If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and comforting textures, this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a delightful medley of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, all coming together in a stir-fried symphony that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe brings the warmth of home-cooked goodness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a key role: the crisp veggies add texture and sweetness, the chicken brings savory richness, and the sauces tie everything together with umami-packed flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish shine.
- ½ cup carrots (finely diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of bright orange color.
- 1 cup bell pepper (cut into ½-inch pieces): Provides crispness and a hint of natural sweetness.
- 1 cup sweet onion (cut into ½-inch pieces): Offers aromatic depth and a slight caramelized flavor when sautéed.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil, divided): Used for cooking; helps create that perfect golden sear and prevents sticking.
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into ½-inch cubes): Juicy and tender, they soak up flavors beautifully.
- 4 large eggs (whisked): Adds protein and a creamy texture that binds the dish together.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Enhances the overall flavor with a bit of warmth.
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste): Brings out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- 4 cups cooked rice*: The star of the dish; day-old rice works best to keep it fluffy and separate.
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce or Tamari (gluten-free, or Tamari): Adds savory umami and depth.
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar: Balances the flavors with a touch of acidity.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil: Imparts a nutty aroma and rich flavor.
- ½ cup frozen peas: Pops of green and a subtle sweetness, added at the end for freshness.
- Green onions (optional): Perfect finishing touch with a mild oniony crunch and color.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped bell peppers, onions, and diced carrots, and sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes. This step softens the vegetables just enough to bring out their sweetness without losing their delightful crunch that adds excellent texture to the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pan, then add another tablespoon of oil and place the cubed chicken in the empty space. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are cooked through and lightly golden on the edges. Mixing the chicken with the vegetables after ensures every bite has hearty, flavorful chunks.
Step 3: Prepare the Eggs
Whisk the eggs in a small bowl. Now, either push the chicken and veggies to the side of the pan or remove them temporarily to a plate. Drizzle the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil into the cleared space. Pour in the eggs along with salt and pepper, scrambling gently over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until just set. This keeps the eggs tender and soft, making them a perfect complement.
Step 4: Combine Eggs and Veggies
Once your eggs are cooked, stir them back into the vegetables and chicken. Combining these warm ingredients helps blend their flavors seamlessly, creating a cohesive base for your fried rice.
Step 5: Add Rice and Seasonings
Time to level up—add the cooked rice, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and toasted sesame oil to the pan. Stir everything together and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, allowing the rice to soak up all those terrific flavors while developing a slight toasted aroma. This slow, gentle cooking is where the magic happens.
Step 6: Crisp Up the Rice
If you love that crispy, slightly charred touch in your fried rice, this step is for you. Let the rice sit undisturbed over medium to medium-high heat for about one minute so a crust forms on the bottom. Use a spatula to scrape up those crispy bits and mix them back in. Repeat until you reach your desired crispiness. It adds a delightful contrast to the tender ingredients.
Step 7: Add Peas
In the last two minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. They warm through quickly and bring a fresh, slightly sweet burst of flavor and lovely green color that brightens every forkful.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped green onions on top (if you’re using). Their mild onion flavor and vibrant green hue make the dish pop and taste even fresher. Now your Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds elevates the dish’s appearance and flavor. A squeeze of lime or a dash of chili flakes can also add a zesty kick that wakes up the taste buds.
Side Dishes
Pair this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe with a simple cucumber salad or steamed dumplings to round out the meal. A bowl of hot miso soup can also create a lovely balance, making your dinner feel well-rounded and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the fried rice in pineapple halves for a tropical flair, or mold it into a dome shape using a small bowl before plating. You can even top it with a fried egg for extra richness and a touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Fried Rice Recipe keeps incredibly well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinner on busy evenings.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is an easy solution. Just portion the fried rice into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your frozen or refrigerated fried rice on the stovetop or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps keep the rice fluffy and prevents it from drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through evenly.
FAQs
Can I use white rice or brown rice for this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! Both white and brown rice work well. Just keep in mind brown rice may take a bit longer to achieve that lightly toasted texture, and it will give a nuttier flavor profile to the dish.
What if I don’t have a wok, can I use a regular pan?
Yes, a large skillet or frying pan works perfectly. The key is having enough surface area to spread the ingredients out for even cooking and crisping.
Can I substitute the chicken thighs with something else?
Chicken breasts are a great alternative if you prefer leaner meat. You can even swap in shrimp, tofu, or pork depending on your taste and dietary preferences.
Is day-old rice really necessary?
Using day-old rice is ideal because it’s dryer and less sticky, which helps achieve that desirable separate grain texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour to cool and dry out slightly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce to ensure the dish stays safe if you’re avoiding gluten. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe a try soon because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand. Once you master this, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, making dinner effortless and delicious every time.
Print
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 5.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice tossed in a savory blend of soy sauce and sesame oil. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal, this stir-fried classic comes together in under an hour and offers a delicious balance of protein, veggies, and carbs with a mildly crispy texture that makes it irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- ½ cup carrots (finely diced)
- 1 cup bell pepper (cut into ½-inch pieces)
- 1 cup sweet onion (cut into ½-inch pieces)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Proteins
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into ½-inch cubes)
- 4 large eggs (whisked)
Oils and Sauces
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (divided)
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce or Tamari (gluten-free alternative)
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Staples
- 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old for best texture)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the bell peppers, onions, and carrots and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Cook the Chicken: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, then add 1 tablespoon of oil to the cleared space. Place the cubed chicken into the hot oil and cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Mix the chicken in with the vegetables once done.
- Prepare the Eggs: Whisk the eggs in a small bowl. Push the chicken and vegetables to one side again or remove them from the pan temporarily, creating space for the eggs.
- Scramble the Eggs: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil into the cleared area, then pour in the whisked eggs along with salt and pepper. Scramble the eggs on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re cooked through. Combine the eggs with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Add Rice and Flavorings: Stir in the cooked rice, soy sauce or Tamari, rice wine vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Enhance Crispiness: For extra crispy fried rice, let the rice sit undisturbed on medium to medium-high heat for about one minute before stirring. Scrape the bottom of the pan gently to lift the crispy bits. Repeat this resting and stirring cycle until you achieve your preferred crispiness.
- Mix in Peas: Add the frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking and mix well to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, top the fried rice with chopped green onions if using, and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful homemade chicken fried rice!
Notes
- Using day-old rice helps prevent mushy fried rice and promotes better texture.
- Adjust soy sauce and salt to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer leaner meat.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, broccoli, or mushrooms to customize the dish.
- For a spicier version, consider adding chili flakes or sriracha sauce.
- Leftover fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated well.
