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No need to get take out when you can make this delicious and Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe at home. In just 15 minutes, your family can enjoy authentic chicken fried rice any day of the week.

Chicken Fried Rice in a white bowl with chopsticks
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This recipe for Chicken Fried Rice is taste better than take out fried rice. It is easily made in a skillet for an easy one pot meal. This Chicken Fried Rice has so much flavor and loaded with chicken. One of our favorite rice bowl recipes.

Make sure to also check out Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. You might also like our Kung Pao Chicken, Kimchi Fried Rice, Easy Dirty Rice Recipe, or Cheesy Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe.

Why We Love This Recipe

Fried rice is one of our favorite main dish around here. It is so quick and easy and has everything you need for a great meal. Clean up is so easy and the meal is fast and simple.

Chicken Fried Rice is an easy meal to make using leftover rice and chicken. It is my go-to meal as you can serve it by itself or it compliments many Asian inspired dishes. My family loves this chicken fried rice recipe.

What’s in Chicken Fried Rice?

Chicken Fried Rice is a very simple, easy to meal to make. My kids can even mix this together with our leftovers. These ingredients are simple and you can easily use what you have on hand.

For a Classic Chicken Fried Rice this is what we use:

  • Boneless Chicken Breast, cooked chicken or uncooked chicken
  • Cooking Oil – You can use sesame oil or vegetable oil
  • Frozen Peas and Carrots blend – this is available in a frozen package at the store
  • Eggs
  • Cooked Rice
  • Soy Sauce
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Green Onions

Ingredients

Ingredients needed - chicken breast, oil, frozen vegetables, eggs, white rice, soy sauce, salt and pepper, green onions
  • Skinless Chicken Breasts – Feel free to also cook skinless chicken thighs.
  • Cooked White Rice – I like to use leftover rice
  • Low Sodium Soy Sauce – Check out these Best Soy Sauce Substitute

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variation Ideas

  • Change the Rice – You can use long grain rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice or jasmine rice instead. We have made minute rice and it still turned out delicioius.
  • Use Different Vegetables – You can add in mushrooms, snow peas, broccoli, bell peppers and water chestnuts.
  • Add in Nuts – Add in chopped peanuts or cashews for some crunch. We also like adding in toasted sesame seeds.
  • Remove the chicken – You can also eat this fried rice without any chicken. It will taste amazing.
  • Soy Sauce Substitution – You can substitute soy sauce for coconut aminos.
  • Change Meat – Instead of making this chicken use leftover ham, steak, or ground beef.

How to Make Chicken Fried Rice

  • Step 1 – In a large skillet or wok over medium high heat, sauté the chicken in the sesame and vegetable oil. This only takes a few minutes so it is super fast and easy.
Cooking Chicken in a Skillet with wooden spoon
  • Step 2 – Put the chicken aside on a separate plate once this is cooked.
  • Step 3 – Add the carrots and peas to the pan and saute. Push them to one side of the pan so you will have room to scramble the eggs.
Cooking the vegetables and scrambling eggs in a skillet with a wooden spoon
  • Step 4 – Now it is time to add all that delicious chicken back to the skillet to stir fry. Add the rice and seasonings and stir to combine.
Chicken Fried Rice in a skillet
  • Step 5 – This is a really simple dinner idea and only one pan to clean.

Expert Tips

  • Top with Green Onions – I love topping the chicken fried rice with sliced green onions before serving.
  • Use Different Oil – You can easily use avocado oil, canola oil or coconut oil instead of the vegetable oil in this recipe.
  • Pre Cooked Rice is Best – This fried rice recipe is best to made with cold rice and is the secret ingredient. I usually use leftover rice and it’s makes the best fried rice.
  • Change the Protein – You can change the protein to salmon, shrimp, pork are all great option.
  • Gluten Free – If you want to make this gluten free, use a gluten free soy sauce.
  • Make Low carb – for a lower carb options, use cauliflower rice.
Chicken Fried Rice in a white bowl with chopsticks

What to Serve with Chicken Fried Rice?

There are many sides that you can fix with Chicken Fried Rice. Since this recipe is a complete meal, you can keep it simple or add more protein or vegetables.

  • Egg Drop Soup
  • Egg Rolls
  • Simple Green Salad
  • Steamed Vegetables
Chicken Fried Rice in a white bowl with chopsticks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Add in Different Veggies?

Yes, you can use different vegetables. If you have vegetables that need to be used even if you have a small amount, you can easily toss them in this fried rice recipe.
We have added in chopped broccoli, asparagus and zucchini. Keep in mind that different vegetables might take longer to cook, so adjust your time accordingly.

What is the Secret to Great Fried Rice?

The secret to making great fried rice is using leftover cold rice. We eat rice a lot so I always seem to have some leftover. But if I know I am going to make this recipe and do not have an rice, I make a batch of rice the night before and place in the refrigerator.

Is Fried Rice Unhealthy?

No, fried rice is not unhealthy. It is great recipe to add more veggies if you wanted to and more protein. You can also use brown rice and change the soy sauce to coconut aminos for reduce the soy.
If you are worried about the carbs, try using cauliflower rice instead. This is a great substitute for rice.

Storing Instructions

  • Storing – Storing Fried Rice is easy to do and it taste even better leftover. Store in a air tight container for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating – Reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals for lunch the next day.
  • Freezing – Chicken Fried Rice also freezes great. Place in an freezer safe container and place in the freezer. Chicken Fried Rice will freeze for up to 4 months.

More Easy Delicious Chinese Recipes

This is the Best Chicken Fried Rice Recipe and if you make it, make sure to come back and leave us a comment.

Easy Chicken Fried Rice

5 from 30 votes
No need to get take out when you can make this easy chicken fried rice recipe at home. In 15 minutes, your family can enjoy authentic chicken fried rice.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine Chinese
Course Main Course
Calories 313

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • In a large skillet, sauté the diced chicken in the sesame oil and vegetable oil on medium high heat until the chicken is cooked through for approximately 4-6 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.
  • Next add the frozen peas and carrots blend to the pan and sauté for approximately 2 minutes on medium high heat .
  • Slide the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour in the eggs into the pan on the open side.
  • Scramble the eggs.
  • Then add the chicken back to the pan. Next add in the rice, soy sauce, salt and pepper to the pan.
  • Sauté for 3-5 minutes until rice is heated through and chicken is warmed back through.
  • Top with sliced green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5-6 days. 
I love making this delicious recipe with leftover cooked chicken and rice for a quick and easy dinner.  

Nutrition Facts

Calories 313kcal, Carbohydrates 34g, Protein 15g, Fat 13g, Saturated Fat 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat 5g, Monounsaturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0.04g, Cholesterol 106mg, Sodium 792mg, Potassium 292mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 0.4g, Vitamin A 2408IU, Vitamin C 4mg, Calcium 39mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 30 votes (26 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    I’m so glad you loved it! I love the idea of adding corn.

  2. Beth says:

    5 stars
    Very good recipe! Best chicken fried rice ever! I added corn to it, and my family ‘loved’ it! Thanks for sharing!

  3. Jacque says:

    5 stars
    I have tried a lot of fried rice recipes and this one is, excellence with ease!!

  4. Judy Ellis says:

    5 stars
    Made exactly as recipe said. Everyone said that it was better than anything you could get at a restaurant. Best ever Chicken Fried Rice!

  5. Carrie says:

    I’m glad you loved it!

  6. Danielle says:

    5 stars
    Excellent! I added ginger and garlic and it was wonderful. Will definitely make this again!