Chicken Fried Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Fried Rice is the epitome of comfort food—savory, satisfying, and full of flavor. The chicken is tender, the rice is perfectly seasoned, and the combination of vegetables adds texture and color. It’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup a breeze, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a versatile dish, allowing you to swap in different veggies or proteins depending on what you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this Chicken Fried Rice is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, diced into small pieces

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice, as it’s less sticky)

• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (or any vegetables of your choice)

• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust to taste)

• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the rice: If you don’t have day-old rice, you can quickly cook fresh rice. Once it’s cooked, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool, which will help prevent it from becoming too sticky when frying.

2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and peas and carrots (or your choice of vegetables). Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.

4. Scramble the eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble them for 1-2 minutes until cooked through.

5. Add the rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is evenly mixed with the vegetables and eggs.

6. Season the fried rice: Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce (if using), black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat the rice and evenly distribute the seasonings.

7. Add the chicken back: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss everything together until the chicken is well-mixed with the rice.

8. Garnish and serve: Garnish the fried rice with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, for a hearty vegetarian fried rice.

• Add spice: If you like heat, add a chopped fresh chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the fried rice while cooking. You can also drizzle in some sriracha for extra spice.

• Other proteins: Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu. You can also use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

• Extra veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like broccoli, corn, or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Chicken Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the rice in a pan over medium heat, adding a little oil or water to loosen it up if necessary. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can use white rice, but brown rice adds more texture and a nutty flavor to the dish. Day-old rice works best, as it’s less sticky.

Can I use frozen rice for fried rice?

Yes, frozen rice can be used for fried rice. Just thaw it before cooking or break up any clumps when adding it to the pan.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the Chicken Fried Rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes for an excellent meal prep option.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free. Ensure the oyster sauce you use is also gluten-free if you choose to include it.

How do I prevent the rice from being too sticky?

Using day-old rice is key to preventing it from being too sticky. If you don’t have day-old rice, make sure the rice cools down properly before adding it to the pan, or spread it out on a baking sheet to cool it quickly.

Can I add nuts to the fried rice?

Yes, adding roasted cashews or almonds can provide a great crunch and added flavor to your fried rice.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious, easy, and versatile dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory seasonings, this meal is a complete and satisfying dish that works well as a main or side. You can easily adapt it to your preferences by changing up the vegetables, protein, or level of spice. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this Chicken Fried Rice is sure to be a hit!