Easy and Delicious Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this chicken fried rice. It’s become one of my go-to recipes because it’s quick, easy, and perfect for those days when you need something tasty without a lot of fuss. Plus, you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand! I love how this dish combines tender chicken, flavorful veggies, and perfectly cooked rice – it’s the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Let me walk you through how I make my version of chicken fried rice. It’s so simple, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your kitchen too!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Rice

This recipe is one of those dishes that’s just so versatile. You can use leftover rice (which makes it even quicker to prepare), add any veggies you have in the fridge, and the best part? You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side! The great thing about fried rice is that you can adjust the ingredients to your taste. Want to make it a little spicier? Add a dash of chili sauce. Looking for more protein? Throw in some extra chicken or even shrimp. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes it so great.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Chicken Fried Rice

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make this dish. Don’t worry, there’s nothing too complicated here – it’s just simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly amazing!

• 2 cups cooked rice (I like using cold rice, especially leftover rice from the night before – it makes a huge difference in texture!)
• 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any oil you have on hand)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (you can also use any mixed veggies you prefer)
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (I use low-sodium soy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (this adds that amazing flavor we all love in fried rice)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
• 1/4 cup green onions (optional, for garnish)

How to Make This Chicken Fried Rice

Making chicken fried rice is super simple, and I promise you, you don’t have to be a pro chef to get it right. Here’s how I do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces. I find that cutting the chicken into smaller pieces helps it cook faster and makes it easier to mix into the rice later. Heat up a large skillet or wok on medium-high heat and add your vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, throw in the chicken and cook it until it’s browned and cooked through. It should take about 6-8 minutes. Don’t forget to season it with a little salt and pepper! When the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook it for 2-3 minutes, until it’s softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Then, add in the frozen peas (or any veggies you’re using) and cook for another 2 minutes. The veggies don’t need to be cooked for long – we want them to retain some of their crunch!

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and crack the eggs into the empty space. Scramble them with a spatula until they’re cooked through. Once they’re done, mix them with the veggies. Don’t worry about it being perfect – it’s all going to come together soon.

Step 4: Add the Rice and Chicken

Now it’s time to add the star of the show – the rice! If you’re using leftover rice, just break up any clumps with your hands or a spoon before adding it to the pan. Stir everything together until the rice is heated through and all the veggies and eggs are evenly mixed. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and give everything one last good mix.

Step 5: Add the Seasonings

This is where the magic happens! Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture and stir everything together. Make sure every grain of rice is coated with that delicious soy sauce! Taste it, and if you want more flavor, feel free to add a little more soy sauce or some extra sesame oil. Finally, season with black pepper and salt to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. And there you have it – the easiest, most flavorful chicken fried rice! You can serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with something else (I love it with a simple side salad). The best part? You’re not going to be spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll have a delicious, homemade meal in less than 30 minutes.

Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Rice

• Use Cold Rice: If you want to make fried rice that has that perfect texture, cold rice is key! Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when you try to fry it, but cold rice (especially if it’s been sitting in the fridge overnight) holds up much better.
• Add Extra Protein: If you want to make this more filling, try adding some cooked shrimp, tofu, or even some sliced beef along with the chicken. This is a great way to customize the dish to your taste.
• Use a Wok: If you have a wok, use it! Woks are great for stir-frying because they heat up quickly and cook everything evenly. But if you don’t have one, any large skillet will work just fine.

Why This Chicken Fried Rice is a Go-To Meal for Busy Weeknights

One of the reasons I love making this chicken fried rice is because it’s a complete meal all in one. You’ve got protein from the chicken, vegetables for a healthy balance, and rice to fill you up. It’s the kind of recipe that you can throw together in less time than it takes to order takeout, and it tastes even better!

Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers. If you’ve got a few extra veggies in the fridge or some rice sitting around, this is the perfect recipe to put it all to good use. I’m all for making the most out of what I’ve got, especially when it means not wasting food and making something delicious at the same time.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this easy chicken fried rice recipe as much as I do. It’s such a simple dish, but it’s packed with flavor and makes for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe can be adjusted to fit your needs, and I promise it’s going to become one of those go-to meals you can rely on when you’re in a pinch.

And if you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave me a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!