If you’re craving a quick, comforting dish that bursts with flavor and satisfies every time, this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe might just become your new favorite weeknight meal. It’s packed with colorful veggies, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and that unbeatable savory soy sauce finish. The balance of textures and tastes makes it feel like a special dish, yet it’s incredibly simple to whip up. Whether you’re feeding yourself or a hungry crew, this recipe delivers big on taste without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to bring layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the nutty sesame oil to the vibrant carrots and peas, every element enhances the dish’s comforting appeal.
- Sesame oil: Adds a rich, toasty aroma and deep flavor to the sautéed vegetables and rice.
- Onion (diced): Provides a sweet and savory base that softens nicely when cooked.
- Carrots (diced): Contribute a subtle sweetness and a lovely crunch.
- Frozen peas: Bring pops of color and a mild, fresh sweetness that brightens the dish.
- Eggs: Scrambled into the rice, they add protein and a silky texture.
- Cooked white rice: The heart of the dish—using day-old rice works best for ideal texture.
- Cooked chicken (shredded): Tender, juicy protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
- Soy sauce: The salty umami element that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps to coat the rice for that irresistible mouthfeel.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and carrots. Sauté them gently until they’re tender and fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This step creates a flavorful vegetable base that brings both sweetness and texture to your fried rice.
Step 2: Add the Peas
Toss in the frozen peas and give everything a good stir to combine. You only need to cook them for a minute or two until they’re warmed through—they add fresh bursts of color and a subtle sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory elements.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Push the veggies to one side of the pan, crack the eggs into the empty space, and scramble them until fully cooked. The eggs add richness and a soft, velvety texture that blends effortlessly with the rice and chicken.
Step 4: Mix in Rice and Chicken
Next, add your cooked white rice and shredded chicken to the pan. Stir everything thoroughly so the rice is evenly coated and the chicken is well distributed. This step ensures that every bite has a bit of everything, making the dish wonderfully balanced.
Step 5: Season with Soy Sauce and Butter
Pour in the soy sauce and add the butter. Stir continuously until the butter melts and everything is coated in that glossy, savory sauce. The soy sauce delivers the classic salty umami punch, while the butter adds a silky richness that turns this fried rice into something truly special.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Finally, season to taste with salt and pepper. This is the moment to fine-tune the flavors according to your preference. Remember, the soy sauce already brings saltiness, so add salt sparingly.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Your Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot, and if you like, drizzle with a little Yum Yum Sauce for an extra touch of creamy, garlicky goodness that complements this dish perfectly.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your chicken fried rice, consider sprinkling some sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top. These garnishes add a fresh, vibrant crunch and a bit of nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with the rest of the dish. You could also add a few chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe stands strong as a main dish but also pairs beautifully with light sides like a simple cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or crispy spring rolls. These sides introduce fresh textures and flavors that complement the rich, savory rice while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking about presentation? Serve your chicken fried rice in small bowls topped with a fried egg for an impressive brunch twist. Alternatively, scoop it into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer experience. Another idea is layering it with avocado slices and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a fusion vibe that’s sure to delight guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches during busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover chicken fried rice if you want to extend its shelf life. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool the rice completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist and warm it gently in a pan over medium heat. Stir frequently so it heats evenly and doesn’t dry out. You can also reheat it in the microwave by covering the container and stirring occasionally, but stovetop reheating tends to preserve texture better.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well in this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe and adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just keep in mind it may take slightly longer to heat through because of its denser texture.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh meat works great. Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut that saves time.
Is it better to use day-old rice?
Yes, day-old rice tends to be drier and less sticky, which makes for better fried rice. Freshly cooked rice can clump together, so if you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a tray to cool and dry a bit before cooking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and increase the veggies or add tofu for protein. You can also use vegetarian soy sauce to keep the flavor authentic without any animal products.
What sauces pair well with chicken fried rice?
Besides soy sauce, you can try drizzling teriyaki sauce, Sriracha, or Yum Yum Sauce for extra flavor. These sauces complement the savory notes of the dish beautifully and amp up the overall taste experience.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl — uncomplicated but full of heart and flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking fried rice or looking for a reliable crowd-pleaser, this recipe is a winner every single time. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and bring this delicious dish to your table tonight. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This flavorful Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender shredded chicken, colorful vegetables, and fluffy white rice all tossed together in a savory soy and butter sauce, it’s a delicious and satisfying dish that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- ½ cup onion, diced
- ½ cup carrots, diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
Proteins
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Staples & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat sesame oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and carrots, sautéing until they become tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another minute until they are heated through and combined well with the other vegetables.
- Cook Eggs: Beat the eggs in a small bowl. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the eggs into the cleared space. Scramble eggs gently until fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables evenly.
- Combine Rice and Chicken: Add the cooked white rice and shredded chicken to the pan. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients, ensuring everything is heated through evenly.
- Add Soy Sauce and Butter: Pour the soy sauce over the mixture, then add the tablespoon of butter. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely and the sauce coats the rice mixture evenly.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired to enhance the overall flavors.
- Serve: Serve the chicken fried rice while hot, optionally drizzled with Yum Yum Sauce or your preferred topping for added flavor.
Notes
- Using day-old rice is ideal as it prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for variation.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
