Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe - The Kitchen Girl (2024)

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Chicken fried rice is a family-loved dinner recipe made with cooked rice, shredded chicken, eggs, and everyday vegetables. Skip the takeout and save money with this lighter, healthy chicken fried rice.

What is chicken fried rice?

Chicken fried rice is a popular regionally-inspired entree that typically consists of cooked rice stir-fried in a wok with shredded chicken, peas, carrots, onions, eggs, and soy sauce. It's a savory and satisfying one-dish meal with many options for customization.

This particular fried rice recipe dates back to my college days and early food industry experiences. It was, and still is, a favorite dish that caters to my desire to cook with minimal ingredients, skip the takeout, save money, make smart food choices, and feed my friends.

Ingredient notes

• Oil - I prefer a combination of canola oil and sesame oil.
• Carrots - Fresh or frozen carrots can be used.
• Green onions - A signature aromatic ingredient in fried rice that adds color to the dish.
• Garlic - Another aromatic that provides a savory aroma and depth of flavor.
• Sweet peas - Use fresh peas, or if using frozen, thaw first.
• Cooked rice - You'll need cooked white rice, or for a healthier alternative, use day-old Instant Pot brown rice.
• Shredded chicken - Several options include Instant Pot shredded chicken, air fryer chicken breast, or Instant Pot whole chicken.
• Soy sauce - Another essential ingredient that gives fried rice savory and salty flavors.
• Salt and pepper - Add these to taste before serving.

How to make chicken fried rice

1. Heat OIL over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add EGGS and scramble until cooked through (don't overcook). Transfer eggs to a covered dish and set aside.
3. Add a splash of oil to the skillet if needed. Sauté CARROTS until tender Add GREEN ONIONS and GARLIC, and sauté until tender.
4. Add PEAS, CORN, RICE, CHICKEN, and SOY SAUCE. Increase the heat and sauté until warmed through, stirring as needed.
5. Add the scrambled eggs to the skillet and stir gently until warm.
6. Season the fried rice with SALT and PEPPER to your taste. Garnish with the reserved GREEN ONIONS. Serve warm.
7. To store, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.

What is the best rice to use for chicken fried rice?

Long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, is a good choice because it maintains a firm texture that separates easily, which creates a fluffier texture for the final dish. You can use same-day cooked rice, but refrigerated day-old rice has lost enough moisture to prevent the rice from sticking, which also contributes to the fluffy texture.

Recipe tips and variations

• Use low-oil leftover chicken such as baked chicken, cooked whole chicken, or shredded chicken breast. I personally like to use more vegetables than chicken in fried rice.
• Everyday vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn are a low cost way to add nutrients and fiber.
• Use gluten-free ingredients like tamari or Bragg Aminos in place of soy sauce.
• Low sodium soy sauce is a healthy alternative in chicken fried rice.
• This recipe has no MSG, added sugar, or excess fat.

Asian recipes we love

• Thai Coconut Soup
• Kale Sesame Noodles
• Thai Pumpkin Curry
• Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Vegetable Lo Mein
• Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice
• Thai Peanut Zucchini Noodles [Zoodles Recipe]
• Thai Coconut Vegetable Curry

📖 Recipe