Weeknight Winner: Perfectly Golden Chicken Fried Rice
Craving takeout? This easy chicken fried rice recipe is better! Quick, flavourful, and packed with veggies. Ditch the delivery and make this family fave tonight!

Recipe Introduction
Fancy a cracking chinese chicken fried rice recipe easy enough for a weeknight? honestly, who doesn't? this recipe is a simple pleasure, reminiscent of countless takeaways, but way better because you made it! it's a special fried rice recipe chinese food lovers will adore, and it's seriously customisable.
Quick Hook
Remember those nights craving homemade chinese food ? this chicken fried rice recipe easy is about to become your new best friend.
It’s savoury, flavourful, and comes together faster than you can say "pass the soy sauce."
Brief Overview
Fried rice, or "chao fan" as it's sometimes called, is a staple in chinese cuisine. this version is an easy, budget-friendly fry rice recipe chinese food you can whip up in under 40 minutes.
This recipe yields about 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner or batch cooking for the week.
Main Benefits
This best fried rice recipe is packed with protein and is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
Serve it as a complete meal or as a side to spring rolls. what makes this chicken fried rice recipe special is its simplicity and the fact that you can use up leftover rice and chicken.
Ready to get cooking? let's dive into the ingredients for this homemade chinese fried rice . we're talking tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice and that umami kick we all know and love.
You know what i mean? honestly, this perfect fried rice is something you need to try!
Okay, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of making proper chicken fried rice recipe . honestly, the ingredients are super simple, nothing too cheffy! it’s all about getting the technique right to make sure it's the best fried rice recipe you've ever tried.
Weeknight Winner: Perfectly Golden Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground white pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (120g) frozen peas and carrots mix
- 4 cups (approx. 600g) cooked and cooled long-grain rice (ideally day-old)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) sugar
- Pinch of ground white pepper
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
🥄 Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and white pepper (if using). Let it sit while you prep the other ingredients (minimum 5 minutes, longer is better).
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the wok and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the frozen peas and carrots mix and cook until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the wok. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and cook, stirring gently, until scrambled but still slightly soft.
- Add the cooked and cooled rice to the wok. Break up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry until the rice is heated through and slightly toasted, about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the rice and stir-fry to combine, ensuring the sauce is evenly distributed. Return the cooked chicken to the wok.
- Stir-fry everything together for another minute or two until well combined and heated through. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately!
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
- Chicken: 1 pound (450g) , cubed. Honestly, chicken thighs work too, for extra flavour.
- Soy Sauce (Chicken Marinade): 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Go for a good quality one.
- Sesame Oil (Chicken Marinade): 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds that awesome nutty taste.
- Ginger: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground. Fresh is better, but ground works in a pinch.
- White Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground. (Optional, but gives a nice little kick).
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Peanut oil is ace if you have it!
- Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy!
- Frozen Peas and Carrots: 1 cup (120g) . Saves a ton of time.
- Cooked Rice: 4 cups (approx. 600g) . Day-old is ESSENTIAL! This is key for how to make easy fried rice. Trust me on this.
- Eggs: 2 large , beaten.
- Soy Sauce (Sauce): 3 tablespoons (45ml) . Different from the marinade, mind.
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . (Optional, but adds a great special fried rice recipe chinese flavour)
- Sesame Oil (Sauce): 1 teaspoon (5ml) . More of that nutty goodness!
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Balances the saltiness.
- White Pepper (Sauce): Pinch. Again, optional.
- Green Onions: 2 , sliced. For garnish, obvs.
- Sesame Seeds: Optional, for that extra fancy touch.
For killer fried rice, you want the best stuff! Aim for rice grains that are firm and separate easily, and chicken that's got a nice pink colour with good elasticity.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Okay, the essential spice combo here is soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of ginger. boom! that's the base for homemade chinese food .
For flavour enhancers , a little oyster sauce goes a long way. for those that ask what to eat with fried rice, and even what to make with it, is important to consider that a pinch of white pepper can add a subtle warmth.
If you don't have oyster sauce, a dash more soy sauce and a tiny pinch of brown sugar does the trick.
That’s your fry rice recipe chinese food sorted. don't be afraid to play around and make it your own.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
- Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal, but a big skillet will do the trick.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the sauce.
- Spatula: For stir-frying like a pro.
Don’t have a wok? no worries! a large frying pan or even a deep saucepan can work just fine. just make sure it's big enough to hold all the ingredients without overcrowding.
Using the right equipment is key to make the perfect fried rice .

