Why You’ll Love this Delicious Chicken Fried Rice
Who doesn’t love a homemade dish that’s tastier than takeout and ready in less time than delivery?
This chicken fried rice checks all the comfort food boxes with minimal fuss. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy eggs, and perfectly seasoned brown rice creates layers of flavor in every bite.
What makes this recipe special? It’s incredibly versatile. Got leftover veggies? Toss them in. Prefer shrimp or tofu? Easy swap.
The sesame oil adds that authentic restaurant quality, while using cold rice guarantees that perfect, non-soggy texture. Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something satisfying but quick.
What Ingredients are in Delicious Chicken Fried Rice?
When it comes to making the perfect chicken fried rice, having the right ingredients is half the battle. The beauty of this dish lies in its harmonious blend of protein, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings that transform simple rice into something extraordinary. I always tell people that good fried rice doesn’t require fancy ingredients—just fresh components and a few key Asian pantry staples that bring authentic flavor.
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped small
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon water (for the eggs)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups brown rice, cooked and cold
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 cups mixed vegetables, cooked
- Green onions (mentioned in instructions, but not in ingredient list)
The key to truly outstanding chicken fried rice is using cold, pre-cooked rice—this prevents the dreaded mushy texture that can happen with freshly cooked rice. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra nutritional value, but white rice works perfectly too if that’s what you have on hand. For the mixed vegetables, frozen peas, carrots, and corn work wonderfully, but feel free to use whatever veggies you have in your refrigerator. The sesame oil might seem like a small addition, but trust me, it’s the secret ingredient that gives this homemade version that authentic Chinese restaurant flavor you’re craving.
How to Make this Delicious Chicken Fried Rice
Making chicken fried rice at home is simpler than you might think, and the process starts with a little egg magic. In a small bowl, beat 3 eggs with 1 tablespoon of water until well combined.
Then melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat until it’s sizzling—this is when you know it’s ready. Pour in your egg mixture and let it sit flat for about 2 minutes until cooked through, creating a thin omelet. Remove this golden disk to a plate, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. This technique gives you those perfect little egg bits that distribute beautifully throughout the finished dish.
Now for the heart of the cooking process. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the same skillet and add 1 finely chopped medium onion, sautéing until it becomes translucent and soft—about 3-4 minutes. During the final 2 minutes, toss in 3 minced garlic cloves, allowing their aroma to bloom without burning.
This is where the magic really happens: add 4 cups of cold, cooked brown rice along with 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. The cold rice is non-negotiable, folks—it’s what gives fried rice that perfect texture where each grain remains distinct. Stir-fry continuously for about 5 minutes, tossing everything together until the rice is heated through and has absorbed all those savory flavors.
For the grand finale, gently fold in your chopped egg, 2 chicken breasts (previously cooked and chopped small), 2 cups of cooked mixed vegetables, and green onions. The gentle folding motion prevents the rice from becoming mushy while ensuring every forkful contains a perfect balance of ingredients.
I find this is the moment to taste and adjust—maybe a splash more soy sauce or an extra grind of black pepper. The beauty of homemade chicken fried rice is that every element gets a chance to shine, from the tender chicken pieces to the colorful vegetables, all bound together by perfectly seasoned rice that’s got that irresistible combination of savory, umami goodness with just a hint of nutty sesame flavor.
Delicious Chicken Fried Rice Substitutions and Variations
While the classic chicken fried rice recipe I’ve shared is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Try swapping chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different protein option. Not a fan of brown rice? White rice works perfectly well, or go grain-free with cauliflower rice.
I sometimes add pineapple chunks for a sweet twist, or kimchi for a spicy Korean-inspired version.
And don’t feel limited to the mixed veggies I suggested—peas, carrots, bell peppers, or whatever’s lurking in your fridge can shine here.
What to Serve with Delicious Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is actually a complete meal on its own, but I’ve found that a few thoughtful side dishes can transform this humble comfort food into a restaurant-worthy feast.
I love serving mine with crispy veggie spring rolls or tender steamed dumplings.
A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing adds that perfect cooling crunch. For protein lovers, teriyaki skewers or sweet-and-sour chicken wings complement the rice beautifully.
Don’t forget the beverages—jasmine tea cuts through the richness, while a cold Tsingtao beer, my personal weekend favorite, rounds out the meal perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what to pair with this versatile dish, let’s wrap things up.
Chicken fried rice has been my go-to comfort food for years, perfect for using up leftover rice and whatever protein I’ve on hand. The secret? Cold rice and a screaming hot wok. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
I love how this recipe transforms humble ingredients into something magical in just minutes.
Sometimes I add a dash of chili oil when I’m craving heat, or toss in kimchi for a tangy twist. Isn’t that the beauty of home cooking? Making it yours.
Homemade Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 eggs with 1 tablespoon of water until well combined.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat until sizzling.
- Pour in the egg mixture and let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until set, forming a thin omelet.
- Transfer the cooked egg to a cutting board, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the same skillet and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Add the minced garlic cloves during the last 2 minutes of cooking the onions, stirring to release their aroma without burning.
- Add the cold cooked brown rice to the skillet along with soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir-fry continuously for about 5 minutes until the rice is heated through and has absorbed the flavors.
- Gently fold in the chopped egg, cooked chicken pieces, mixed vegetables, and green onions.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional soy sauce or black pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional sliced green onions if desired.
