Dinner

Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

ByHugo Harnd October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

Introduction

Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy rice, it’s a delicious way to use leftover rice. This flavorful dish comes together in just a few simple steps.

A round white bowl filled with fried rice, showing about three layers: the base layer is light brown rice mixed with yellow corn, bright orange carrot cubes, and green peas; the middle layer has small chunks of light golden cooked chicken and scrambled eggs with a soft texture; scattered chopped green onions are on top, adding a fresh green color. A pair of dark wooden chopsticks rests on the left edge of the bowl. In the background, a small glass bowl of more chopped green onions and a white striped cloth over a white marbled surface are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups cooked rice
3/4 lbs chicken breast (about 1 large piece)
1/4 tsp salt
Vegetable or canola oil
2 eggs
1/2 cup diced white or yellow onion
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cube chicken bouillon
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
2 tbsp sliced green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the chicken into thin strips. Sprinkle with salt and rub evenly over the chicken. Beat the two eggs in a bowl.
Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add vegetable or canola oil. Pour in the beaten eggs. When the bottom sets, flip to cook the other side. Once cooked through, break the eggs into small pieces. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Increase heat to high and add oil to the skillet. Add chicken strips and stir occasionally until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet. When hot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant but not browned.
Step 5: Add cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir continuously for 30 seconds.
Step 6: Add the chicken bouillon cube, soy sauce, sesame oil (if using), and black pepper. Stir continuously for about one minute until well combined.
Step 7: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Step 8: Return the cooked chicken and egg pieces to the skillet. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Step 9: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use day-old rice for best texture—it’s less sticky and fries better.
Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or pork for a different protein option.
Add a splash of oyster sauce or chili sauce for extra flavor and heat.
Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned wok to prevent sticking and burning.

Storage

Store leftover chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or oil if it seems dry.

How to Serve

A large black pan filled with fried rice that has a light brown color, mixed with chunks of cooked white chicken pieces, bright green peas, yellow corn kernels, small orange carrot cubes, and scrambled egg pieces scattered evenly throughout. The pan rests on a white striped cloth set on a white marbled surface. The textures show the rice as slightly fluffy, the chicken tender, and the vegetables fresh and colorful, creating a well-mixed and appetizing look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?

Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky for frying. It’s best to use rice that has been cooked and chilled for several hours or overnight to achieve the perfect texture.

What type of vegetables work well in chicken fried rice?

Frozen mixed vegetables are convenient and work well, but you can also use fresh carrots, peas, bell peppers, or corn. Just make sure vegetables are chopped small and cooked thoroughly before combining.