Flavorful Chicken Fried Rice

This easy chicken fried rice transforms leftover rice into a restaurant-quality meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken pieces, colorful vegetables, and fluffy eggs all tossed in a savory sauce, it's a complete dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.

I started making this recipe when my kids were going through their picky eating phase. It quickly became our Friday night tradition instead of ordering takeout, saving us money while still giving us that end of week treat we all craved.

Ingredients

• Leftover rice: Preferably day old jasmine or basmati rice which creates the perfect texture rather than mushy fried rice
• Chicken breasts: Cut into small cubes for quick even cooking and maximum flavor absorption
• Eggs: For added protein and that authentic fried rice texture
• Frozen peas and carrots mix: Offering convenience and bright pops of color
• Onion and garlic: Providing the aromatic foundation for deep flavor
• Regular soy sauce: Brings that classic umami flavor while keeping sodium in check
• Dark soy sauce: Adds rich color and deeper flavor than regular soy sauce alone
• Sesame oil: Just a touch creates that distinctive Asian restaurant finish
• Green onions: For a fresh bright garnish that elevates the final dish

How To Make Chicken Fried Rice

Cook the chicken:

Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer allowing it to develop a golden brown crust before stirring. Cook approximately 5 minutes until no longer pink inside. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Sauté the aromatics:

Add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent and beginning to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for just one minute until fragrant being careful not to burn it which would create bitterness.

Add vegetables:

Add frozen peas and carrots mix directly to the pan with onions and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until vegetables are heated through but still maintain their vibrant colors. The residual moisture from frozen vegetables will help deglaze the pan capturing all the flavor.

Cook the eggs:

Push vegetables to one side of the pan creating an empty space. Add final tablespoon of oil to the cleared area and pour in beaten eggs. Let them set slightly for about 10 seconds then scramble gently until just cooked but still soft. Mix the cooked eggs with the vegetables.

Combine everything:

Add cooked rice and chicken back to the pan with vegetables and eggs. Break up any clumps of rice with your spatula ensuring even distribution. Let the rice fry for 2 minutes undisturbed to develop some crispy bits for texture.

Add sauces and finish:

Pour soy sauce dark soy sauce and sesame oil evenly over the rice mixture. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Sprinkle with sliced green onions just before serving.

My absolute favorite ingredient in this dish is the sesame oil. The first time I made this recipe without it I knew something was missing. Just that half teaspoon transforms an ordinary dish into something special. My daughter now calls it the magic ingredient and loves helping me add the final drizzle.

Perfect Rice For Fried Rice

The secret to restaurant quality fried rice begins with properly prepared rice. Cook your rice the day before using slightly less water than you normally would. After cooking spread it on a baking sheet to cool completely before refrigerating uncovered for a few hours or overnight. This drying process allows each grain to firm up which prevents clumping and mushiness when stir fried. If you absolutely must use freshly cooked rice spread it on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for 15 minutes to quickly remove excess moisture.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of fried rice lies in its adaptability. Try swapping chicken for shrimp which cooks even faster or use tofu for a vegetarian version. For vegetables consider adding diced bell peppers diced zucchini mushrooms or baby spinach. More adventurous eaters might enjoy pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast or kimchi for spicy fermented flavor. You can also adjust the sauce by adding oyster sauce hoisin sauce or chili garlic sauce to create different flavor profiles. Remember that fried rice welcomes creativity so feel free to customize based on what you have available.

Storage And Reheating

Properly stored chicken fried rice will maintain its quality for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Allow the rice to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. For reheating the microwave works well for individual portions simply add a sprinkle of water before heating to prevent dryness. For best results reheat in a skillet with a small amount of oil which helps revive the texture and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. Chicken fried rice also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in freezer safe containers making it an excellent emergency meal option.

Serving Suggestions

While this chicken fried rice is a complete meal on its own pairing it with complementary dishes elevates the dining experience. Serve alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a refreshing contrast. For a more substantial feast add spring rolls egg drop soup or steamed dumplings. A drizzle of chili oil or sriracha offers spice lovers their perfect heat level while a side of extra soy sauce lets everyone adjust seasoning to taste. For an interactive dining experience serve in bowls with chopsticks and small dishes of various toppings like crushed peanuts fresh herbs or pickled vegetables.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

Day-old rice is recommended for the best texture, as fresh rice tends to become mushy. However, if using fresh rice, let it cool and dry out for 30 minutes before frying.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

You can substitute chicken with pork, shrimp, tofu, or even additional veggies for a vegetarian option. Adjust seasonings based on your choice.

→ Is dark soy sauce necessary?

Dark soy sauce adds a rich color and a deeper flavor. If unavailable, a mix of regular soy sauce with a pinch of brown sugar works well.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can include bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or any other veggies you have on hand to make it more nutritious and flavorful.

→ What type of rice works best?

Jasmine or Basmati rice works well for this dish, as their grains hold up nicely when fried and have great flavor.

→ What size skillet should I use?

A large skillet or wok is ideal to ensure the rice has enough space to fry evenly, preventing it from steaming.

→ How do I make this dish spicier?

To make it spicier, add red chili flakes, sriracha, or a chopped fresh chili when cooking the veggies.