This easy chicken fried rice is loaded with golden brown chicken, sweet onions, carrots, peas, eggs, and green onions and tastes so much better than your favorite Chinese takeout. You don’t know how good fried rice can be until you make it in your own kitchen.
So often, fried rice dishes are loaded with so much soy sauce that is the dominant flavor. This delectable recipe brings out the best in this dish with a minimal amount of soy sauce. My family loves this, and it is always a huge hit with friends. Who doesn’t love a good fried rice recipe?
How to make Chicken Fried Rice
Start by preparing the white rice in advance. Cook it up the night before and chill it overnight in the fridge. When ready to start the recipe, cook the chicken in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Work in batches, browning in a single layer. Plate the chicken, covering it with aluminum foil. Heat a little oil and cook the onions, carrots, and peas until tender crisp. Reduce heat and add the garlic, cooking for just a minute, stirring constantly. Then, plate the veggies. Beat the eggs in a small bowl. Now add a little butter and add the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs just until set. Then, plate the eggs with the veggies, covering them loosely with aluminum foil.
Add a little butter over medium/medium-high heat. Once melted, add the rice and sprinkle with low-sodium soy sauce. Fry the rice until slightly crunchy and lightly browned. Stir several times but not all the time, so it has time to brown. Work in batches if your pan is crowded. Once the rice is fried, add the green onions and just a touch of sesame oil. Bring the chicken, vegetables, and eggs back to the skillet. Then, stir to warm everything, and for best results, serve promptly.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Cut your chicken into thin bite-size pieces so it cooks through in just a couple of minutes.
- Use cooked, chilled day-old rice. Use any long-grain rice, including white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. Cook it 1-2 days in advance and chill it well in the fridge. Freshly cooked rice does not fry well at all. It clumps up and turns into a gooey mess. Leftover rice is perfect for this recipe.
- Pro-tip – If you forget to cook the rice the day before. Cook it and spread it out on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or until well chilled.
- There is no need to thaw the peas. Pull the peas out of the freezer when you start the recipe, and add them frozen when needed. They will quickly thaw in the skillet and stir fry up just perfectly. Canned peas are not recommended.
- Cut your vegetables into small pieces to complement the dish and to make it easy to pick up with chopsticks.
- Add the soy sauce to taste. I prefer a modest amount of soy sauce on my fried rice, but my husband likes it a little saltier, so I usually add a little more to his.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave.
What goes with Chicken Fried Rice?
- Crab rangoons – are crispy golden fried wonton shells filled with crab and cream cheese.
- A simple salad with ginger dressing.
- Egg drop soup is a simple soup with wispy eggs in chicken broth.
- Steamed or roasted broccoli
- Pork Dumplings are ground pork, cabbage, and sweet ginger-filled dough wraps that are scrumptiously fried or steamed.
Recipe variations
- Protein – substitute beef, chicken, or shrimp.
- Vegetables – any vegetable that can be stir-fried works. Think snow peas, mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers, and water chestnuts.
- Nuts – add some finely chopped peanuts or cashews to enhance the texture and take this recipe to a new level.
Other delicious Asian recipes you will love!
Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast cut into thin bite-size pieces or chicken thighs
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 large carrots peeled and finely chopped
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups long grain white rice cooked and chilled
- 3-5 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium see notes
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions chopped
- salt and pepper to taste; optional
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium/medium-high heat. Cook chicken in a single layer, browning on both sides; approximately 2 minutes on each side. Add more oil if needed. Transfer to plate and cover to keep warm.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in the same large skillet over medium/medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and peas. Cook until crisp tender stirring several times. Reduce heat to low. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Transfer to plate and cover to keep warm.
- Whisk eggs and add 1/2 tablespoon butter to the same skillet over low heat. Add eggs and cook just until set. Remove from the skillet and add to the plate with the vegetables. Cover to keep warm.
- Melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add rice to the skillet. Drizzle with soy sauce. Increase heat to medium-high and fry until lightly browned. Stir several times but not all the time, so it has time to brown. Work in batches if your pan is crowded.
- Drizzle the rice with sesame oil and sprinkle with green onions; stir to combine. Return chicken, vegetables, and eggs to skillet and heat through. If desired, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Video
Notes
- Cut your chicken into thin bite-size pieces, so it cooks through in just a couple of minutes.
