Easy Chicken Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout)
This easy chicken fried rice is full of flavor, quick to make, and tastes even better than takeout. Made with tender chicken, fluffy eggs, and a mix of vegetables, this homemade version is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Using leftover chicken and rice makes this recipe even more convenient, and you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein.
🥢 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ready in under 30 minutes
✔ Perfect for using leftovers
✔ Better than takeout
✔ Easy to customize
🍗 Chicken Fried Rice Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken, or cook small pieces of seasoned chicken for extra flavor.
- Mixed vegetables: Fresh vegetables are best, but frozen vegetables work perfectly too.
- Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add texture and make this dish more filling.
- Cooked white rice: Day-old rice is ideal, but you can still get great results with freshly cooked rice (see tips below).
- Soy sauce and seasonings: Adds rich, savory flavor to the dish.
🍳 How to Make Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1
Heat vegetable oil and sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables, green onions, and garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes.
Step 2
Add the chicken and stir for about 30 seconds. Push everything to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the center.
Step 3
Scramble the eggs quickly, then mix with the chicken and vegetables. Add the rice and stir for 1 minute.
Step 4
Pour in the soy sauce and mix well until everything is combined. Serve immediately.
💡 Cooking Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
- Use cold rice to avoid a mushy texture
- Spread freshly cooked rice and chill it for 10–15 minutes if needed
- Use low-sodium soy sauce so you can adjust the salt level
- Cook on high heat for the best flavor
🍛 What to Serve with Chicken Fried Rice
This dish pairs well with many sides. Try it with:
- Chicken Manchurian
- Cashew Chicken
- Chicken and Broccoli
👉 Or serve it alongside grilled meat or steak for a complete meal.
🔄 Delicious Variations
- Add more vegetables: Try mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas
- Add shrimp or steak: Great way to switch up flavors
- Use brown rice: For a healthier option
💬 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Using cold, day-old rice and cooking on high heat gives the best texture and flavor.
Yes, spread it out and chill it for 10–15 minutes before using.
Yes, but eggs add texture and richness to the dish.
It can be, especially when made with less oil and whole grain rice.
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❄️ Storing and Reheating
Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat:
Reheat on the stovetop for best results or microwave if needed.
⭐ Please Review and Rate
If you tried this recipe, please leave a rating and comment below. I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 3 precooked skinless chicken thighs or 2 chicken breast
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 large egg beaten
- ¾ cup mixed vegetables I used frozen
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 green onions chopped
- 2 minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 small green chili chopped optional
Instructions
- Add the vegetable oil and sesame oil to a wok or a frying pan. Keep on medium heat.
- Sauté the vegetables, green onions, and garlic for two minutes.
- Add the chicken and stir for 30 seconds.
- Push the vegetables, chicken to the sides of the pan, add the egg in the center of the pan.
- Stir the egg quickly, when cooked mix with rest of ingredients.
- Add the rice and stir for one minute, then add the soy sauce and stir until combined.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- I didn’t add salt to this recipe since the pre-cooked chicken and rice were seasoned.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to have control over the amount of salt.
- Instead of chicken thighs, you can go for chicken breast.
- If you are used to the taste of the Chinese five spices in your fried rice, add it when stir-frying the vegetables.
I too love fried rice. A delicious way to use up all the leftover too.
Fried rice is such a great dish on weekdays because there are carbs, veggies, and protein in ONE dish! My kids love it and it’s one pan to clean, and 4 plates to clean. Can’t beat that. Your fried rice looks delicious!
Thanks Nami! I agree, people who love carbs, weekend is the best time to enjoy some 😉
yummy love chicken and egg fried rice….Thanks for this recipe.
Simon