Quick & Crispy Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe for Busy Nights

Whipping up a delectable chicken fried rice takes mere minutes with this foolproof method.

Busy home cooks adore these quick weeknight meal solutions that pack serious flavor.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp vegetables.

My secret weapon involves high heat and swift cooking techniques that ensure restaurant-quality results.

Regional Chinese cooking traditions inspire this adaptable dish that welcomes personal creativity.

Quick-thinking chefs can easily swap ingredients based on what’s hiding in their refrigerator.

Grab your wok and let’s transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips That Work For Easy Chicken Fried Rice

• Nail the Chicken Texture: Pat chicken pieces dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming, ensuring a crispy, flavorful result.
• Boost Rice Preparation: Use day-old cold rice for best texture, as freshly cooked rice can become mushy and clump together during stir-frying.
• Customize Veggie Options: Swap or add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or corn to create a personalized fried rice that matches your taste preferences.
• Make It Dietary-Friendly: Replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative without sacrificing flavor.
• Control Sodium Levels: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to manage salt intake while maintaining the dish's classic savory profile.

How To Store And Reheat Easy Chicken Fried Rice

• Refrigerate: Transfer chicken fried rice to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm the rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra oil to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave Option: Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with a few drops of water, and cover. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Food Safety: Always check that the rice reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating to eliminate any potential bacteria.

What To Serve With Easy Chicken Fried Rice

• Discover Crisp Wine Companions: Pair this chicken fried rice with a bright, chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. These light white wines cut through the dish's richness and complement its savory flavors, creating a refreshing balance that enhances every bite.
• Explore Asian Beer Matches: Grab a cold Tsingtao, Sapporo, or Asahi beer to elevate your chicken fried rice experience. These crisp Asian lagers have clean, smooth profiles that perfectly harmonize with the dish's umami and soy sauce undertones.
• Unleash Zesty Cocktail Partners: Mix a classic gin and tonic or a citrusy sake-based cocktail to add a vibrant twist. The bright, herbal notes will dance alongside the fried rice, creating a playful and exciting flavor combination that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Boost with Herbal Tea Finale: Conclude your meal with a soothing green tea or jasmine tea. These delicate, aromatic beverages cleanse the palate and provide a gentle, cooling contrast to the warm, savory fried rice.

Ways To Switch Up Easy Chicken Fried Rice

• Spicy Sriracha Kick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce while combining ingredients for a fiery flavor boost. The heat levels can be adjusted based on personal preference, creating a zesty chicken fried rice experience.
• Teriyaki Fusion Style: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy Hawaiian-inspired version. The caramelized flavors will transform the traditional recipe into a tropical delight.
• Vegetarian Garden Mix: Substitute chicken with extra firm tofu or additional mixed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. This plant-based alternative provides a nutritious and colorful alternative for those avoiding meat.
• Protein-Packed Korean Version: Incorporate kimchi and gochujang for authentic Korean flavors. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and use gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) to enhance the robust and complex taste profile.

FAQ About Easy Chicken Fried Rice

• What makes this chicken fried rice different from restaurant versions?

This homemade recipe uses simple ingredients and allows you to control the salt and oil content, making it healthier and more personalized than takeout versions.

• Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables work perfectly and can save you chopping time. Just thaw them slightly before adding to the skillet.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This chicken fried rice stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated easily, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

You can increase the chicken amount or add additional protein like tofu, shrimp, or even scramble in extra eggs to boost the protein content of the dish.

Why Easy Chicken Fried Rice Is A Weeknight Win

• Whip Up a Quick Meal: This chicken fried rice recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a delicious dinner in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to swap vegetables, use leftover rice, or adjust protein types based on what's in your kitchen, making it a go-to flexible meal solution.
• Packed with Flavor Layers: Each bite delivers a complex taste experience – from the savory soy sauce and nutty sesame oil to the golden-browned chicken and soft scrambled eggs, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
• One-Pan Wonder: By cooking everything in a single skillet, this recipe minimizes kitchen cleanup, saves time, and ensures every ingredient absorbs and enhances the overall dish's deliciousness.

