One-Pan Wonder: How to Make Perfect Chicken Fried Rice at Home
One-Pan Wonder: How to Make Perfect Chicken Fried Rice at Home
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the table every Sunday for a big meal. One of my favorite dishes that always made an appearance was chicken fried rice. The aroma of soy sauce and garlic wafting through the kitchen would bring everyone together, and it became a symbol of comfort and love. Today, I want to share my version of this beloved dish, which is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make in just one pan!
What Makes It Special
This chicken fried rice recipe stands out for several reasons:
- One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and savory soy sauce creates a symphony of flavors.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be on the table in under 30 minutes!
Gather Your Ingredients
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Get Cooking
-
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
-
Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Stir in the minced garlic and mixed vegetables, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
-
Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir well to combine with the chicken and vegetables.
-
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing everything together until the rice is heated through and evenly coated.
-
Finally, fold in the chopped green onions and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot!
My Pro Tips
-
For the best texture, use day-old rice as it’s drier and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
-
Feel free to add scrambled eggs for extra protein and flavor!
-
Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or oyster sauce for a unique twist.
What to Serve With It
- Steamed dumplings
- Egg rolls
- A light cucumber salad
- Chilled green tea
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables are a great time-saver and work perfectly in this recipe.
Q: What if I don’t have soy sauce?
A: You can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option or use coconut aminos for a lighter flavor.
The Heart of the Dish
This chicken fried rice recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of family gatherings and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. Each bite takes me back to those Sunday dinners, filled with laughter and warmth. I hope this dish brings you the same comfort and happiness it brings me.
Your Turn
I invite you to try this recipe at home! Feel free to tweak it to your liking and share your experiences. I’d love to hear how your chicken fried rice turns out!

One-Pan Wonder: How to Make Perfect Chicken Fried Rice at Home
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and mixed vegetables; sauté until heated through.
- Push the chicken and vegetables to one side of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs, scrambling until fully cooked.
- Add the cooked rice and soy sauce to the pan, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper, and stir in sliced green onions.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is heated through.
- Serve hot with steamed dumplings, egg rolls, and a light cucumber salad.




