Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (2024)

This chicken fried rice recipe is one of the simplest weeknight dinners to add to your menu rotation. The hearty rice is mixed with veggies and protein and finished with an authentic sauce. You can’t go wrong with this delicious combination!

Looking for another quick meal? Also, try our chicken lo mein and the popular shrimp stir fry for a flavorful dinner.

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (1)

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Chicken fried rice is a classic dish served at most Asian restaurants. You can easily recreate it at home in just 30 minutes! The tender chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful sauce will wow even the pickiest eaters in your home. Plus, you get to control all the ingredients that go into the dish, making it far better for you and your family than ordering takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients. The recipe calls for the most basic ingredients you most likely already have on hand.
  • Meal prepping. This a fantastic recipe to divide and enjoy throughout the week.
  • Crowd-pleasing. The best dish for serving company!
  • Use up veggies. The perfect way to use up leftover rice and clear out vegetables from your fridge.
  • Homecooked is best. Homemade, but restaurant-style meal!
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (2)

Chicken Fried Rice Ingredients

The ingredients for this fried rice with chicken are kitchen staples, no need to grocery shop for specialty items.

  • Basmati Rice- the best rice for fried rice is a day-old, long-grain rice. We used basmati rice but you can substitute it for your favorite long-grain rice.
  • Chicken- use boneless skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Carrots- grated or julienned will work. We use this grater for everything.
  • Eggs- a classic addition to fried rice that brings in delicious savory flavor to the rice.
  • Garlic- to flavor the fried rice.
  • Green onion- chopped up as an optional garnish for the rice.
  • Seasonings- the basic salt and pepper are all you need to season the chicken.
  • Sesame oil- this is the secret to the authentic, nutty flavor loved in fried rice.
  • Soy sauce- adds Chinese flavor with notes of saltiness and umami.
  • For a full list of ingredients and quantities, see the recipe card below.
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (3)

How to Make Chicken Fried Rice

This recipe is an easy stovetop meal that’s restaurant quality, yet simpler than you’d think to make at home. We recommend prepping your ingredients before you get started.

  • Cook rice: Cook rice using your favorite cooking method or according to package instructions.
  • Prep and cook chicken: Cook the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat with 1 teaspoon oil. When the pan is hot, add the chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove chicken onto a plate and cover to keep warm.
  • Saute carrots: To the same pan, add a tablespoon of butter along with the carrots. Saute until soft. Remove from the skillet and add to the chicken.
  • Scramble eggs: Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the eggs and scramble, stirring as needed.
  • Recombine: Add the chicken and carrots back into the eggs and stir to incorporate. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Add rice: Add rice and mix gently to combine all the ingredients.
  • Prep sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, and water for the sauce.
  • Add sauce: Add the sauce to the fried rice. Stir together to evenly distribute the sauce.
  • Serve and enjoy, friends!
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (4)

Substitutions and Variations

This fried rice recipe is traditionally made with chicken but can be switched to suit your preferences.

  • Different protein: You can make rice with shrimp, beef, pork, or ham. Keep in mind that the cooking time will differ depending on what protein you use.
  • Swap veggies: Fried rice is very forgiving, you can not go wrong with your choice of veggies. Add in peas, green beans, corn, broccoli, or even zucchini.
  • Different rice: Substitute the basmati white rice for classic long-grain rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe is satisfying when enjoyed as a stand-alone meal, but it also pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are some recommendations:

  • Side salad: Add some freshness with a kani cucumber salad or with a creamy cabbage salad.
  • Appetizers: Serve the rice with a traditional appetizer side such as pork potstickers or your favorite spring rolls.
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (5)

REcipe FAQs

What if I don’t have day-old rice?

If you didn’t cook rice the day before, you can use freshly cooked rice in a pinch. Simply cook the rice, spread it out on a sheet pan, and let it cool for 1-2 hours before using it in the fried rice recipe.

Can I use instant rice for this fried rice recipe?

The flavor of freshly cooked basmati rice is best, but you can use instant rice in a pinch. The results will be slightly different.

Why is my rice sticky?

If the cooked rice did not cool enough before using it in the fried rice recipe, the rice may turn out sticky. Allow rice to cool to room temperature, or better yet, use day-old, refrigerated rice. Also, the rice may have been overcooked.

