Effortless Chicken Fried Rice

Homemade Chicken Fried Rice is the ultimate answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas! This incredibly flavorful, vegetable-packed, and protein-rich meal comes together faster than takeout and tastes infinitely better. Say goodbye to greasy restaurant versions and hello to a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying dish made right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, our easy-to-follow recipe, complete with essential tips for perfect fluffy rice, will help you master this Asian-inspired classic.

There’s a unique satisfaction that comes with creating a beloved dish like fried rice from scratch. Not only do you have full control over the quality of ingredients, but you can also customize it to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs. This recipe is designed to be super adaptable and incredibly forgiving, making it a staple for busy households. Just like our popular Shrimp Fried Rice and Kimchi Fried Rice, this chicken version is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone craving more.

Contents

Why Homemade Chicken Fried Rice is Better Than Takeout

Many of us reach for takeout on a busy night, but preparing Chicken Fried Rice at home offers numerous advantages. First and foremost, you control the ingredients, meaning fresher vegetables, leaner chicken, and a healthier overall meal with less sodium and artificial additives. It’s also incredibly cost-effective to make a large batch at home, providing delicious leftovers for lunches throughout the week. Plus, there’s the undeniable pride of serving a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant, often in less time than it takes for delivery!

Our recipe emphasizes a balance of flavors and textures, with tender chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and perfectly separated grains of rice. The addition of sweet corn and celery provides a delightful pop of color and a subtle crunch that elevates the dish beyond ordinary. If you’re a fan of efficient meal planning, this recipe is tailor-made for you, as a little bit of prep work upfront makes for a lightning-fast cooking experience later.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

Creating truly delicious Chicken Fried Rice starts with quality ingredients. While the list might seem straightforward, each component plays a crucial role in achieving that sought-after authentic taste and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Cooked and Chilled Rice: This is the non-negotiable secret ingredient! Day-old or leftover rice is significantly drier than freshly cooked rice, preventing a mushy, clumpy texture and allowing the grains to fry properly.
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast provides a lean protein source. Cut it into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Peas and Carrots (Frozen Pack): A convenient and vibrant addition. Frozen mixes are perfectly fine and save valuable prep time.
Whole Kernel Corn: Adds sweetness and a delightful textural contrast.
Celery: Provides a subtle savory flavor and a wonderful crispness that holds up well in stir-fries.
Garlic and Red Onion: The aromatic foundation of many Asian dishes. Freshly minced garlic and finely chopped red onion provide depth of flavor.
Butter and Olive Oil: A combination of fats helps in cooking and adds richness. Butter lends a golden color and a hint of creamy flavor, while olive oil provides a higher smoke point.
Sesame Oil: This is a flavor powerhouse! Toasted sesame oil is incredibly potent and provides that signature nutty, aromatic “takeout” flavor. Use it sparingly for best results.
Large Eggs: Scrambled eggs are a classic addition, adding more protein and texture.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Essential for salty, umami flavor. Using low-sodium allows you to control the seasoning without over-salting.
Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the flavors.

Overhead shot of fried rice in white bowl.

Mastering the Art of Homemade Chicken Fried Rice

Making delicious fried rice is all about technique and timing. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time:

Prepare Your Rice: The most crucial step! Ensure you have cooked and thoroughly chilled rice on hand. Day-old rice that has been refrigerated is ideal, as its lower moisture content prevents sticking and ensures fluffy, separate grains. Never use warm, freshly cooked rice, as it will turn your dish into a sticky, gloppy mess.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of sesame oil and cook the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, until they are no longer pink and are lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. This prevents overcooking and keeps the chicken tender.
Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add a combination of olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and chopped red onion. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant and softened. Next, add the diced celery and cook for another few minutes until it’s slightly tender-crisp. Then, incorporate the frozen peas and carrots mix.
Scramble the Eggs: Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pan, creating an empty space in the center. Add the remaining butter or a touch more oil to this empty space. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them quickly until they are just set. Once cooked, mix the scrambled eggs with the vegetables.
Combine and Season: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the chilled rice, whole kernel corn, and pour in the low-sodium soy sauce. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together thoroughly, breaking up any clumps of rice with your spatula. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until all ingredients are well combined and heated through, typically 3-5 minutes.
Serve Immediately: Transfer your homemade Chicken Fried Rice to serving bowls. For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your superior, restaurant-quality meal!