Ingredients For Easy Chicken Fried Rice

• Chicken: Tender, juicy protein that provides a hearty main element to the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for easy cutting and quick cooking.
• Eggs: Soft, scrambled texture adding protein and richness. Fresh eggs will give the best flavor and texture.

• Onion: Sweet, aromatic base that adds depth to the flavor profile. White or yellow onions are traditional choices.
• Peas, Carrots: Colorful vegetables bringing nutrition and natural sweetness. Frozen mixed vegetables are convenient and work well.

• Rice: White long-grain rice provides the classic base for fried rice. Day-old cold rice works best to prevent clumping.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil for sautéing and preventing sticking. Canola or standard vegetable oil are good options.
• Soy Sauce: Salty, umami seasoning that enhances overall dish flavor. Low-sodium varieties are available for health-conscious cooks.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty, distinctive Asian-inspired flavor that adds complexity. Use sparingly as it's quite strong.
• Green Onions: Fresh, crisp garnish that adds a sharp, fresh finish. Adds visual appeal and light onion flavor.

Instructions For Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Sear Savory Chicken Chunks

Heat up a large skillet with vegetable oil until it shimmers. Toss in diced chicken pieces and let them dance and brown until they’re perfectly cooked through. The golden crispy edges will make your mouth water! Once done, scoop out the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Whip Up Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

In the same sizzling skillet, crack open some eggs and whisk them into a silky mixture. Pour into the pan and gently fold the eggs until they’re soft and pillowy. Transfer the eggs to join the chicken on the waiting plate.

Step 3: Wake Up The Veggie Squad

• Diced onions
• Sweet green peas
• Bright orange carrots

Stir and swirl these veggies until they become tender and fragrant.

Step 4: Rice Transformation

Dump in your cooked rice, breaking up any stubborn clumps with your spatula. Let the rice toast and get slightly crispy, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Flavor Fusion

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil

Toss everything together so each grain gets coated with delicious seasonings.

Step 6: Garnish And Devour

Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions on top. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade feast!

Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful Chicken Fried Rice brings sizzling Asian-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen. Crispy chicken, fragrant rice, and colorful vegetables dance together in a quick one-pan meal perfect for satisfying hungry diners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 3 large eggs, beaten

Grains and Base:

• 3 cups (450 g) cooked and chilled rice (day-old works best)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed
• ¼ cup (40 g) diced onion
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear the chicken in a sizzling large skillet or wok, heating vegetable oil over medium-high flame. Cook the diced chicken until it develops a golden-brown exterior and reaches complete doneness, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.
2. Utilize the same skillet and add another splash of oil. Gently pour the whisked eggs into the pan, creating soft, fluffy scrambled eggs. Once they are just set, remove and place alongside the chicken.
3. Introduce diced onions, vibrant green peas, and julienned carrots to the skillet. Allow these vegetables to dance and soften, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they become tender and slightly translucent.
4. Carefully fold the pre-cooked rice into the vegetable mixture, using a spatula to break apart any stubborn clumps. Continuously stir the rice to ensure even heating and prevent sticking, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Reunite the reserved chicken and scrambled eggs with the rice and vegetable medley. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil across the mixture, gently tossing to distribute flavors comprehensively. Allow the rice to absorb the aromatic seasonings for another 2 minutes.
6. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions as a final garnish, creating a burst of color and zesty flavor. Serve the fried rice immediately while piping hot, inviting everyone to enjoy this classic comfort dish.

Notes

• Prepare chicken in advance by marinating it in garlic, ginger, and light soy sauce for extra flavor depth and tenderness.
• Use day-old cold rice to prevent mushy texture; freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and can make fried rice clumpy.
• Customize vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference, keeping consistent bite-sized chopping for even cooking.
• Create a vegetarian version by replacing chicken with tofu, tempeh, or additional mixed vegetables like bell peppers and edamame.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg