Craving a quick and delicious restaurant quality Chinese food? Look no further than this Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe. It's perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen! This recipe combines juicy chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy rice, all stir-fried to perfection. And, it is gluten-free as well!
Table of Contents
Inspiration of this Chicken Fried Rice
I started making fried rice at home about ten years ago. At first, it wasn't that great. It was just rice with soy sauce and a few things mixed in. It was tasty, but not like what you'd get from a restaurant. But I kept trying, making it again and again until I attended a private cooking party with the professional chefs of my cooking school.
They showed us how to make amazing Asian dishes, including the best fried rice I'd ever had. That night changed everything and made me learned the secret to Chinese takeout chicken dishes. Now, I'm sharing all the secrets I learned so you can make incredible fried rice at home, too. It's a dish that brings smiles to everyone at the table, and I promise if you follow my cooking steps, your homemade fried rice will be just as good as the restaurant's, if not better!
5 Reasons to Love This Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
This simple fried rice recipe is a family favorite in my household for several reasons, including:
- Addictingly delicious.
- Easy to make a complete meal.
- Customizable to suit different tastes.
- Simple ingredients.
- Minimum cleanup.
Is Chicken Fried Rice Low Carb?
No, traditional chicken fried rice is high in carbohydrates, as it contains high-carb ingredients like rice. Low-carb ingredient substitutes like cauliflower rice, low-carb vegetables, and healthy fats can make chicken fried rice low-carb.
This recipe is high-carb. Each serving contains 35 g net of carbs, which is quite high for a low-carb dieter. I made this recipe when I was following a gluten-free diet, but now that I follow a low-carb diet, I swap rice with cauliflower rice and keep the carb content in check.
Chicken Fried Rice Ingredients
You need these ingredients to make this authentic chicken fried rice:
For the White Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Fried Rice Recipe
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and diced
- 4 cups white rice, cooked and cooled
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil (optional)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 onion, peeled and diced
- 1 scallion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
See anything in the ingredient list that you want to swap? Here are some handy alternatives!
- Olive oil: Use coconut or avocado oil.
- Butter: Replace with coconut oil, ghee or clarified butter.
- Sesame oil: Olive oil is a fine alternative.
- Soy sauce: Use liquid aminos or Tamari sauce for a low carb version.
Additional Ingredients
Use any of these ingredients to enhance the taste of this already delicious, easy fried rice recipe:
- Bok choy: Slice them thin and stir fry with some sesame seeds for some authentic Chinese flavors.
- Baby corn: Chunk and stir fry to add more crunch and sweetness.
- Napa cabbage: Slice thinly and add with the carrots for more authentic flavor.
- Citrus: A squeeze of lemon or lime along with some lemon or lime zest brightens the rice dish.
- Red pepper flakes: If you love spicy rice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes.
- Proteins: Great chicken substitutions are shrimp, pork, or beef. Skip the proteins entirely for a vegetarian twist with colorful vegetables, peas, and corn.
Note: The additional ingredients are only suggestions for enhancing the flavor profile. They are not a part of the original recipe.
Cooking Tools
You'll need these tools to make this delicious homemade chicken fried rice recipe:
- A large pot with a lid
- A large skillet or wok
- Knife and chopping board
- Spatula
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- Boiling
- Stir-frying
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and tools.
- Wash, peel, and dice the onions, scallion, and carrots.
- Dice the boneless chicken.
Cooking Instructions
FOR THE WHITE RICE
- Add all the ingredients for the white rice into a pot with a lid.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Stir well to pull any rice off the bottom of the pan. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes.
- Remove the rice from the pot and place it on a large platter to cool.
FOR THE FRIED RICE RECIPE
- Heat the pan over high heat in a large skillet or a wok. Spray the pan with cooking spray.
- Add the eggs and cook in a thin layer. Roll the eggs as you remove them from the pan with a spatula. Set aside on a cutting board to slice for later in the recipe.