- Use cooked, chilled day-old rice. Use any long grain rice, including white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. Cook it 1-2 days in advance and chill it in the fridge real well. Freshly cooked rice does not fry well at all. It clumps up and turns into a gooey mess. Leftover rice is perfect for this recipe.
- Pro-tip – If you forget to cook the rice the day before. Cook it and spread it out on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or until well chilled.
- There is no need to thaw the peas. Simply pull the peas out of the freezer when you start the recipe and add them frozen when needed. They will quickly thaw in the skillet and stir fry up just perfectly. Canned peas are not recommended.
- Cut your vegetables into small pieces to complement the dish and to make it easy to pick up with chopsticks.
- Add the soy sauce to taste. I prefer a modest amount of soy sauce on my fried rice, but my husband likes it a little saltier, so I usually add a little more to his.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave.
Nutrition
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Janet Bastarache
Can ingredients be prepared the day before I actually make the recipe.
Beth Pierce
Hey, Janet! If you are refering to cutting the chicken and vegetables in advance, then you could certainly do this the day before. Store them in separate zipper bags or airtight containers in the fridge until you are ready to start the recipe.
Monique
This is the exact same recipe I follow, but yes thanks for sharing it!
Melanie
Chicken and fried rice is one of my favorite meals. I did not know that it was this easy to make and this delicious made at home. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Melanie. I am gld that you liked the fried rice dish.
Kay
Fried rice is always my favorite dish. And I’m sure with the chicken the delicious will get to a higher level.
Olga
I truly love this chicken fried rice recipe. It is easy, delicious and the whole family enjoys it. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Rosey
I’m always down for some chicken fried rice and this recipe is delicious. So glad that you shared the recipe.
Deb
I’m such a huge fan of chicken fried rice. I typically order it for take out but with this easy recipe I can make it anytime at home and it tastes just good if not better!
Jen Schreiner
YUM. I love this recipe. And the fact that you can add in extra veggies. I just pulled what I had in my fridge as leftovers. Came out great.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Jen! So glad that you liked the chicken fried rice.
Stephanie
Yum! I enjoyed this chicken fried rice dish. It is simple to create for a family dinner and tastes delish!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Stephanie! So glad that you liked it!
Heather
Wow! This recipe is so much better than takeout. Perfectly seasoned rice dish, my son loved it.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Heather! So glad that your son loved it.
Clarice
This post definitely made me hungry. Can’t wait to try this chicken fried rice. Good thing that we have all the ingredients available. So, will try this in the morning. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Jack
This was so yummy and easy to make. Definitely one of my favorite recipes!
Faith Stephenson
This was an awesome recipe! My husband really enjoyed this meal.
Sonia
You’ve just inspired me to cook Chicken fried rice tomorrow.
Mila
Chicken fried rice is an absolute staple, and I love the twist you put on it! Thank you so much for sharing
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine!
Luna S
Yum! I think this is my favorite recipe of yours! Thanks, Beth!
Maria
This is one of my favorite chicken fried rice recipes. I also use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Stephanie
Another excellent recipe from this website! Your suggestion of adding the peanuts was just the right touch.
Betina Jessen
Great basic recipe. The use of an omelet is a home run. I’ve made it a few times as written, and with some adaptations. I used leftover pork from a pork tenderloin and leftover rotisserie chicken. Both worked well. I use coconut amminos instead of soy sauce and it is equally good. I’ve made this with white, brown and basmati rice… all good. I add peas. I think this is better than takeout fried rice and it is so quick and easy!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Betina! So glad that you like the recipe!
Jennifer Prince
This looks like such a great weeknight meal to make for the family. I need to try this out sometime. Sounds delish!
Neely Moldovan
When I was pregnant with my son this was one of my biggest cravings! My husband would make it all the time.
Rosey
I’m like you, I like it mildly salty. The kids like more soy though, they appreciate the more intense flavor.
Gervin Khan
Wow! This chicken dish recipe looks absolutely delicious and yummy! A complete and perfect meal to have in one go! Plus the color it gives makes it enticing and tempting! Love to try this at home!
Ivan Carlo Jose
This is super delicious and satisfying. We love to fry our leftover rice as well.
