The aroma of sizzling chicken fried rice wafts through the air, beckoning you to indulge in its savory embrace. Each grain of rice is lovingly coated in a rich blend of soy sauce and sesame oil, while tender pieces of chicken mingle with colorful vegetables, creating a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

This delightful comfort food takes me back to my college days when I would whip up a batch after long nights of studying. Nothing beats the joy of sharing this quick and satisfying meal with friends who gathered around my tiny kitchen table, ready to dig in and reminisce about our latest adventures.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken fried rice recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor explosion will keep you coming back for more
- Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds
- You can adapt it easily based on your pantry staples or dietary preferences
Sharing a plate of chicken fried rice always brings smiles to the table; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust according to how many you’re feeding.
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works best; it’s drier and won’t clump together during frying.
Fresh Vegetables: Use whatever you have on hand! Carrots, peas, and bell peppers add great color and crunch.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor; skip the powdered stuff if you can.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is ideal for better control over saltiness.
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle adds an aromatic finish that ties everything together beautifully.
Eggs: Scramble some eggs into the mix for extra protein and richness.
Green Onions: These add freshness and a pop of color—don’t skip them!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop them into bite-sized pieces. This includes dicing your chicken, mincing garlic, and slicing green onions.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure it’s fully cooked through for safety.
Add Garlic and Vegetables: Toss in minced garlic along with your chopped vegetables. Sauté until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. The kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!
Add Rice: Stir in your day-old rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and heated through.
Add Sauce and Eggs: Pour soy sauce and sesame oil evenly over the rice mixture. Push everything to one side of the pan; scramble eggs in the cleared area until just set before mixing into the rice.
Finish with Green Onions: Finally, fold in sliced green onions for freshness right before serving. Enjoy your beautifully vibrant chicken fried rice hot from the skillet!
You Must Know
- Chicken fried rice is more than just a dish; it’s a canvas for creativity!
- Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a personal masterpiece
- The aroma wafting from the pan will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the chicken first until golden brown. Then, stir-fry veggies and rice together for even flavor distribution. This order ensures everything cooks perfectly and maintains its deliciousness.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping out chicken for shrimp or tofu for a delightful twist. Toss in some spicy sauce or extra veggies to customize your chicken fried rice to suit your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat in a skillet to bring back that fresh, delightful flavor without losing texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your chicken fried rice truly stand out, use day-old rice for better texture
- Keep ingredients prepped and ready to go before cooking
- A hot pan is key for that perfect sizzle and flavor development
Creating my first batch of chicken fried rice was a game-changer! Friends devoured it at my birthday party, and I felt like a culinary rockstar that night.
FAQ
Can I use other proteins in chicken fried rice?
Absolutely! Shrimp, beef, or tofu work wonderfully as substitutions.
What type of rice is best for chicken fried rice?
Day-old jasmine or basmati rice yields the best texture and flavor.
How can I make my chicken fried rice spicier?
Add chili paste or fresh chopped chilies while stir-frying for that spicy kick!

Savory Chicken Fried Rice
Indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade Chicken Fried Rice, a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Each bite offers tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic rice, all brought together with a savory soy-sesame blend. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings back fond memories of sharing meals with friends.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked day-old jasmine rice
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 1 cup mixed fresh vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and mixed vegetables; sauté until soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add day-old rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps and mixing thoroughly until heated through.
- Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture; push to one side of the pan and scramble the eggs in the cleared space until just set before mixing everything together.
- Fold in sliced green onions just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 120mg