Chicken Fried Rice Recipe – Quick, Flavorful & Family-Friendly
This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is perfect when you want a quick, satisfying meal that tastes better than takeout. It’s made with simple ingredients, takes less than 30 minutes, and is ideal for using leftover rice.
Most people mess up fried rice because they rush the process or use the wrong technique. This recipe fixes that. Follow it once, and your fried rice will never be soggy, bland, or greasy again.
Why This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Actually Works
Let’s be clear — fried rice isn’t about fancy ingredients. It’s about technique.
Most failed fried rice happens because people:
- Use freshly cooked rice
- Cook on low heat
- Add too much soy sauce
- Overcrowd the pan
This recipe avoids all of that and delivers restaurant-style chicken fried rice at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (cold, day-old rice works best)
- ½ lb boneless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sesame oil)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 2 green onions (white and green parts separated)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pro Tip: Long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati gives the best texture.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Add 1 tablespoon oil and cook the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper for 2–3 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.
Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
Pour in the beaten eggs and quickly scramble them.
Add the white parts of the green onions and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry on high heat for 1–2 minutes.
Keep them slightly crisp — overcooked vegetables ruin fried rice texture.
Step 4: Add Rice and Chicken
Add the cold rice and cooked chicken to the pan.
Toss gently over high heat. Do not press the rice — let it stay fluffy.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Finish
Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and vinegar.
Mix well and adjust salt if needed.
Finish with the green onion tops and a pinch of black pepper.
🔥 Your chicken fried rice is ready — hot, flavorful, and never greasy.
Common Fried Rice Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm or freshly cooked rice
- Cooking on low heat
- Adding too much soy sauce
- Overloading the pan
Avoid these four mistakes and your fried rice will always turn out right.
Easy Variations
- Spicy Chicken Fried Rice: Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha
- Garlic Chicken Fried Rice: Add extra minced garlic
- Healthy Version: Use brown rice and less oil
This section increases user time on page — don’t remove it.
What to Serve with Chicken Fried Rice
- Chicken Manchurian
- Egg rolls
- Hot and sour soup
- Chili garlic sauce
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator
- Reheat in a pan with a splash of oil or water to restore moisture
