If you love Chinese takeout flavors but want something quick and homemade, this Easy Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect solution. Using leftover rice helps achieve the best texture, while chicken, eggs, and vegetables turn it into a complete meal. Everything cooks in one pan, making it ideal for fast dinners or easy lunches.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sesame oil or vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, diced | ½ cup |
| Carrots, diced | ½ cup |
| Frozen peas | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Cooked white rice | 3 cups |
| Cooked chicken, shredded | 2 cups |
| Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Easy Chicken Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout)
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Easy chicken fried rice made with leftover rice, chicken, vegetables, and soy sauce. Better than takeout and ready fast.
Ingredients
2 tbsp sesame or vegetable oil
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 eggs
3 cups cooked white rice
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté onion and carrots in oil.
2. Add peas.
3. Scramble eggs and mix in.
4. Add rice and chicken.
5. Stir in soy sauce and butter.
6. Season and serve.
Notes
Use cold rice for best texture.
Adjust soy sauce to taste.
Serve with yum yum sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Step 1
Heat a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the sesame oil, diced onion, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften.
Helpful tip: Medium heat prevents the vegetables from browning too quickly.
Step 2
Add the frozen peas to the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables.
Helpful tip: Frozen peas can go straight into the pan without thawing.
Step 3
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side and scramble until fully cooked, then mix them into the vegetables.
Helpful tip: Cooking the eggs separately keeps them fluffy.
Step 4
Add the cooked rice and shredded chicken to the pan. Stir well to combine and break up any rice clumps.
Helpful tip: Cold leftover rice works best for fried rice.
Step 5
Drizzle in the soy sauce and stir until evenly distributed. Add the butter and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with yum-yum sauce if desired.
Helpful tip: Add soy sauce gradually to avoid overly salty rice.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a fast, flavorful alternative to takeout that you can make at home with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy nights, leftover rice, and satisfying cravings for classic fried rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh rice instead of leftover rice?
Yes, but let it cool completely before using to avoid mushy rice.
Can I swap chicken for another protein?
Shrimp, pork, or tofu work well.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It’s best fresh but can be frozen for short-term storage.
What vegetables can I add?
Bell peppers, corn, or green onions are great additions.