Authentic Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken to the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until thoroughly browned and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Once hot, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the frozen vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until they're hot and tender.
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs, mixing them with the vegetables as they cook.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables and eggs.
Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Mix the rice into the other ingredients until everything is well combined.
Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the sauces.
Stir in the sliced green onions, then remove the pan from the heat.
Allow the fried rice to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tools for making

Large pan or wok - A pan or wok with a wide surface area and high sides, suitable for stir-frying the ingredients.
Spatula or wooden spoon - A utensil for stirring, flipping, and combining the ingredients in the pan.
Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the chicken breasts into small cubes.
Cutting board - A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Measuring cups - Cups for measuring the cooked jasmine rice and frozen mixed vegetables.
Measuring spoons - Spoons for measuring the vegetable oil, minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings.
Whisk or fork - A whisk or fork for lightly beating the eggs before adding them to the pan.

Recipe variations

Shrimp Fried Rice: Substitute the chicken with peeled and deveined shrimp.
Vegetable Fried Rice: Omit the chicken and add extra mixed vegetables or your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms.
Beef Fried Rice: Replace the chicken with thinly sliced beef and stir-fry until cooked to your desired doneness.
Tofu Fried Rice: Use firm tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option. Cut the tofu into small cubes and stir-fry until lightly browned before adding the vegetables and rice.
Pineapple Fried Rice: Add diced pineapple along with the vegetables for a sweet and tangy twist.
Spicy Fried Rice: Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to give your fried rice a spicy kick.
Egg Fried Rice: Make it a simple egg fried rice by omitting the chicken and adding extra beaten eggs to the pan before mixing with the rice.
Kimchi Fried Rice: Incorporate kimchi into the recipe for a flavorful and slightly sour variation.
Cauliflower Fried Rice: Use cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice for a low-carb and gluten-free option.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Chicken Fried Rice! This classic dish is a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and it's packed full of flavor. With tender cubes of chicken, a colorful mixture of stir-fried vegetables, and fluffy jasmine rice all combined with savory soy and sesame, this meal is both delicious and satisfying. Easy to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for a quick midweek dinner. Follow our step by step guide below and you'll be serving up this tasty, homemade Chicken Fried Rice in no time!

Common questions

Can I use different types of rice? Yes, you can use different types of rice for this recipe. However, jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrant and slightly sticky texture.
Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! You can customize the recipe by using your preferred vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Just make sure to warm it up in the pan before adding the other ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Certainly! You can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or substitute tofu for a vegetarian version. For a vegan option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and omit the eggs.
How can I make the fried rice less greasy? To reduce the greasiness, you can use less oil or opt for a non-stick pan. Additionally, using leaner cuts of chicken and draining off excess oil after cooking can help.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze the chicken fried rice? While it is possible to freeze chicken fried rice, the texture of the rice may change slightly. It's best to consume it fresh or store it in the refrigerator rather than freezing.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pan or wok - A large pan or wok is essential for stir-frying the ingredients.
Spatula - A spatula is useful for flipping and stirring the chicken, vegetables, and rice.
Knife - A knife is needed to cut the chicken breasts into small cubes and to mince the garlic.
Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
Measuring cups - Measuring cups are necessary to accurately measure the rice and soy sauce.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are used to measure the sesame oil and other seasonings.
Bowl for beaten eggs - A bowl is needed to beat the eggs before adding them to the pan.
Stove or cooktop - A stove or cooktop is required to cook the chicken, vegetables, and rice.
Heat-resistant spoon or tongs - A heat-resistant spoon or tongs are helpful for stirring and serving the fried rice.

Origin stories

Chicken Fried Rice, a classic dish known to all lovers of Chinese cuisine, actually has its roots in the Sui dynasty (589 – 618 AD). The dish, originally named 'Yangzhou fried rice,' was invented by a famous scholar and statesman of the time, Yi Bingshou. It was in his honour that the dish was named Yangchow or Yangzhou fried rice since he was once the regional magistrate. However, the dish's popularity skyrocketed to the extent that it's now simply referred to as 'fried rice' in many Chinese restaurants worldwide. The recipe, though having undergone numerous transformations to suit local tastes, still retains its core ingredients - rice, eggs, meat, and vegetables, quickly stir-fried for a deliciously light and satisfying meal.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.