The moment you take a whiff of chicken fried rice, your senses will be tantalized by the savory aroma wafting through the kitchen. Picture fluffy rice mingling with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a glossy soy sauce that makes your mouth water just thinking about it. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience bursting with flavor and comfort.
Every time I whip up this dish, memories flood back from my childhood. My mom would serve it on busy weeknights, and we’d gather around the table, forks in hand, ready to devour every last bite. Chicken fried rice is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick dinner after a long day or a fun gathering with friends. Get ready to savor an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
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- <p>This chicken fried rice is super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The delightful blend of flavors keeps everyone coming back for seconds
- Its colorful presentation will impress your family and friends at dinner parties
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with any leftover ingredients you have lying around. </p>
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- <p>I remember one time my friend tried my chicken fried rice and exclaimed it was better than takeout!
- That compliment still brings a smile to my face.</p>
- <p><img data-pin-title="Irresistible Chicken Fried Rice: Quick & Flavorful Recipe" src="https://cookingwithrachel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/chicken-fried-rice-before_prepare.png" alt="Recipe preparation" class="wp-image aligncenter" /></p>
- <p><h2><strong>Essential Ingredients</strong></h2>
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- <p><strong>Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish</strong>: </p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts</strong></strong>: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Day-Old Rice</strong></strong>: Using cold, day-old rice helps prevent mushiness; freshly cooked rice can turn into a sticky mess.</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Green Onions</strong></strong>: These add a fresh crunch; chop them finely for even distribution throughout the dish.</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Carrots</strong></strong>: Dice them small so they cook evenly and add a lovely sweetness to the mix.</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Frozen Peas</strong></strong>: They’re convenient and add pops of color; no thawing required – just toss them right into the pan!</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Garlic</strong></strong>: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic kick; make sure to chop it finely for maximum flavor release.</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Soy Sauce</strong></strong>: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness while enhancing the overall flavor profile.</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Sesame Oil</strong></strong>: A drizzle adds richness and depth; don’t skip this ingredient for that authentic taste.</p>
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- <p><strong><strong>Pepper and Salt</strong></strong>: Adjust these seasonings according to your taste preference; they elevate all the other flavors beautifully.</p>
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- <p>The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.</p>
- <p><h2><strong>Let’s Make it together</strong></h2>
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- <p><strong><strong>Cook the Chicken</strong></strong>: Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add diced chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.</p>
- <p><strong><strong>Add Aromatics and Vegetables</strong></strong>: Toss in minced garlic along with chopped carrots
- Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, then stir in frozen peas and green onions for added color.</p>
- <p><strong><strong>Add the Rice and Sauce</strong></strong>: Gently fold in day-old rice while breaking up any clumps
- Drizzle soy sauce over everything while stirring continuously until each grain is coated evenly.</p>
- <p><strong><strong>Season to Perfection</strong></strong>: Pour in sesame oil followed by salt and pepper adjustments as needed
- Keep stirring until everything is well-combined and heated through, approximately 3-5 minutes.</p>
- <p><strong><strong>Serve Immediately!</strong></strong>: Once everything is hot and glorious, remove from heat
- Serve it up warm on plates or bowls – don’t forget extra green onions on top for garnish!</p>
- <p>Making chicken fried rice is almost meditative – colors dance in your pan as aromas envelop your kitchen!
- Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying when you see everyone enjoying it around the table
- Enjoy every bite as you reminisce about those cozy family dinners!</p>
- <p>Chicken fried rice is a quick meal that packs flavor and is perfect for using leftover rice
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- The smoky aroma of sesame oil and the crunch of fresh vegetables make it irresistible
- Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that brings everyone to the table!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfectly cooked chicken fried rice, start by searing the chicken first. Once it’s golden, remove it and stir-fry your veggies. Finally, add in the pre-cooked rice, allowing everything to blend beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ingredients to your liking! Try adding shrimp or tofu instead of chicken, or toss in some pineapple for a sweet twist. Different sauces can change the entire dish!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave until hot or stir-fry in a pan with a splash of water to revive its texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use day-old rice for the best texture; it reduces moisture and prevents clumping
- Always chop your ingredients uniformly for even cooking
- Keep your pan hot to achieve that delightful smoky flavor!
Memories of family gatherings flood back as I recall whipping this dish up for my friends. They adored the flavors, and I loved how easy it was to impress!
FAQ
What type of rice is best for chicken fried rice?
Use long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati for fluffy results without sticking.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen veggies save time and are perfect for this quick recipe.
How do I make chicken fried rice spicy?
Add chili sauce or crushed red pepper flakes while stir-frying for some heat!
Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken fried rice is a delightful blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables, all coated in savory soy sauce. This dish not only brings back nostalgic memories of family dinners but also delivers a burst of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, chicken fried rice is a quick and satisfying meal that’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 3 cups day-old rice (cold)
- 4 green onions (finely chopped)
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and diced carrots; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in frozen peas and green onions.
- Gently fold in the day-old rice, breaking up clumps as needed. Drizzle soy sauce over the mixture while stirring continuously until each grain is coated.
- Pour in sesame oil and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 382
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
