Name: Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil (olive oil can also be used); 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1/2-inch pieces; 3 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and diced carrots blend; 3 green onions, trimmed and sliced into thin rounds; 2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely minced; 4 cups cooked rice; 3 to 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; Salt and pepper, optional and to taste; Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for slight spiciness; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or freshly grated ginger to add with garlic

If you’ve ever craved that comforting, savory goodness of takeout but wanted to make it yourself at home—you’re in for a treat! This Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what you need when you want a quick, satisfying meal that bursts with flavor and feels way more wholesome than anything from a box. I absolutely love how this turns out every time: juicy chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice all coming together in one pan. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything, so you can nail it just like I do in my kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Skillet Meal: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pan.
Deliciously Flavorful: Loads of juicy chicken with tasty veggies and savory soy sauce for that takeout vibe.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish over and over again.

A white bowl filled with fried rice that has several layers of ingredients mixed together. The base layer is light brown rice grains, followed by small green peas scattered evenly. Bright orange carrot cubes are spread throughout along with light yellow scrambled egg pieces. Chunky pieces of light golden chicken sit on top, giving the dish varied texture and color. The white bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some green onion stalks blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here comes from simple, fresh ingredients that blend perfectly together. The chicken breasts add protein and juiciness, while the rice soaks up all the delicious flavors. Frozen peas and carrots make it easy to keep veggies on hand, and the green onions bring a fresh pop of brightness. A good soy sauce ties it all into that authentic fried rice taste you’re aiming for.

Sesame oil: Adds that signature toasted, nutty aroma that instantly reminds you of Asian cooking.
Canola or vegetable oil: These neutral oils are great for high-heat cooking; I’ve even used olive oil when that’s what I had.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Dice into small pieces for even cooking and tender bites.
Frozen peas and diced carrots blend: Super convenient, no chopping involved, and adds lovely color and texture.
Green onions: Thinly sliced, they give a subtle oniony freshness that wakes up the dish.
Garlic cloves: Minced finely to distribute flavor without overpowering.
Large eggs: Scrambled in for extra richness and texture.
Cooked rice: Day-old rice works best here because it’s drier and fries up nicely without getting mushy.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness; adjust to taste to keep it balanced.
Salt and pepper (optional): To fine-tune the seasoning at the end.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is super flexible, so feel free to make it your own. I like to switch up the veggies or throw in a little heat depending on what I have in the fridge or how I’m feeling that day. It’s a great base to experiment with flavors and ingredients to fit your taste buds or dietary needs.

Vegetable Swap: Sometimes I swap peas and carrots for broccoli florets or bell peppers—they add a nice crunch and sweetness.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha brings a subtle heat that my husband loves.
Protein Swap: If you’re not into chicken, shrimp or tofu works beautifully here for a different spin.
Ginger Boost: Adding fresh grated ginger along with the garlic introduces a zesty complexity that I find irresistible.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken Just Right

Start by heating sesame oil and another neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken and stir occasionally, cooking until it’s golden and cooked through—usually about 3 to 5 minutes. Flipping the pieces so they get color on all sides helps lock in juiciness. Once cooked, remove the chicken but keep all those tasty oils and bits left in the pan—they’re flavor gold for the next steps.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Aromatics

Next, toss in your frozen peas and carrots with the sliced green onions. Let them cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick or burn. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute—this step fills the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma! If you like ginger, here’s where I like tossing in about half a teaspoon of fresh grated or ground ginger for an extra flavor punch.

Step 3: Scramble Those Eggs

Push your veggies to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side. Let them cook undisturbed for a few seconds, then scramble gently with a spatula. This trick helps get little fluffy egg curds instead of a messy scramble. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the veggies so everything’s evenly combined.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now, time for the grand finale! Add your cooked chicken back into the pan, then toss in the rice. Drizzle soy sauce over everything and stir well to coat the rice and ingredients evenly. I like to keep flipping and tossing for a couple of minutes until the rice heats through and soaks up all that savory goodness. Taste it and adjust salt, pepper, or soy sauce as needed. If you want a teeny bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes at this point.

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Pro Tips for Making Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and clumps easily. Leftover rice fried up is fluffy and absorbs the soy sauce better.
High Heat Is Key: Cooking on medium-high ensures you get that slight crispness on the rice and chicken, giving it a great texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet is too small, cook chicken and veggies in batches—overcrowding steams instead of fries them.
Season as You Go: Taste at the end and adjust soy sauce and seasoning steps gradually to avoid over-salting or blandness.

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

The image shows a pan filled with fried rice mixed with many small, light brown chicken pieces, bright green peas, orange carrot cubes, and scrambled egg bits scattered throughout. The rice is golden and evenly spread, creating a textured layer. The pan is round, dark, and deep with a shiny metallic handle, placed on a white marbled surface. The colors are warm and inviting, highlighting the mix of ingredients in a simple, homely style photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few more fresh green onions on top right before serving—it adds a fresh bite and nice color contrast. A drizzle of toasted sesame oil or some toasted sesame seeds also kicks it up a notch in flavor and texture. If you’re feeling fancy, thinly sliced fresh chili or a wedge of lime can brighten it all up beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe stands well on its own, but I often serve it alongside steamed or roasted broccoli, snap peas, or even a refreshing cucumber salad. Egg rolls or potstickers make for a great appetizer combo if you’re going for a more festive meal. For a lighter meal, a miso soup alongside is just perfect.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun presentation trick I use is serving the chicken fried rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves or bell peppers for a tropical flair when friends come over. It instantly makes dinner feel special without extra fuss. You can also mold the rice into small nests using a bowl or ramekin for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before refrigerating, let the rice cool completely to avoid sogginess. This recipe reheats beautifully and still tastes delicious the next day as an easy lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chicken fried rice a few times for meal prep. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge so it reheats even more evenly.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a skillet or wok over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the moisture and flavor. Stir frequently until heated through, which helps regain that lightly crisp texture. Microwave works too, but the skillet method keeps it tasting closest to freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe?

Absolutely! Brown rice works just fine and adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just keep in mind brown rice is usually a bit firmer, so ensure it’s cooked and cooled properly before frying to avoid a tough texture.
Do I need to use day-old rice for this recipe?

It’s not mandatory, but day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and fries up without clumping or getting mushy. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry a bit before using.
What can I use instead of chicken in this Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe?

You can swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even diced pork. Just adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks faster, and tofu benefits from a quick sear to develop a crispy edge.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Double-check any other sauces or seasoning you use to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Can I add other vegetables to the fried rice?

Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, corn, or even spinach. Just keep in mind cooking times—add veggies that cook quickly later in the process to keep their texture crisp and bright.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe has become one of my absolute go-tos when I want something warm, comforting, and quick. It’s amazing how such a simple combination of ingredients can feel so indulgent and satisfying—plus, knowing exactly what goes into your food always feels good. If you’ve ever thought fried rice was tricky to make, this recipe proves otherwise. I hope you’ll give it a try and see how easy, flavorful, and downright delicious homemade fried rice can be. Trust me, you’ll never want to rely on takeout again!