Why You’ll Love this Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Homemade comfort in a bowl, that’s what this chicken fried rice delivers.
I’m talking about a no-fuss meal that transforms leftover rice into something magical in under 30 minutes. The combination of tender chicken chunks, fluffy eggs, and crisp vegetables creates the perfect balance of textures.
What makes it truly special? The aromatic blend of garlic, soy sauce, and that hint of sesame oil that perfumes your kitchen.
Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—swap in whatever veggies are languishing in your crisper drawer. Healthier than takeout, cheaper too, and ready before delivery would even arrive.
What Ingredients are in Easy Chicken Fried Rice?
Creating homemade chicken fried rice doesn’t require a trip to a specialty grocery store—just a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. The beauty of this dish lies in its perfect balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables, all coated in that unmistakable savory sauce that brings everything together. The ingredient list might look lengthy at first glance, but don’t let that intimidate you; many items are pantry staples that create that authentic flavor we all crave.
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped small
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon water (for the eggs)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups brown rice, cooked and cold
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 cups mixed vegetables, cooked
The key to incredible fried rice is using cold, leftover rice—it creates that perfect texture without turning mushy when stir-fried. Could you use freshly cooked rice? Sure, in a pinch, but trust me, the results won’t be quite the same. As for the vegetables, this recipe is wonderfully flexible. While the recipe calls for mixed vegetables, feel free to use whatever you have on hand—peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers, or even some bean sprouts for added crunch. The sesame oil might seem like a small addition, but don’t skip it, as that tiny teaspoon delivers the authentic aroma that distinguishes homemade fried rice from bland imitations.
How to Make this Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Making chicken fried rice at home is surprisingly straightforward, and the results are absolutely worth it. Start by beating 3 eggs with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat until it’s sizzling, then pour in your egg mixture. Let it cook flat for about 2 minutes until it’s set through—think of it as making a simple omelet. Once cooked, transfer the egg to a plate and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Using the same skillet (no need to wash it!), heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add your finely chopped medium onion. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. In the last 2 minutes of cooking the onion, add 3 minced garlic cloves—they cook quickly and can burn if added too early.
Now comes the star of the show: 4 cups of cold brown rice. The cold part really matters here. Toss the rice with 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper. Keep stir-frying and tossing continuously for about 5 minutes, making sure everything gets evenly coated. Want it a bit more flavorful? Feel free to add more soy sauce or pepper to taste. Many home cooks find that having proper brewing equipment helps maintain consistent temperatures when cooking dishes that require precise heat control like fried rice.
For the final touch, stir in your chopped egg, 2 chicken breasts (already cooked and chopped small), and 2 cups of cooked mixed vegetables. Some people add a sprinkle of green onions at this point, which adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
The beauty of this dish is how quickly it all comes together once your ingredients are prepped—from start to finish, you’re looking at about 15 minutes of actual cooking time. For an elevated outdoor cooking experience, consider preparing this recipe on a premium grill kitchen where temperature control is more precise. And there you have it! A restaurant-quality chicken fried rice that might just become your new weeknight go-to.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Substitutions and Variations
While the basic chicken fried rice recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or work with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Try swapping the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a completely different protein experience. Not a fan of brown rice? White rice works perfectly too, or go grain-free with cauliflower rice.
The vegetable possibilities are endless – peas, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, or that leftover zucchini hiding in your crisper drawer.
Need more heat? Add sriracha or red pepper flakes. Kimchi makes a tangy, spicy addition for Korean-inspired fried rice.
What to Serve with Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice, with its savory blend of protein, veggies, and grains, stands perfectly fine as a complete meal on its own—but that doesn’t mean you can’t elevate your dining experience with thoughtful sides.
I’m always looking for that perfect pairing to round out my Asian-inspired dinner.
Consider serving crispy egg rolls or tender spring rolls alongside your rice. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing adds invigorating crunch.
Want something green? Steamed broccoli or bok choy complements without overpowering.
For a heartier spread, sweet and sour chicken or beef and broccoli create a takeout-style feast at home.
Final Thoughts
After you’ve tried this easy chicken fried rice recipe, I’m confident it’ll become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation.
It’s adaptable, satisfying, and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand.
What I love most about fried rice is its versatility.
Swap in whatever protein or vegetables are lingering in your fridge.
Running low on soy sauce? A dash of oyster sauce works in a pinch.