Store & Freeze

  • Storage. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great meal to meal-prep!
  • Freeze. Allow the rice to cool completely. Then, place into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat to serve.
  • Reheat. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warm, or microwave until reheated.
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (6)

More Rice Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe with rice, be sure to try our other popular recipes featuring rice:

  • Baked Vegetable Chicken Rice
  • Baked Rice Pilaf Recipe
  • Cheesy Chicken and Rice
  • Rice Bowl with Salmon
  • Chicken Rice Casserole with Broccoli

Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Author: Valentina

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (7)

Print

5 from 11 votes

This Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe is going to rock your world. The basmati rice accompanied with chicken and veggies is a combination you will make over and over!

Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

rice-

  • 1 1/2 cup basmati rice, uncooked
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 lb chicken breast, boneless skinless
  • 2 carrots, grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp oil
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • green onion, to taste
  • salt and pepper, to taste

sauce

  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp water

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • In a casserole dish combine the rice and 3 cups water. Cook at 400F for 25-30 minutes (rice is ready when fluffy). Fluff rice, set aside to cool.

  • In a skillet with 1 tsp oil cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Lightly season with salt and pepper.

  • Remove the chicken from pan. Add 1 Tbsp butter with the carrots. Sauté over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove carrots (add to chicken).

  • Add 1 Tbsp butter and scramblethe eggs, stirring as needed.

  • Add the chicken and carrots back to the skillet with garlic, stir to incorporate.

  • Add rice and stir.

  • In a small bowl, combine ingredients for the sauce. Pour sauce into skillet. Add green onion. Fry another 2-3 minutes, stirring as needed.

Notes

You can add additional soy sauce if desired.

Nutrition

424kcal Calories40g Carbs20g Protein19g Fat6g Saturated Fat121mg Cholesterol850mg Sodium314mg Potassium1g Fiber1g Sugar3700IU Vitamin A2.9mg Vitamin C45mg Calcium1.7mg Iron

  • Full Nutrition Label

Nutrition Facts

Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Amount Per Serving

Calories 424Calories from Fat 171

% Daily Value*

Fat 19g29%

Saturated Fat 6g38%

Cholesterol 121mg40%

Sodium 850mg37%

Potassium 314mg9%

Carbohydrates 40g13%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 20g40%

Vitamin A 3700IU74%

Vitamin C 2.9mg4%

Calcium 45mg5%

Iron 1.7mg9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian, Japanese

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (8)

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @valentinascorner on Instagram and use hashtag #valentinascorner

Leave a comment

60 comments

  • Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (9)

    • Anyuta

    Thank you for another great recipe Valentina! I just have a question, is the rice supposed to be covered while baking? I used jasmine rice.

    • Reply
    • Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (10)

      • Valentina’s Corner

      You’re so welcome, Anyuta. Nope, no need to cover the rice when baking. 🙂 If you’ll be making the rice in advance, like the day before or earlier on in the day, then do cover it after it is baked to keep from drying. If using right away, no need to cover. I hope you love the recipe.

      • Reply
  • Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (11)

    • Christie

    Hi 🙂

    I wanted to know if its possible to freeze this? Soon as I only want to eat small portions at a time.
    Thank you!

    • Reply
    • Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (12)

      • Valentina’s Corner

      Christie, you sure may! Just divide into individual portions into a freezer bag. Allow rice to thaw and then reheat before enjoying.

      • Reply
  • Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (13)

    • cindybaksh

    Hello valentina
    I was wondering if i can use olive oil instead for the sauce since i don’t have the sesame oil???

    • Reply
    • Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (14)

      • Valentina’s Corner

      Yes, you can! I hope you enjoy this recipe!

      • Reply
  • Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (15)

    • Nancy

    Hello Valentina,
    I was wondering if I could use brown rice instead. I don’t eat anything that is white if I can help it. Thank-you in advance.
    Nancy??

    • Reply
    • Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (16)

      • Valentina’s Corner

      You may definitely use brown rice, Nancy. I hope you love the fried rice recipe.

      • Reply
  • Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (17)

    • Laura Dennis

    This is in our regular rotation! I add extra veggies when I have them, like green peas, baby corn or cut corn, snap peas…. Versatile, easy and delicious! Great with egg rolls or soup on the side.

    • Reply
    • Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (18)

      • Valentina’s Corner

      The rice really is so versatile and delicious. It’s a great way to use up veggies that are going bad.

      • Reply
  • Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (19)

    • Lynn

    The rice is really good. Make it and the family loved it

    • Reply
    • Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (20)

      • Valentina’s Corner

      Lynn, thank you so much for trying our fried rice recipe! So glad the family loved this recipe.

      • Reply

More Comments

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why add mayo to fried rice? ›

To ensure that your rice is nicely fried, mix a bit of mayo in it before frying. The oil in the mayo will coat the rice so that it does not stick together.

