free to add other proteins or vegetables based on preference.

Christmas Deviled Eggs Recipe

Kardashian Mac & Cheese Baked Pasta Recipe

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store up to 3 days
• Reheat in a skillet: Best texture
• Avoid microwaving too long: Dries it out

How to Serve This Dish

• On its own: Complete meal
• With extra green onions: Fresh finish
• Alongside simple soup: Light pairing

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Fried rice wraps: Roll into tortillas
• Stuffed peppers: Use as filling
• Lunch bowls: Add a fried egg

Additional Tips

• Prep everything first: Fried rice moves fast
• Use neutral oil: Prevents overpowering flavors
• Keep it simple: Fried rice shines with restraint

Make It a Showstopper

• Top with a fried egg: Adds richness
• Finish with sesame seeds: Visual and texture boost
• Serve straight from the pan: Casual and inviting

Variations to Try

• Spicy chicken fried rice: Add chili paste
• Pineapple fried rice: Sweet contrast
• Garlic-forward version: Add extra garlic
• Low-sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce
• Vegetable-heavy: Add mushrooms and bell peppers

FAQ’s

1. Can I use freshly cooked rice?: Not recommended
2. What rice works best?: Long-grain or jasmine
3. Can I make this gluten-free?: Yes, use tamari
4. Does it reheat well?: Best in a skillet
5. Can I skip eggs?: Yes
6. Why is my fried rice soggy?: Rice was too wet
7. Can I double the recipe?: Use a very large pan
8. Is this freezer-friendly?: Not ideal
9. Can I add sauce at the end?: Yes, lightly
10. What oil is best?: Neutral oils like canola or avocado

Himani Jawa

Hi there! I’m Himani and welcome to Val’s Recipe Box. This little corner of the internet didn’t begin with me.
It began with Val my neighbourhood aunt whose kitchen held more warmth than any fireplace ever could.