Nyxie
Basic, simple, and absolutely delicious! Thanks for the great recipe. I will make it again.
Alita
This is different and much better than the fried rice I usually make. Thanks for a great recipe!
Stephanie
We love chicken fried rice here! I make mine almost the same way you do, except we all like a lot of egg so I use a few more in it. Such a great easy dinner!
Beth Pierce
So true and so incredibly yummy!
Kelli A
Chicken fried rice is one of my hubby’s favorite foods. I have never thought to look up a recipe. Will be saving this for our next dinner!
Catalina
Now I know what I will make for dinner tonight! This chicken fried rice looks irresistible!
IceCreamnStickyFingers
Yum. This fried rice sounds delicious. I love it but don’t get to eat it often because my son doesn’t care for Chinese food. He might eat this if I fix it at home for him.
Jennifer H
One of my hubby’s fav Chinese dishes. Now we can make it at home.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Jennifer! Enjoy!
Melissa Cushing
Delish! I love fried rice and especially homemade fried rice! Your recipe is really delicious. I did add an extra egg because we just love them. Thanks for the great recipe.
Beth
It has been too long since we’ve had fried rice. Your version was so good and easy! Next time I am going to add a little garlic.
Katie C
I have been craving chicken fried rice lately so definitely adding this to my meal plan. I use coconut aminos vs soy sauce so will try that in this recipe and hopefully it will be just as delicious!
Beth Pierce
That sounds like a plan!
Tara
My husband loves fried rice. I will have to make this for him.
Amber Myers
We love this fried rice. I made this one night last week and my family loved. My picky son even ate the peas.
Tammy
This fried rice is one of my most favorite recipes. My mom used to make it all the time when we were kids while living in Hawaii and it brings back such great memories.
Andy k
Is it 4 cups uncooked or cooked rice
Beth Pierce
Cooked and chilled rice.
Thena Franssen
I love learning how to cook rice in new ways. This is on my meal planning radar this week!
Ifeoluwa
Can’t wait to try this with Jasmine rice! Such a beautiful presentation
Beth Pierce
Thank you! Enjoy!!
Jennifer Prince
This looks so delicious! And chicken fried rice is a crowd-pleaser, which makes it doubly good for everyone.
Clarice
Wow! This looks delicious and easy to make. This is just a perfect way to level up leftover rice. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Will try this tomorrow. Very timely since we have all the ingredients available.
Heather
I adore fried rice but only get to have it a few times a year at a restaurant. How wonderful to be able to make it at home now! Thanks for the recipe.
Ave
We love fried rice with Chinese dishes. I really like that it’s easy to make and also a great way to use up leftover rice from other meals.
Veronika Sykorova
Fried rice is such a good meal to make whenever you have leftover rice, veggies, or meat. Your recipe didn’t disappoint! So good!
Alexis
Chicken fried rice is a favorite in our family. This recipe is delicious and easy.
April
This looks so yummy! Definitely going to try this recipe soon!
Edgar
Yyyaaaayyyyy! Beth, you have just shared one of my all-time favourite dishes ever! And going by your recipe, it’s well done. Thanks for sharing about it.
Thena Franssen
This looks great! I think that my kids would love for me to make this recipe!
Elise
My hubby loves to make fried rice. It is really a great use of leftover rice.
ashley t
This looks absolutely delicious. Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe.
Dominique
My husband loves this recipe, I use it on our weekly rotation!
Amy Liu Dong
It’s definitely a great recipe, it’s easy to make and looks so delicious. Food that we can make in an instant is now the thing that everyone is always on the go.
Beth Pierce
So true!
Claudia
Chicken fried rice is the best! I can have this every day lol
Talya Stone
You can’t beat a fried rice especially chicken fried rice. It’s a staple in our family! I haven’t tried it with butter before I bet it tastes even better with that extra addition.
Abida
Although I already knew about the recipe, but today I got to know something new
Eileen M Loya
We often make fried rice and what I add are usually left overs from last night’s dinner. I will try your chicken fried rice recipe too. It looks really good!
Cristina S Petrini
What goodness I think is really delicious as a preparation of the chicken!
Zoe
This looks absolutely delicious!
