This is the best chicken fried rice recipe that is packed with flavors and so easy to make! Light yet hearty fried rice is better than takeout and the perfect weeknight dinner.
Check out some of my other Asian-inspired recipes like the classic egg rolls.
CHICKEN FRIED RICE RECIPE
There is nothing better than this homemade chicken fried rice recipe! Fluffy rice combined with tender chicken and veggies with the perfect number of seasonings and flavors. Have this easy fried rice recipe ready in just under 30 minutes. Skip the takeout and whip up this easy egg fried rice with chicken at home.
WHAT YOU NEED-
- Rice– The key to the perfect fried rice, you want to use day-old rice! Either long grain or medium grain rice, such as jasmine rice or basmati rice works greatly. Make the rice 1-2 days ahead of time or at least an hour before making the fried rice.
- Chicken– You can use either boneless skinless chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Be sure to cut the chicken into the same small bites sized pieces for even cooking.
- Veggies– Classic fried rice has carrots, peas and onions in it. For this recipe, use frozen peas and carrots mix. You can also use the frozen mix with peas, carrots and corn.
- Egg– Traditional fried rice included fried rice. You want to use fresh fried scrambled eggs in this dish.
- Green Onion– To elevate the flavors in this rice, use freshly chopped green onion!
- Garlic– For the best results, use freshly minced garlic in this rice. You can also just use jarred minced garlic.
- Butter– Adding butter helps you get golden and crispy fried rice. Either salted or unsalted butter will be perfect.
- Soy Sauce– The key to get the perfect fried rice flavors, you want to add classic or low-sodium soy sauce. You can swap the soy sauce for coconut amino acids for a healthier option.
- Flavors– To season this fried rice, you want to use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add msg seasonings or added flavors.
HOW TO MAKE FRIED RICE
This crispy and buttery fried rice recipe comes together so quickly and effortlessly!
- In a large skillet or wok, sauté the bite sized cubed chicken with oil until tender and cooked through. Season to taste as it cooks.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet. Cover and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the frozen veggies, butter and garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes, until the veggies are tender, and garlic is fragrant.
- Create an opening in the middle of the pan and add the eggs and fry. Mixing as it cooked, giving you fried scrambled eggs.
- Once the eggs are cooked, add the chicken, day old rice, green onions, seasonings, and soy sauce to the skillet and mix until well combined.
- Sauté for an additional couple minutes with butter and then remove from heat.
- Top with freshly chopped greens and serve immediately as desired.
| To elevate this homemade chicken fried rice, pair with the yum yum sauce for the ultimate Japanese steakhouse inspired dinner! |
FRIED RICE VARIATIONS
You don’t have to just enjoy this classic Chinese fried rice with chicken! Swap out the protein for different flavors.
- Vegetarian– Take out the chicken and keep this simple with just veggies! You can also add other veggies like mushrooms, broccoli, corn, and zucchini for a heartier veggie fried rice.
- Shrimp– Swap the chicken for shrimp to get seafood fried rice. You can also even use scallops instead of shrimp.
- Steak– Another popular fried rice is steak fried rice! Use chopped steak pieces instead of chicken for a heartier dish.
- Pork– Use bacon or pork chunks instead of chicken for another variation of this fried rice.
- Egg Fried Rice– Keep it plain and make this fried rice with just fried egg, don’t add the chicken or veggies.
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE:
The key to fluffy fried rice is using day-old, cooked rice that has been chilled. It is easier to work with and gives you fluffy rice instead of mushy rice.
I highly recommend preparing your rice a day before or atleast making it in the morning and allowing it to cool then chill in the fridge before making it. It totally makes all the difference!
Yes, you can totally leave out the chicken and keep this dish vegetarian or swap out the meat for shrimp, steak or pork!
Although the traditional fried rice contains egg, you don’t necessarily need to add the eggs. If you prefer to leave out the eggs, you totally can.
Once the leftover fried rice is cooled, transfer to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stove top with some extra butter until reheated and enjoy.
Yes! You can totally freeze leftover rice! Once cooled, transfer to a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for 2-3 months. To enjoy, remove from the freezer and thaw and then reheat with some extra butter in a skillet.
OTHER ASIAN-INSPIRED RECIPES-
Skip the Asian takeout and make your some of your favorites at home!
Best Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cubed
- 2 tsp oil sesame, canola, vegetable or olive
- 1 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 Tbsp butter salted or unsalted
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 large eggs
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice preferably day old
- ¼ cup green onions chopped
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Chicken Seasoning-
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil on medium high heat. Once hot, add the cubed chicken and chicken seasoning blend to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the skillet, cover and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the frozen veggies, butter and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the veggies are tender and garlic is fragrant.
- Create an opening in the middle of the pan and add the eggs and fry for about 1-2 minutes. Mix the eggs as it cooks, giving you fried scrambled eggs.
- Once the eggs are cooked, add the chicken, day old rice, green onions, seasonings, and soy sauce to the skillet and mix until well combined.
- Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the rice. Remove the skillet from the heat and top with freshly chopped greens and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately with desired sides and sauces.
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