Chicken Fried Rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner hack. It’s quick, it’s satisfying, and it’s way better than anything from the takeout menu. You get golden, flavorful rice with tender chicken and crisp veggies—all in one skillet.

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rice, and you can easily toss in whatever vegetables you have on hand. The whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes, which means less time cooking and more time enjoying dinner.

It also gives you full control over what goes in—less oil, less salt, and no mystery ingredients. Serve it as a main dish or a side, and watch even picky eaters clean their plates.

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 400–500 calories per serving

Ingredients

• Cooked rice
• Chicken breast
• Eggs
• Frozen peas and carrots
• Garlic
• Green onions
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Vegetable oil

Instructions

• Cook the Chicken: Sauté diced chicken in oil until golden and cooked through.
• Scramble the Eggs: Push chicken aside, crack in eggs, and scramble until just set.
• Add Veggies and Garlic: Stir in peas, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook until heated through.
• Stir in the Rice: Add cooked rice and break up clumps as it heats.
• Season and Finish: Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. Toss everything together and top with green onions.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap Chicken: Use cooked shrimp, pork, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Rice Options: Jasmine, basmati, or brown rice all work well.
• Add Heat: Stir in a dash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes for spice.
• Extra Veggies: Add corn, bell peppers, or spinach for more variety.

What Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spatula
• Bowl

Storage & Reheating Guidelines

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the rice if needed.

Top Tips

• Prep Ahead: Use leftover rice and chop veggies in advance to save time.
• Taste and Adjust: Add soy sauce gradually and taste before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use freshly cooked rice?
  Day-old rice is best, but fresh rice cooled quickly can work too.
• Can I freeze it?
  Yes, portion into containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Related Recipes

• Sausage and Lentil Stew: A hearty, healthy dinner made easy with pre-cooked sausage and tinned lentils.
• Quick Chicken Tikka Skewers: Marinated or seasoned chicken grilled to perfection—serve with rice, naan, or salad.

Food Safety Guidelines

• Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Cool Rice Quickly: Spread rice out to cool if using freshly cooked.
• Reheat Evenly: Stir halfway through microwaving to heat thoroughly.