Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Chicken Fried Rice is the ultimate comfort food—fast, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. This iconic takeout classic transforms simple ingredients into a steaming bowl of hearty goodness, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you crave something both nourishing and nostalgic.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Chicken Fried Rice plays a starring role—you get color from the veggies, protein from chicken and eggs, irresistible smokiness from bacon, and that signature savory flavor from the sauce. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

• Oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola): Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for stir-frying—that’s the secret to those crave-worthy, golden edges.
• Eggs: Scrambled eggs bring a rich, fluffy texture and pops of yellow color to the rice.
• Chicken breast: Thinly sliced for speedy cooking, this protein keeps every bite juicy and tender.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic boosts aroma and classic stir-fry flavor—don’t skip it!
• Onion: A quick sauté adds sweetness and depth to balance the other ingredients.
• Bacon: Smoky, savory bacon mimics the classic notes of Chinese sausage—feel free to sub with ham or leave it out for a lighter twist.
• Carrot: Diced small, carrot brings subtle sweetness and orange flecks throughout the dish.
• Frozen corn and peas: Convenient and colorful, these staple veggies add a pop and slight crunch.
• Cooked white rice (day old): Leftover rice is drier and ensures your fried rice turns out fluffy instead of sticky.
• Green onions: Sliced at the end for a fresh, herbal kick and bright green finish.
• Chinese cooking wine or Mirin: A splash deepens umami and adds restaurant-style flavor, but see notes for substitutions if you need alcohol-free.
• Oyster sauce: For luscious, savory depth; swap with fish sauce plus hoisin or just hoisin if needed.
• Light soy sauce: Not too salty or strong, it seasons the whole skillet evenly.
• Sesame oil (optional): Just a drizzle for richness and classic stir-fry aroma.
• White pepper (optional): Subtle heat that blends right into the background, giving it that restaurant touch.

Variations

One of the magical things about Chicken Fried Rice? You can make it with whatever you have on hand—so feel free to put your own spin on it! Here are some tasty ways to adapt the recipe for every palate, fridge, and special diet.

• Vegetarian Fried Rice: Omit the chicken and bacon, and toss in extra tofu, mushrooms, or more colorful veggies for a veggie-packed, meatless feast.
• Shrimp Fried Rice: Swap chicken for peeled shrimp—just add them with the vegetables and cook until pink and opaque.
• Low-Carb Option: Use finely riced cauliflower in place of the white rice for a lighter but still ultra-satisfying version.
• Spicy Fried Rice: Add chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for bold, fiery flavor.

How to Make Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken & Mix the Sauce

This little step is a total game-changer: mix up your sauce ingredients, then pour a couple of teaspoons over your sliced chicken. Let it soak up all the flavors for about 10 minutes. The starch in the sauce acts like a quick marinade—it ensures your chicken bites stay extra juicy and packed with flavor, even after hitting the hot pan.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

Heat a splash of oil in your wok or skillet (medium heat is perfect). Pour in your whisked eggs and scramble them gently, taking them off the heat as soon as they’re just barely set—a little glossiness is good! This keeps your eggs soft and luscious, not rubbery. Set them aside for later.

Step 3: Sauté Bacon, Onion & Garlic

Turn the heat up high and add the rest of your oil and chopped bacon. Let it sizzle for about a minute—just enough for the fat to start rendering and the edges to turn golden. Toss in your onion and garlic next; the aroma will be drool-worthy! Continue stirring until everything’s fragrant and the bacon begins to crisp.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Toss in your diced carrot, frozen corn, and peas—no need to thaw first! Just stir-fry everything for about a minute. The high heat cooks the veggies quickly while keeping their colors vibrant and their bite tender-crisp.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken right to the pan, spreading it out so it cooks evenly. Stir gently until it turns from pink to white—this usually takes a little over a minute. The chicken finishes cooking with the rest of the dish, so don’t worry if it’s not fully done yet.

Step 6: Combine Rice & Sauce

Now for the star moment: add your day-old rice, breaking up any clumps. Pour in the sauce and stir constantly for about a minute and a half, letting every grain soak in those gorgeous flavors. The rice should be hot, slightly toasty, and evenly coated.

Step 7: Finish with Eggs & Green Onions

Toss in your reserved scrambled eggs and most of the green onions. Give it all a final gentle stir so the eggs stay in fluffy pieces and the onions brighten up the mix. Remove the skillet from the heat, and your Chicken Fried Rice is ready to devour!

How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect bowl, sprinkle more sliced green onions right before serving—these add a punch of color and a gentle oniony bite. Toasted sesame seeds bring a nutty crunch, and for an extra dash of heat, a scattering of thinly sliced red chili is absolutely delicious.

Side Dishes

Chicken Fried Rice shines on its own but is also the ideal companion to other Chinese-inspired favorites. Pair it with crispy spring rolls, spicy Szechuan green beans, or simple steamed broccoli for a well-rounded meal that’s both vibrant and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to give your meal the restaurant treatment? Scoop your fried rice into bowls and top each with a sunny-side-up egg. Or, for a whimsical twist, serve it inside hollowed-out pineapple halves—your guests will swoon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Chicken Fried Rice cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to three days—perfect for easy lunches and weeknight dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, portion cooled fried rice into freezer-friendly bags or containers. Freeze for up to one month. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating so the rice stays fluffy, not soggy.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat Chicken Fried Rice in a hot skillet with a splash of water or broth—this revives the rice and keeps it tender. Alternatively, pop it in the microwave, loosely covered, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Ready to bring a little flavor adventure to your kitchen? Chicken Fried Rice is pure comfort in a bowl, and once you try it homemade, you’ll never crave the takeout version again. Give it a whirl this week—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so wonderful!

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