Heather
This looks so good! I realize I don’t think I’ve ever made this from scratch at home! I’ll have to try it sometime!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Heather! Enjoy!!
Tara
This looks so delicious. I will have to make this for dinner soon.
Bintu
My kids love a good fried rice recipe and this is absolutely delicious! I will certainly be making this again for them this week!
Heather
Made this for dinner last night and it was easy and delicious! Thanks for a great recipe, will definitely make again!
Kay
So tasty and fantastic way to use up leftover rice! A quick cheap and satisfying meal!
Heather
delicious – makes me think of my favorite little chinese place – loved it!
Rika
This is my go-to fried rice. It’s very easy to make and loaded with flavors and veggies too.
Lisalia
This recipe is so so yummy. I’ve made it several times and it’s a staple at our home. Just wanted to let you know THANK YOU for such easy to follow and classicly delicious recipes. We can’t wait to have this chicken fried rice again!
Michelle
My favourite way to clean out the fridge! So easy and delicious, always!
Dannii
Now this is my kind of comfort food. So easy to make too!
Katherine
Such a flavor-packed fried rice! And only half an hour too. Winner!
Carrie Robinson
Such an easy recipe to make! My family would love this. 🙂
Alisha
This is such a staple for our family. Make an extra big batch to enjoy for a few nights during the week.
Valentina
This chicken fried rice recipe is so delicious and makes for a GREAT dinner! The whole family enjoyed this fried rice recipe.
Lisalia
This is a new family favorite! Love this variation with the addition of chicken. So filling and even budget-friendly!
Lauren
Such a delicious take on fried rice – don’t even miss the extra calories 😉
Sandhya
Huge fan of Fried rice recipes that comes together in a jiffy! This better than takeout rice is hearty and delicious.
Dannii
What a hearty and delicious rice rice! Great for packing out with vegetables too.
Beth Sachs
My kid’s favourite dinner. Such a tasty recipe!
Anjali
I love that this is a one pot meal!! It was also a great way to use up a ton of leftover rice we had in the fridge! Super easy to make, turned out great!
Jennifer
Looovvee this recipe! Better than takeout and healthier! We make it all the time!
Karen Schott
I made this last night without the carrots and my family loved it! Thank you!
Ginny
Delicious. This was so simple and I love that all you have to do is add cooked chicken to fried rice. That is so smart and a great meal. Thanks!
Kathy
Do I have to use the sesame oil or can I use something in place of it. I am allergic to sesame.
Beth Pierce
No you do not have to use. Simply omit it and it will still be delicious!
Jacque Hastert
I am a huge fan of all things fried rice! I can’t wait to give this recipe a try in my own kitchen.
Ellen Melnick
This is a perfect recipe. I use the exact recipe but sometimes substitute teriyaki sauce for soy sauce . All my grandchildren love this.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Ellen! So glad that they like it! It is a delicious dish!!
Mary M Jones
Can you bake it instead of frying? I can’t have fried foods.
Beth Pierce
No Mary it is not going to be the same. So sorry.
Judy
How is this reheated? Would love to make ahead to take camping??
Beth Pierce
You could reheat on the camp stove with a little bit (little being the key there) oil and water. Those camp stoves can get hot so keep it low and stir often.
Jacquie
I wondered how it would freeze?
Beth Pierce
It freezes well. Enjoy!!
Michelle
So easy and good! I love your suggestion for adding peanuts or cashews!
Sara
Such a quick and easy recipe and way better than take out! Enjoyed this with some chicken stir fry and it did not disappoint!
Lily
I am a HUGE fried rice lover, and this one looks DIVINE. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine!
Andrea
What a quick, easy and delicious meal that my family is going to love.
Bintu
This chicken fried rice looks incredible! I’m with you, so many fried rice recipes are overwhelmed by soy sauce so it is good to know this one isn’t! Sounds so delicious.
Catalina
The perfect side dish for dinner tonight! Thanks for this delicious dinner idea!
Beti
Such a fantastic meal!! This Chicken Fried Rice is absolutely delicious!
katerina
This Chicken Fried Rice sounds SO GOOD!! The perfect weeknight meal!
Erin
YUM!!! I love this Fried Rice delicious version!!!
Amanda
This looks like a perfect meal through the week, I cannot wait to make it for everyone!