Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you want a dinner that comes together quickly without skimping on flavor. That’s why this Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe has become one of my absolute go-tos on busy weeknights. Trust me, it’s not only super satisfying but also uses simple ingredients you probably already have. Stick around—I’m gonna share my best tips to make sure your fried rice turns out perfectly every single time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients. You want a good balance of tender chicken, fluffy rice, veggies, and a tasty sauce that ties it all together. I always recommend using day-old rice if you can—it fries up better and avoids that mushy texture.

• Cooked Jasmine Rice: Day-old rice is key for perfect texture; freshly cooked is okay if you fluff and cool it well.
• Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay juicy and tender compared to breasts, but you can sub chicken breast if you prefer.
• Frozen Peas and Carrots: Convenient and colorful, but feel free to mix in other frozen veggies you love.
• Eggs: Adds richness and keeps everything moist.
• Shallot or Small Onion: Gives a subtle sweet onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for that aromatic punch.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oils work best for frying without adding unwanted flavors.
• Soy Sauce: Use light or regular soy sauce; it’s the salty base that ties the dish together.
• Shaoxing Cooking Wine or Substitute: Gives a slight tang and depth; dry sherry or chicken broth can substitute.
• Cornstarch: Helps tenderize and thicken the marinade.
• Dark Soy Sauce: For color and a slightly deeper flavor—don’t skip this if you want that rich browned look.
• Sesame Oil: Just a little goes a long way to elevate the dish with nutty aroma.
• Chicken Bouillon Powder: Adds savory umami, but you can omit for a lighter version.
• White or Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and keeps things balanced.

Variations

One thing I love about this Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is how you can make it your own. Whether you want more veggies, less soy sauce, or need to keep it gluten-free, there’s always a way to tailor it.

• Veggie-Loaded Fried Rice: I often add diced bell peppers or snap peas for some crunch, which my kids secretly love.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and make sure your chicken bouillon is gluten-free.
• Chicken Breast Alternative: When I’m watching calories, I switch to chicken breast, just mind the cooking time to avoid dryness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or chili oil; I discovered this trick when I wanted a little heat without too much fuss.

How to Make Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Juicy Flavor

Begin by mixing the sliced chicken thighs with soy sauce, Shaoxing cooking wine, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. The cornstarch is my secret for velvety texture—it seals in moisture and tenderizes. Let the chicken soak for 5-10 minutes while you prep everything else. This step really sets the stage for juicy, flavorful bites.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mix

While the chicken marinates, whisk together your sauce ingredients in a small bowl. This combo of soy sauces, sesame oil, chicken bouillon powder, and white pepper brings a deep umami note. Set it aside—this mix will make your rice taste next-level!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken until Perfectly Tender

Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the marinated chicken until fully cooked through and lightly browned on the edges—usually about 4-5 minutes depending on your stove. Remove the chicken and set it aside; cooking it separately means you avoid overcrowding the pan and steaming the meat.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

Into the same pan, add a teaspoon more oil. Toss in the garlic and diced shallots, sautéing only about 10 seconds until fragrant—don’t let them burn! Then add your frozen peas and carrots (or any frozen veggies you like) and cook for another 10 seconds. This quick cooking keeps the veggies vibrant and a bit crisp.

Step 5: Scramble the Eggs Right in the Pan

Push the veggies to one side. Add the last bit of oil to the empty side, pour in your beaten eggs, and let them sit undisturbed for about 20 seconds. Then scramble gently and break into bite-sized pieces. Mixing the eggs with veggies creates that classic fried rice texture everyone loves.

Step 6: Combine Rice, Chicken, and Sauce

Now for the fun part—adding your cold, day-old jasmine rice into the pan. Toss or stir everything together so the rice, eggs, veggies, and chicken are evenly distributed. Pour the sauce around the edges of the pan and let it toast for about 5 seconds before tossing everything again. This toasting is what gives the rice that beautiful golden-brown color and super savory flavor.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle my fried rice with chopped green onions and a little sesame seeds for a fresh crunch and a pop of color. Sometimes I add a drizzle of additional sesame oil or a few drops of sriracha for an extra kick—totally optional but so tasty.

Side Dishes

This chicken fried rice stands beautifully on its own but pairs great with easy sides like steamed broccoli, a light cucumber salad, or even some quick egg drop soup if you want a comforting combo. In my family, it often moonlights as a full meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, try serving the fried rice inside carved-out bell peppers or small lettuce cups. I’ve done this for casual gatherings, and everyone loved the unique presentation. Plus, it’s a neat way to add extra veggies without any fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken fried rice stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you pack it up, let it cool completely before sealing, so it doesn’t get soggy from steam.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this fried rice a few times for meal prep. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture stays surprisingly good if you reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat with a splash of vegetable oil or water, tossing often to keep it fluffy. Microwaving works too but sometimes makes the rice a bit clumpy, so watch the timing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe comes together so quickly and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how simple ingredients and a few smart prep steps made the rice fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe always gets rave reviews. So next time you need dinner in a flash, I hope you give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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