Variations to Customize Your Fried Rice

One of the best things about fried rice is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and adapt this recipe to your liking:

Seafood Lover’s Delight: Replace chicken with shrimp, scallops, or even cooked salmon for a delicious seafood fried rice.
Low-Carb Option: For a grain-free alternative, swap traditional rice for cauliflower rice. Ensure the cauliflower rice is thoroughly drained and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
Vegetarian/Meatless Version: Omit the chicken and double up on the vegetables! Consider adding ingredients like water chestnuts, sliced mushrooms, green onions, edamame beans, or tofu for extra protein and texture.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce for a spicy twist.
Gluten-Free: Ensure you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this recipe completely gluten-free.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Fried Rice

Achieving truly exceptional fried rice at home is simpler than you think with these key tips:

The Golden Rule of Rice: Day-Old and Chilled! This cannot be stressed enough. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and steamy, leading to a gummy texture. Cook your rice at least a day in advance and refrigerate it. This allows the grains to dry out and firm up, ensuring they separate beautifully when stir-fried. If you need a reliable method for perfectly fluffy rice, check out our guides for Perfect Fluffy Rice or Instant Pot Fluffy Rice.
Don’t Skimp on Sesame Oil: A little toasted sesame oil goes a long way in imparting that characteristic, authentic Asian flavor. Incorporate it when cooking the chicken and also a drizzle at the very end for an aromatic finish. Just be mindful not to use too much, as its flavor is quite potent.
Utilize Frozen Vegetable Mixes: To streamline your prep, a frozen mix of peas and carrots is a fantastic shortcut. You can also use fresh carrots (diced small and added early) and frozen peas. These mixes cook quickly and add a vibrant medley of colors and nutrients.
High Heat is Your Friend: Fried rice should be cooked quickly over high heat. This ensures that the ingredients caramelize slightly and develop a wonderful wok-hei (smoky, intense flavor) without becoming soggy. Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding ingredients.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary, especially if you’re making a larger quantity. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, steaming the ingredients instead of frying them, which can lead to a less desirable texture.
Chop Evenly: Ensure all your chicken and vegetable pieces are cut into roughly the same size. This promotes even cooking and makes for a more appealing dish.

Save Time with This Genius Rice Prep Tip!

My absolute favorite time-saving hack for dishes requiring cooked rice is to always make a double batch! Whenever I’m cooking rice for any meal, I simply prepare extra. Once it has cooled completely, I transfer half into a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or airtight container and freeze it. This way, I always have perfectly cooked, day-old rice ready to go for recipes like this Chicken Fried Rice, taco rice skillet, or any quick stir-fry. It shaves off a significant amount of prep time and ensures your fried rice is always optimally textured. This simple step can transform a 30-minute meal into a true 15-minute dinner!

Storing and Meal Prepping Made Easy

Chicken Fried Rice is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can prepare and cook the rice and chicken a day or two in advance and store them separately in the fridge. For even longer storage and ultimate convenience, cook, cool, and freeze your rice as per the tip above. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine and cook the fresh ingredients with your prepped components.

Once fully cooked, this fried rice can be portioned into individual meal prep containers and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or a skillet, making it ideal for quick lunches or last-minute dinners. Just add a splash of water or a tiny bit of soy sauce if it seems dry during reheating.

Discover More Asian-Inspired Recipes

If you love the flavors of this Chicken Fried Rice, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our delicious Asian-inspired dishes. These recipes are perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire and bringing vibrant, exciting flavors to your dinner table:

Black Pepper Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken
Easy Mongolian Chicken
Vegetable Stir Fry

For even more takeout-inspired meals and easy Asian recipes, be sure to browse our full Asian recipe category.

If you enjoy this recipe and decide to make it, we’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag us @crunchycreamysweet so we can admire your delicious work and leave a comment! Happy cooking!

Chicken Fried Rice

By Anna

Quick and easy veggie and chicken packed meal for the busy weeknights! Plus my favorite tip on saving time with easy rice prep!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (from 5 votes)

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 410 kcal

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice, chilled (day-old rice is highly recommended)
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ medium red onion, chopped
1 cup whole kernel corn
2 cups sweet peas and carrots mix (frozen is fine)
1.5 tablespoons butter (divided)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 large eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink and lightly browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
Add olive oil and ½ tablespoon butter to the same skillet. Once butter is melted, add minced garlic and chopped red onion. Sauté, stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add diced celery to the skillet and continue to cook, stirring often, for another 4 minutes until slightly tender-crisp. Then, add the sweet peas and carrots mix.
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, creating an empty space in the center. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the empty space. Pour the beaten eggs into this space and scramble them until fully cooked. Once scrambled, mix the eggs with the cooked vegetables.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the chilled day-old rice, whole kernel corn, and reduced-sodium soy sauce. Season with the remaining salt and black pepper. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly, breaking up any clumps of rice, and cook until everything is heated through and well combined, about 3-5 minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

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This post was originally published on January 9th, 2017 and updated on June 3rd, 2019, and further enhanced for clarity and SEO.