- Add the sesame oil and olive oil to the pan over high heat. Add in the carrots, onions, and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the cubed chicken and a pinch of salt and pepper. If necessary, add another tablespoon of sesame or olive oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until nicely browned.
- Add the rice in batches, breaking up any clumps that may have formed. Add in the soy sauce. Taste and adjust the soy sauce. When it tastes good, add in the butter and mix well.
- Reduce the heat. Add in the green onion, sesame seeds, and sliced eggs. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Serve hot (or really hot with some Sriracha sauce) and enjoy!
Step 1: Prepare all the ingredients for this fried rice recipe before you start cooking. Preparation is the key!
Step 2: The very first item to cook is the eggs. I’m using a large pan so two eggs lay flat. If you have a smaller pan, make in 2 batches. Keep the eggs flat so they can be rolled.
Step 3: When you remove the egg from the pan, roll it with a spatula to make a cigar. Then thinly slice the egg. Set aside until the last step of the recipe!
Step 4: In a hot skillet or wok, add the carrots and onions. After 4-5 minutes, add in the chicken. Next add the rice and soy sauce. It will all smell delicious.
Step 5: Reduce the heat and add in the scallions and sesame seeds. This fried rice recipe is off the hook!
Step 6: Add the sliced eggs and butter. Mix well. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
💡 My Pro Tip
- Cold rice: To ensure the success of this recipe, it's crucial to cook and cool the rice ahead of time. Warm or hot rice will become sticky and clumpy, so it's best to prepare it the morning of or the day before making fried rice. Cooling the rice on a large platter and spreading it thinly will speed up the process.
- Best eggs tip: To cook the eggs, it's recommended to coat the work with oil using a paper towel. Add beaten eggs to the wok and gently rotate it off the heat until the eggs coat the surface. Use a spatula to remove the eggs from the wok and slice them on a cutting board. If this method seems complex, simply prepare scrambled eggs separately in a non-stick pan and add them to the fried rice at the end. Avoid adding raw egg directly into the rice mixture.
- Secret Ingredient: When cooking white rice, I always add butter, a tip from my Executive Chef. This simple addition enhances the rice's texture and flavor, making it more supple and delicious. Once you try it, you'll likely make your rice this way every time.
- Soy sauce tip: Opt for quality soy sauce like Bragg's Liquid Aminos when in the States—it's not traditional soy sauce, but it tastes fantastic. Soy sauce contributes more than just salt; it brings a rich, umami, or savory flavor to the dish. Avoid cheap soy sauce, which only adds salt and won't elevate the flavor of your fried rice.
- Soy sauce tip: Be mindful of how much sesame oil you use. Not all sesame oils are equal—toasted sesame oil is usually very potent. In contrast, some regular sesame oils have a mild nutty flavor similar to canola oil. Adjust the amount of sesame oil based on your preference; too much can overpower the dish and make it taste overly like sesame seeds.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Make the rice a day ahead so you don't have to wait to cool.
- Make the eggs separately or beforehand and store until ready to cook.
- Use pre-cooked chicken or leftovers from another meal to shorten the cooking time. Chop up the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding to the rice. Have you had chicken fried rice with leftover rotisserie chicken? The taste is heavenly if cooked well. Check out my top-rated Rotisserie Chicken Recipe.
What to Serve with Chicken Fried Rice?
Chicken fried rice with egg has delicious, robust flavors and textures that pair well with various vegetable sides, salads, and sauces. My favorite dishes to pair are:
- Thai Sweet Chili Wings: Pair these flavorful wings with Chinese chicken rice for a delightful depth of flavor. The sticky glaze of the wings complements the rice perfectly.
- French Haricot Verts: Pair the haricot verts for extra crunch a pop of vibrant green color, and enjoy a perfect weeknight dinner with Chinese rice.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Serve these crispy Brussels sprouts alongside chicken fried rice for a balanced comfort food. The earthy flavors of the sprouts contrast nicely with the rice's seasoning.
