If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and full of vibrant flavors, the Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe combines perfectly cooked chicken, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice all tossed in a sweet-savory sauce that brings everything together. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with your cooking skills, this dish is incredibly satisfying, simple to prepare, and sure to become one of your staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, coming together to create a harmonious blend of flavor, texture, and color. Each element, from the tender chicken to the crisp veggies, plays a crucial role in making this Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe shine.
- 2 tablespoons oil: Choose canola, sesame, peanut, or a blend to add a flavorful cooking base and crisp up ingredients beautifully.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast: Diced and seasoned with salt and pepper to bring juicy, savory protein to the dish.
- 1 medium yellow onion: Finely chopped for a sweet and aromatic foundation.
- 1 cup frozen pea-and-carrot blend: Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- 1 red bell pepper: Finely diced to contribute a fresh crunch and vibrant red hue.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the rice with that irresistible aromatic punch (plus 1 teaspoon grated ginger, optional, for an extra zing).
- 3 cups cooked and chilled rice: Jasmine or long-grain works best for fluffy texture and prevents clumping.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings in the essential savory umami.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Just enough sweetness to balance the soy’s saltiness.
- 2 large eggs: Beaten and scrambled for a soft texture and added protein.
- 3 green onions: Sliced for a fresh and slightly sharp finish.
- Toppings (optional): Sesame seeds, toasted sesame oil, or extra green onion to elevate the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the seasoned chicken pieces and let them brown evenly. Stir occasionally until cooked through and golden, about 5 to 6 minutes. Once they’re perfectly cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Now is when the kitchen starts smelling amazing! Add chopped onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until they begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Next, toss in the pea and carrot blend and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Finally, stir in the garlic and optional grated ginger, cooking briefly until fragrant—around 30 seconds—so every bite carries that delicious aromatic charm.
Step 3: Add Rice and Sauce
Push the sautéed veggies to one side of your skillet. Spoon the chilled rice onto the other side, then drizzle soy sauce and honey or maple syrup over the rice. Toss everything lightly to combine, then spread the rice in an even layer and let it cook without stirring for 2 minutes—this helps create those slightly crispy, golden bits everyone loves. Afterward, stir and cook another 2 minutes for more toasty texture.
Step 4: Scramble Eggs
Clear some space in the skillet by pushing the rice and veggies to one side again. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty spot and cook over medium heat. Stir gently until set but still soft. Break up the eggs into small pieces using a spatula and fold them into the rice mixture, adding a fluffy, silky component that blends perfectly with the other textures.
Step 5: Finish Up
Time to bring it all together! Return the cooked chicken and green onions to the pan. Stir everything until evenly mixed and heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes. This final step warms the chicken back up and lets the flavors meld so that each forkful is deliciously balanced.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the heat and sprinkle with your favorite toppings like extra sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a visually inviting and tasty touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures from this Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate your serving beautifully: sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or drizzle a little toasted sesame oil for a nutty aroma. Additional fresh green onions add a crisp bite and that fresh oniony kick, making every spoonful feel fresh and vibrant.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed greens to keep the meal balanced and refreshing. A bowl of miso soup or an Asian-inspired slaw can also complement the flavors and make the meal more fulfilling without overwhelming the fried rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe inside pineapple halves for a fun tropical twist or build fried rice lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held meal. You can also mold the rice with a small bowl or ramekin, then invert it onto the plate to present a charming dome shape that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, transfer leftover chicken fried rice into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and makes a fantastic quick lunch or dinner on busy days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too! Portion your fried rice into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness and warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often until heated through. Microwaving works fine too, but stirring halfway through helps maintain even warmth and avoids cold spots.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber but may require a slightly longer cooking time if freshly cooked. Using leftover cooked brown rice works just as perfectly for this Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe.
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you want to switch things up, shrimp, tofu, or even diced pork can be delicious alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked and tender.
Is it necessary to use cold rice?
Using cold, leftover rice is key because it prevents the dish from becoming mushy. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky, so if using fresh rice, spread it out and cool it before cooking for the best results.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas. Using tofu or tempeh adds protein while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish?
This Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is mild as written, but you can easily add heat by mixing in chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or fresh chopped chilies when cooking to suit your preferred spice level.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe at home is such a rewarding and tasty experience. It’s quick, flexible, and full of flavors that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients and garnishes—this is one dish that welcomes your personal touch with open arms. Give it a try tonight and watch it quickly become a go-to favorite!
Print
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, all combined in a savory soy and honey sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s a versatile dish that can incorporate your favorite veggies and toppings.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup frozen pea-and-carrot blend
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced
Staples and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons oil (canola, sesame, peanut, or a blend, or more if needed)
- 3 cups cooked and chilled rice (jasmine or long-grain)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Toppings to serve (optional; sesame seeds, toasted sesame oil, green onion)
Instructions
- Cook chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the finely chopped onion and red bell pepper and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the frozen pea and carrot blend and continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add rice and sauce: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the chilled cooked rice to the other side. Drizzle the soy sauce and honey (or maple syrup) over the rice. Toss everything together to combine, then spread the rice in an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the rice to crisp slightly.
- Scramble eggs: Push the rice and vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space and cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the eggs are just set. Break them into small pieces with the spatula and mix into the rice and vegetables.
- Finish: Return the cooked chicken and sliced green onions to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds or toasted sesame oil. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use leftover or chilled rice to prevent the dish from becoming mushy.
- You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas to customize the dish.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and honey/maple syrup to suit your taste preferences.
- For a spicier kick, add a splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
