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This easy chicken fried rice is a quick, satisfying meal made with juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and simple veggies. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Try my simple pho noodle soup recipe next!

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Why This Is The BEST Chicken Fried Rice
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal recipe for those busy nights when you need a meal fast.
- Customizable for Diets: Whether you’re gluten-free, vegetarian, or looking to use different proteins, this recipe easily adapts to your dietary needs.
- Budget-Friendly: A perfect way to use leftover rice and chicken, saving money on takeout.
- Minimal Cleanup: This one-pan dish keeps the kitchen mess to a minimum, making cleanup a breeze.
- No Special Equipment Needed: All you need is an essential skillet or wok, making it accessible for any home cook.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Toasted sesame oil - Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the fried rice.
- Avocado oil - A neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for stir-frying.
- Eggs - Provides protein and adds texture to the dish.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast - This lean protein makes the dish flavorful and filling.
- Onion - Adds sweetness, depth of flavor, and a satisfying texture.
- Green onions - Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and color.
- Garlic - Enhances the savory aroma and taste.
- Cooked rice - The base of the dish; white or brown rice works well.
- Carrots - Adds a slight sweetness and bright color.
- Frozen sweet peas - Adds a pop of sweetness and texture.
- Soy sauce - Brings the savory, umami flavor that ties everything together.
- Sea salt and white pepper - Season to taste for the perfect balance of flavors.
How to make Chicken Fried Rice
- Scramble the eggs in a hot work or skillet with oil, then transfer to a bowl.
- Cook the chicken breast in the same skillet, then add it to the eggs.
- Cover the eggs and chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic until softened, then add the rice and stir-fry until heated through.
- Mix in the veggies (carrots, peas) and cook until warm.
- Return the chicken breast and eggs to the skillet, cook until warm, and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Which pan to use: I have this 12-inch wok, but you can use what you have on hand and, most importantly, are comfortable with.
- Use day-old rice: For the best texture, use it to prevent it from sticking together. If using freshly cooked rice, let it cool first before using.
- Don’t overcook the eggs: Scramble just until set to keep them tender. Don't overcook.
- Don't overcook the chicken: If using fresh chicken, once it's cooked, transfer it out of the wok immediately to prevent overcooking. If using rotisserie chicken, add it at the end to keep it from drying out.
- Season to taste: Adjust the soy sauce, salt, and pepper before serving. Since everyone's palate is different, consider letting others season their own.
Recipe Variations
- Swap proteins: Use shrimp, leftover pork tenderloin, or tofu instead of chicken for a different take on the dish.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Gluten-free: Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
- Swap the rice: Add leftover quinoa to the rice for a protein boost.
Asian recipes we love
📖 Recipe
Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
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When scaling the recipe 2x or 3x, the gray ingredient note stays the same. Adjust quantities accordingly.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil, divided
- 3-4 large Eggs, beat and season with S & P
- 1 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast , thinly sliced, or 1 ½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- ½ large Onion, diced
- 2 large Green Onions, thinly sliced (separate green from white)
- 3 cloves Garlic, grated
- 3 cups Cooked Rice, white or brown
- 2 large Carrots, shredded
- 1 cup Frozen Sweet Peas, thawed
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce, or more as needed
- Sea Salt and White Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of TOASTED SESAME OIL and 1 teaspoon of AVOCADO OIL and heat until shimmering.
- Cook Eggs: Pour the beaten EGGS into the hot pan, scrambling them until just set. Transfer the scrambled EGGS to a covered bowl and set aside.
- Saute the chicken breast: (If using rotisserie chicken, skip this step)Add another teaspoon each of SESAME OIL and AVOCADO OIL in the wok and heat until shimmering. Add the CHICKEN BREAST and saute until fully cooked, stirring as needed. Transfer to the bowl with the eggs.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining oils to the pan. Once heated, add the diced ONION, white parts of the GREEN ONIONS, and grated GARLIC. Sauté until the ONIONS are soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Rice: Stir in the COOKED RICE, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
- Add Veggies: Add the shredded CARROTS and thawed SWEET PEAS to the rice mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine.
- Combine and Season: Add the cooked CHICKEN and scrambled EGGS to the pan. Stir everything together until heated through. Season with SOY SAUCE, SEA SALT, and WHITE PEPPER to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with the green parts of the GREEN ONIONS and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Equipment
- Microplane zester / grater to grate garlic
- 12-inch carbon steel wok or 12-inch skillet
- Chinese wok spatula or other stirring utensil
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While a wok is traditional and helpful, a large skillet of any kind can be used. Just make sure it's one that you are comfortable using.
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken is equally delicious–just toss it in near then end.
Long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, is ideal because it separates easily and doesn’t clump.
Yes, but for best results, spread the warm rice on a baking sheet and let it cool before adding to this recipe.
Neutral oils with a high smoke point, like avocado oil, work best. Sesame oil adds flavor and also has a high smoke point.
Absolutely! Skip the chicken and add extra veggies or tofu. You can also use scrambled eggs as the main protein.
You can add a splash of soy sauce or a drizzle of sesame oil after cooking. For a spicy kick, try adding some chili crisp oil or sriracha sauce.
Jessie Poshepny Vallery says
I love this one, I could live on this, it’s a great staple to have in the fridge to add to a dinner. I swap in some riced cauliflower too so I don’t feel so guilty!
Traci says
Yay!! It's one of our regulars! We love it with brown rice too! So glad you're enjoying the recipe. Thank you! xoxo
Debbie says
Easy to make and tastes great
Traci says
Yay! I'm so glad you tried my recipe and found it as easy as I intended it to be. Thanks for your feedback. Enjoy!!
Jeff says
This chicken fried rice really is better than takeout! Easy to make and ingredients are simple and easy to change. Love being able to use less salt and oil than the restaurant versions too. Winner!!
Christine says
This was so delicious! My whole family loved it and so easy to make.
The Kitchen Girl says
Yay Christine! So glad this chicken fried rice is family approved for you 🙂 Thanks for the feedback...day made!