Chicken fried rice is one of our favorite quick and easy 30-minute meals. It’s ideal for meal prep and a brilliant way to use leftover roast or rotisserie chicken. It tastes even better with leftover cooked rice. Check out the video tutorial below to see just how simple it is to make.
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Fried rice is ideal for meal prep—it comes together quickly and reheats beautifully. It’s also an excellent way to use up leftovers. Cook extra rice earlier in the week and incorporate it into fried rice. Leftovers never tasted so good!
Fried rice recipes are a favorite in our home, from Shrimp Fried Rice to Bacon Mango Fried Rice and even Cabbage Fried Rice. Homemade fried rice is easy to make and healthier than takeout.
What is Fried Rice ?
Fried rice is a Chinese stir-fry dish made with rice, typically including scrambled eggs and vegetables, along with a protein such as shrimp, chicken, or ham. It’s traditionally cooked in a large wok, but a large non-stick skillet works just as well. Fried rice can be enjoyed as either a side dish or a main course.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice
- Prepare the Rice: If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray to cool and dry slightly before using. Day-old rice works best as it’s less sticky.
- Heat the Oil: In a large wok or non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Chicken: If using raw chicken, add it to the wok and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If using cooked chicken, add it and stir-fry until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the chicken to the side of the wok. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble until fully cooked.
- Add the Vegetables: Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked rice to the wok. Pour the soy sauce over the top and stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in the green onions and drizzle with a bit of sesame oil if desired. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for Making Fried Rice
- For best results, start with cold, cooked rice. Avoid using freshly cooked warm rice, as it will become gooey and sticky in the pan.
- Fried rice should be cooked quickly over high heat. Preheat your skillet before adding ingredients and resist the urge to stir constantly, especially when the rice is added. Allow it to crisp and brown slightly.
- This recipe moves quickly, so prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking.
- Add ingredients in the correct order. If you add everything at once, the pan will cool too quickly and steam-cook your ingredients.
Ingredients for Fried Rice
- Chicken: We prefer using trimmed chicken thighs for their juicy texture. See substitution options below.
- Extra light olive oil: Helps the rice crisp up without smoking.
- Eggs: Add protein, great flavor, and a fluffy texture to the fried rice.
- Cooked Rice: Ensure it’s cooked and chilled (see instructions and tips below).
- Soy Sauce: We use regular soy sauce, but Tamari is a good gluten-free option. If using reduced sodium soy sauce, add it to taste.
- Sesame Oil: We use pure unrefined sesame oil for an authentic Asian flavor. We don’t recommend substituting it.
- Frozen Peas and Carrots: An easy way to add vegetables without any special prep, just thaw them.
- Green onion: Adds vibrant color, flavor, and aroma to the fried rice.
The Best Chicken for Stir Fry
Adding chicken to fried rice is an excellent way to incorporate more lean protein. We prefer using chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness, even if slightly overcooked. However, chicken tenders or baked chicken breasts also work well. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
How to Cook Rice for Fried Rice
Using leftover chilled white rice is optimal and reduces the likelihood of it becoming gummy when cooked in the skillet. If you’re cooking rice specifically for fried rice, you’ll need 1 1/2 cups of raw rice to yield 5 cups of cooked rice. We typically use Jasmine rice, but any long-grain rice will suffice.
To prepare the rice:
- Rinse the rice in a colander until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions or refer to our tutorial on how to cook white rice.
- Allow the cooked rice to cool. Spread it into a casserole dish or baking sheet, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
Faqs About Chicken Fried Rice
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in fried rice recipes. However, keep in mind that brown rice may require longer cooking times and may result in a slightly different texture.
Absolutely! You can omit the eggs from fried rice recipes if desired. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying, although it may lack the fluffy texture that eggs typically provide.
Fried rice can be gluten-free depending on the ingredients used. If you use gluten-free soy sauce or Tamari and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, then your fried rice will be suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
In addition to chicken, you can add various proteins to fried rice, such as shrimp, beef, pork, tofu, or even tempeh for a vegetarian option. Customize the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice preferably day-old
- 1 cup diced chicken cooked or raw
- 1 cup mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 green onions sliced (optional)
- Sesame oil optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
- If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray to cool and dry slightly before using. Day-old rice works best as it’s less sticky.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large wok or non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Chicken:
- If using raw chicken, add it to the wok and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If using cooked chicken, add it and stir-fry until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- Push the chicken to the side of the wok. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble until fully cooked.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked rice to the wok. Pour the soy sauce over the top and stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Stir in the green onions and drizzle with a bit of sesame oil if desired. Serve hot.
- Enjoy your homemade chicken fried rice!
Notes
- Type of Rice: For best results, use long-grain rice such as Jasmine or Basmati. Day-old rice works better as it’s less sticky compared to freshly cooked rice.
- Protein Options: Feel free to customize the recipe with your preferred protein. Besides chicken, you can use shrimp, beef, pork, tofu, or a combination of these.
- Vegetable Variations: Mix and match vegetables according to your preference. Broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and snap peas are excellent choices.
- Soy Sauce Variation: You can use regular soy sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, or Tamari for a gluten-free option. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
- Cooking Equipment: While a wok is traditional, a large non-stick skillet works just as well for making fried rice.
- Prep Ahead: To save time, prep all ingredients before starting to cook. This ensures a smooth cooking process.
- Leftovers: Leftover chicken fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Freezing Instructions: You can freeze leftover chicken fried rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Customization: Feel free to add additional seasonings such as chili flakes, garlic powder, or Chinese five-spice powder for extra flavor.
Nutrition
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More Asian-Inspired Dishes:
General Tso’s Chicken Recipe : Is a popular choice for Chinese takeout. finally, you can enjoy this sweet and spicy dish from the comfort of your own home, all made in one pan!
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Chicken, Sausage, Peppers, And Potatoes: Embark on a culinary journey with our delightful Chicken Sausage Recipe with Peppers and Potatoes.
Sheet Pan Parmesan Chicken And Veggies: Sheet pan meals have taken the culinary world by storm, providing a convenient solution for those seeking quick and flavorful dishes.
Juicy Roasted Chicken: In the realm of delectable dishes, few things rival the universal appeal of juicy roasted chicken.
Easy Chicken And Broccoli Alfredo: Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo has become a household favorite, offering a perfect blend of flavors and simplicity.
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken And Vegetables: In a world bustling with fast-paced lifestyles, the art of slow cooking emerges as a beacon of flavorful hope.
Smoked Chicken Breast: Smoked chicken breast is a culinary delight that tantalizes taste buds with its delicious smoky flavor and juicy tenderness.
Chicken Stir Fry: Simple, flavorful, and loaded with veggies and cashews.
Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe: A quick and easy dish packed with vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
Yakisoba Noodles: A speedy noodle dish that’s a staple in my meal rotation.
Lo Mein: A hit with vegetarian friends, these noodles are delicious served hot or cold.
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