Okay, let's get this Chicken Fried Rice party started!
Weeknight Winner: Perfectly Golden Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Honestly, who doesn't love chicken fried rice recipe? it's like the ultimate comfort food. plus, it's fantastic for using up leftover rice and chicken.
Forget ordering in, we're making homemade chinese food tonight!
Prep Like a Pro!
Getting everything ready is key. it's called mise en place if you wanna be fancy. chop your veggies, cube your chicken, and mix that sauce! organisation is the name of the game.
It will help you make the best fried rice recipe in no time
Step-by-Step: Stir-Fry Magic
- Marinate the chicken. Mix diced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, ½ teaspoon ginger, and ¼ teaspoon white pepper. Let it sit!
- Sauté the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large pan. Cook chicken until browned, about 5- 7 minutes. Remove.
- Sauté aromatics. Add 1 tablespoon oil, onion, garlic, and frozen peas/carrots mix. Sauté until fragrant, about 2- 3 minutes.
- Scramble those eggs! Push veggies to one side. Pour in 2 beaten eggs. Cook, stirring, until just set.
- Rice time! Add 4 cups of cooked, cold rice (day-old is ideal). Break up any clumps and stir fry until heated up (3- 5 minutes)
- Sauce it up! Pour in the sauce (3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, ½ teaspoon sugar, pinch of white pepper). Return chicken to the wok.
- Mix and mingle. Stir-fry everything for 1- 2 minutes. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Fried Rice Glory
Want that authentic taste? High heat is your friend! A super hot wok is the secret to that smoky flavor. It's what separates the beat fried rice recipe from the rest.
Don't overcrowd the wok. It causes steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if needed.
You can make the sauce in advance, so you can save time. Make a perfect special fried rice recipe chinese using this tip.
So, what do we want to make with chicken for fried rice ? chicken is a must, but what else? it's time to be creative and have some fun in the kitchen.
Remember this is just a template, now make the best yakimeshi recipe
Alright, off you pop to create your special fried rice.
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of this banging chicken fried rice recipe . I'm gonna share some extra bits and bobs to make sure yours is top-notch.
Recipe Notes Deconstructed
Serving Suggestions: Let's Plate It Up!
Right, so you've slaved over the wok, now what? presentation, my friend, is key! think about this: a nice mound of special fried rice recipe chinese , garnished with those vibrant green onions.
I honestly love a sprinkle of sesame seeds too. it looks so fancy!
As for sides, think homemade chinese food heaven. spring rolls are an obvious choice, but also consider some lightly steamed edamame.
A drizzle of sweet chili sauce? oh my gosh, yes! and don't forget a cold beer or some jasmine tea to wash it all down.
Cheers!
Storage Sorted: Keepin' it Fresh
So, you've made a huge batch of this chicken fried rice recipe easy , and you've got leftovers? no worries, we've all been there.
Let it cool down completely first. then, bung it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. it'll happily sit there for up to 3 days.
Freezing? yeah, you can. it won't be quite as good, but it's a great option. portion it out, freeze it flat in freezer bags for speedy thawing.
When you're ready to reheat, microwave it (stirring often) or, even better, give it a quick fry in a pan with a splash of oil.
This brings it back to life!
Variations on a Theme: Make It Your Beat Fried Rice !
Wanna mix it up? No probs!
- Dietary Adaptations: Gluten-free? Just use gluten-free soy sauce. Veggie? Ditch the Chicken For Fried Rice and throw in some extra veggies like mushrooms or broccoli. Egg Fried Rice Recipe Chinese Food is a winner, too!
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, try adding some sweetcorn or zucchini. In the autumn, some roasted butternut squash would be lush. Be inventive with your Homemade Fried Rice Recipe !
Nutrition Nuggets: The Good Stuff
Alright, so this chicken fried rice recipe easy isn't exactly a salad, but it's got some goodness in it. you're getting protein from the chicken and eggs.
The rice is giving you energy, and the veggies are adding some vitamins and fibre.
Just remember, soy sauce can be high in sodium, so go easy on it. if you are looking to avoid fried rice without peas or other veggies in the recipe, just swap them for your favorites.
This perfect fried rice meal is balanced, quick, and way healthier than a takeaway!
So, there you have it! all the extra bits to make your chicken fried rice recipe a total triumph. now go get cooking! you got this! i cannot wait to see the results from this chinese chicken fried rice recipe easy .

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my chicken fried rice recipe always mushy?
Ah, the dreaded mushy fried rice! The most common culprit is using freshly cooked rice. Day-old rice, that's been cooled in the fridge, is the key to success. It's drier and holds its shape better when stir-fried. Think of it as the culinary equivalent of a perfectly brewed cuppa - preparation is everything!
Can I make this chicken fried rice recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You could even add some tofu for extra protein. To make it fully vegan, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and ensure the oyster sauce (if used) is swapped for a vegan alternative like mushroom-based "oyster sauce" or simply use more soy sauce and a pinch of sugar.
How do I store leftover chicken fried rice?
Leftover chicken fried rice is great for lunch the next day! To store, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, make sure it's piping hot all the way through to banish any lingering nasties - think "Bake Off" level food safety!
What other vegetables can I add to my chicken fried rice?
The possibilities are endless! Get creative and use whatever veggies you have on hand. Some popular additions include diced carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for a pop of color!), sliced mushrooms, bean sprouts, and even chopped broccoli. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly so everything is cooked through but still has a bit of crunch, a'la Jamie Oliver's "pukka" vegetables!
Is this chicken fried rice recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Chicken fried rice can be part of a balanced diet, but portion control is key! It's a good source of protein and carbohydrates, but it can also be high in sodium and fat. To make it healthier, use lean chicken breast, less oil, and plenty of vegetables. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber. Remember, everything in moderation, just like a good Sunday roast!
Can I substitute any ingredients in this chicken fried rice recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to adapt the recipe to your taste and what you have available. You can swap the chicken for shrimp, pork, or beef. If you don't have oyster sauce, use a little extra soy sauce and a pinch of brown sugar. Don't be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on it – think of yourself as the culinary equivalent of a rock star remixing a classic tune!
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