What is the difference between fried rice and Chinese fried rice? ›

In Fried Rice, most quick-service restaurants (QSRs) use long-grain white rice like Basmati, whereas Jasmine Rice is used in Chinese Rice. If you love rice unconditionally, you should definitely try out Fried Rice varieties (available in veg & no-veg) from Hong's Kitchen.

How to make fried rice taste like the restaurants? ›

IMPORTANT NOTE: if you want it to taste like true restaurant style, you need to put the rice only in a pot over high heat and stir it around for about 5 minutes or so before cooking. it helps the grains of rice to stay separate (more like restaurant style) and less sticky.

Do Chinese restaurants use butter in fried rice? ›

That's one of the major differences between how Chinese and Japanese restaurants prepare fried rice. Whereas the former only uses oil, the latter cooks leftover grains with butter (plus soy sauce).

What can I add to fried rice for flavor? ›

To give your dish that signature fried rice taste, you'll need to drizzle in sesame oil and soy sauce, but feel free to use as much or as little as you wish. You can even mix in things like garlic powder, ginger root, or Sriracha sauce and chili pepper for a bit of a kick.

What oil do Chinese restaurants use? ›

Chinese cooks normally use soybean oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil, all of which have a high smoke point. Peanut oil usually has a pleasant nutty flavor and is suitable not only for stir-frying but also for deep-frying. Canola oil, which has a high smoke point but a neutral flavor, is also a good choice.

Why do you put sugar in fried rice? ›

Takeout fried rice always has a hint of sweetness. You may not have noticed, but next time you open your takeout container, keep it in mind. A sprinkling of sugar adds depth in flavor and a slight color via caramelization. This is the game-changing touch you can use to impress your friends.

Why do Mexicans fry their rice before cooking? ›

Why does Mexican restaurant rice taste better? The method used to make Mexican rice involves lightly frying the uncooked rice in oil which helps it absorb more flavor from the seasoning and cook to a perfect consistency.

Why vinegar is used in fried rice? ›

Vinegar is one of the less used ingredient in a fried rice. You will not find vinegar in most Chinese fried rice recipes. But it really adds a slight tang to the rice and enhances the taste. Rice vinegar is used in Chinese cooking especially in stir fry, salad dressings etc.

What makes Japanese fried rice different? ›

The main difference is that Japanese fried rice uses only Japanese short-grain rice, which is plump and sticky and has a higher moisture content, so it gives a slightly sticky, chewy, toothsome texture.

What is the difference between fried rice and yang chow fried rice? ›

The difference between Yangzhou fried rice and ordinary fried rice is that Yangzhou style invariably includes a combination of proteins. Rather than using a single protein like shrimp or pork or chicken as the dominant ingredient in fried rice, Yangzhou uses a variety.

Is schezwan fried rice the same as regular fried rice? ›

What is the difference between fried rice and Schezwan fried rice? The difference is in the seasonings. Schezwan fried rice is an Indo-Chinese version of fried rice that uses more ginger and chili. Schezwan fried rice also has a vibrant, red color from the Kashmiri red chilis used in the sauce.

Which is healthier rice or fried rice? ›

Boiled rice is generally lower in calories, fat, and sodium than fried rice. In terms of taste and texture, fried rice and boiled rice can also differ. The frying process gives fried rice a crisp, chewy texture, while boiled rice tends to be fluffy and softer.

How to get a Chinese flavor in fried rice? ›

To give your dish that signature fried rice taste, you'll need to drizzle in sesame oil and soy sauce, but feel free to use as much or as little as you wish. You can even mix in things like garlic powder, ginger root, or Sriracha sauce and chili pepper for a bit of a kick.

Why does Chinese rice taste better? ›

The answer: high heat, expert tosses, and something known as 'wok hei. ' As J. Kenji López-Alt writes for Serious Eats, expert cooking with a wok (and the gas range it requires) is one of the main reasons that fried rice from a Chinese restaurant tastes so much better than what you can make at home.

What gives takeaway fried rice its flavour? ›

Choosing the right seasonings and sauces for your fried rice is important. The key sauces in fried rice are soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce in fried rice. All three add unique flavors to the rice, but it can be easy to go overboard. Make sure you add small amounts of each and regularly taste your rice.

How to get smokey flavor in Chinese fried rice? ›

You can introduce smoky flavours to your rice by considering other methods such as using a flavoured oil to fry your rice with so perhaps a combination of butter and peanut oil in which you fry off smoked bacon first.

References

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