There’s something incredibly satisfying about a steaming plate of fried rice. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a masterclass in transforming simple ingredients and leftovers into a flavorful, vibrant meal. This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe brings all the deliciousness of your favorite takeout right into your home kitchen, but with the added bonus of being incredibly quick, customizable, and perfectly suited for using up leftover rice and chicken. Get ready for tender chicken, perfectly cooked eggs, vibrant veggies, and that irresistible savory soy sauce flavor all tossed together in one glorious pan!

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve always been drawn to dishes that are both deeply satisfying and incredibly practical, and this chicken fried rice perfectly embodies that. What I love most about this recipe is its genius use of day-old rice. This is the secret to perfect fried rice—it keeps the grains separate and slightly firm, preventing a mushy result. It’s a fantastic way to transform leftovers into something new and exciting.

Beyond that, it’s lightning fast to cook once your ingredients are prepped, making it a true weeknight warrior. The customizable nature means you can throw in whatever vegetables you have on hand, and the balance of savory soy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy scrambled eggs creates a harmonious dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It truly tastes better than anything you can get from a restaurant, and you control every delicious bite!

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic homemade chicken fried rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/4 cup chopped carrots (finely diced for quick cooking)
• 1/4 cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
• 2–3 chopped spring onions (green onions), divided
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp oil (sesame oil for flavor, or vegetable oil for searing)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Swaps and Notes

• Rice: Day-old, cooked white rice (like jasmine or basmati) is highly recommended. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture and will result in a gummy texture. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it dry out for an hour or two, or even chill it in the fridge briefly.
• Chicken: Leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken works perfectly. If you don’t have cooked chicken, quickly sauté diced raw chicken breast or thigh before adding vegetables.
• Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add other quick-cooking vegetables like diced bell peppers, corn, green beans, or mushrooms. For a heartier one-pan meal, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is another great option.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. For a richer, darker color and deeper flavor, a touch of dark soy sauce can be added.
• Oil: Sesame oil adds a fantastic nutty aroma, but regular vegetable oil is also fine. A combination of both is ideal.
• Protein Boost: You can add a handful of cooked shrimp along with the chicken for a combination fried rice.

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Instructions

Making perfect fried rice is all about sequence and a hot pan. Here’s how to do it:

1. Scramble Eggs: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil (vegetable or sesame) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the lightly beaten eggs and quickly scramble them, breaking them into small pieces. Cook until just set, then remove the scrambled eggs from the pan and set them aside.
2. Sauté Veggies: In the same pan, add a little more oil (about 1 tablespoon, or to coat the bottom). Increase the heat to high. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and green peas. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp. You want them cooked but still with a bit of bite.
3. Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to heat the chicken through and allow its flavors to meld with the vegetables.
4. Mix in Rice: Add the cooked, day-old rice to the pan. Break up any clumps of rice with your spatula and stir vigorously to combine the rice with the chicken and vegetables. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and get a little “fried” texture.
5. Season It: Pour the 2 tablespoons of soy sauce evenly over the rice mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to ensure the soy sauce is evenly distributed and the rice is coated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Finish with Eggs & Spring Onions: Finally, return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Add most of the chopped spring onions (reserve a small amount for garnish). Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to fully combine and ensure all ingredients are hot.
7. Serve Hot: Transfer the chicken fried rice to serving plates. Garnish with the remaining fresh chopped spring onions. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

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Pro Tips

• Hot Pan is Key: Use a large skillet or wok and get it very hot. This helps to create that signature “fried” texture and prevents the rice from steaming and becoming mushy.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and steams the ingredients instead of frying them.
• Day-Old Rice: This cannot be stressed enough! Chilled, day-old rice is drier and essential for the best texture.
• Prep Everything First: Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking. Fried rice cooks very quickly!
• Stir Fry, Don’t Stir: When the rice is in the pan, don’t stir constantly. Let it sit for 30 seconds to a minute to get a little char, then stir. Repeat. This builds flavor and texture.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Chicken Fried Rice is often a meal in itself, but it can also be part of a larger Asian-inspired feast.

• Stand-Alone Meal: Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
• Appetizer Pairings: Serve alongside Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive for a delicious start to your meal.
• Sauces: Offer extra soy sauce, sriracha, or a dash of chili oil on the side for those who like more heat.
• Other Asian-Inspired Dishes: If you love easy chicken dishes, you might also like my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• Light Refreshment: A tall glass of iced tea or a simple cucumber salad would complement the richness.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Fried rice is one of those dishes that can taste even better the next day!

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in a skillet over medium-high heat with a tiny bit of oil, breaking it up and stirring occasionally until hot. This helps regain some of that “fried” texture. It can also be microwaved, but may be softer.
• Freezing: Cooked fried rice can be frozen! Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the quick and satisfying nature of this chicken fried rice, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another comforting and easy chicken and rice dish, check out my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
• If you’re a fan of versatile chicken dishes, don’t miss A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight).
• And for another fast and customizable meal that’s great for feeding a crowd, These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are always a hit.

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Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is a true kitchen hero: incredibly flavorful, quick to make, and perfect for transforming everyday ingredients into something special. It’s a weeknight lifesaver and a crowd-pleaser that proves you don’t need takeout to enjoy authentic, delicious fried rice. Dive in and savor every savory, eggy, veggie-packed bite!

What are your favorite additions to fried rice? Share your secret ingredients in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.