- Roasted Asparagus: Delicate, sweet asparagus featuring brown butter and balsamic vinegar for a bit of tanginess is the ultimate accompaniment for this delicious chicken stir-fried rice.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Cool the leftover chicken fried rice to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
- Don't freeze your leftover rice. It does not thaw well and will be granular and soft. By the time you are reheating the thawed rice, it will be a soggy mess.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Reheat the leftovers in a non-stick pan over medium heat until warmed.
- Microwave: This is my least favorite method as it makes the rice sticky, though adding a sprinkle of water works.
Recipe Conclusion
This easy chicken fried rice recipe is the all-in-one dinner I love to make for my family on weeknights. It is simple with basic ingredients yet yields Chinese restaurant-style chicken fried rice with layer upon layer of flavor.
I have shared all the secrets I learned from my executive chef. You can use these tips and make your family a fan of your fried rice recipe. The best thing about the recipe is that it is customizable. You can use your favorite ingredients to personalize the dish.
Time to savor the recipe's exquisite flavors! Make it for yourself or your family. I hope you enjoy and agree that it is one of the best chicken fried rice recipes out there. Do you have questions or suggestions? Or a twist of your own? Share it with me in the comments section, and I would love to check it out!
Other Delicious Chicken Recipes
FAQs
Yes, use a large skillet or frying pan. A wok is usually preferred for even heat distribution.
Yes, ground chicken is a great alternative to large chicken pieces as it cooks faster.
Use Tamari, coconut aminos, oyster sauce or homemade sauce consisting of vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey or sugar.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe 🍚
Ingredients
Chicken Fried Rice Ingredients
For the White Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Fried Rice Recipe
- 2 chicken breasts boneless and diced
- 4 cups white rice cooked and cooled
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil optional
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 onion peeled and diced
- 1 scallion sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and tools.
- Wash, peel, and dice the onions, scallion, and carrots.
- Dice the boneless chicken.
Cooking Instructions
FOR THE WHITE RICE
- Add all the ingredients for the white rice into a pot with a lid.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Stir well to pull any rice off the bottom of the pan. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes.
- Remove the rice from the pot and place it on a large platter to cool.
FOR THE FRIED RICE RECIPE
- Heat the pan over high heat in a large skillet or a wok. Spray the pan with cooking spray.
- Add the eggs and cook in a thin layer. Roll the eggs as you remove them from the pan with a spatula. Set aside on a cutting board to slice for later in the recipe.
- Add the sesame oil and olive oil to the pan over high heat. Add in the carrots, onions, and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the cubed chicken and a pinch of salt and pepper. If necessary, add another tablespoon of sesame or olive oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until nicely browned.
- Add the rice in batches, breaking up any clumps that may have formed. Add in the soy sauce. Taste and adjust the soy sauce. When it tastes good, add in the butter and mix well.
- Reduce the heat. Add in the green onion, sesame seeds, and sliced eggs. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Serve hot (or really hot with some Sriracha sauce) and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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11 Responses
This is better than we get for takeout! Sure, takeout is easier but this is fantastic! I've never made fried rice before and I love it.
Hi Yvonne:
Thank you so much, I appreciate you taking the time to write these thoughts.
Have a fantastic day in the kitchen and happy eating!
Scott
I love a good fried rice, and you';re right, using day old (or more) rice is what makes the rice great! I know its not very authentic, but I like to cook my fried rice in bacon grease, it add a really nice flavor.
Hi Danielle:
I would try your recipe with bacon grease but I am currently eating low-carb. So... no rice for me. But anything made with bacon grease or duck fat is an absolute delight!
Thank you for stopping by.
Have an awesome day in the kitchen!
Scott
This looks so good! I love making fried rice, it's such a simple and delicious meal!
Hi Madi:
Fried rice is simple and delightful to make... my kids keep asking me to make this again for them.
Take care and have a great day in the kitchen-
Scott