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Home » Recipes » 30 Minute Meals » Easy Chicken Fried Rice

By The Kitchen Girl

Easy Chicken Fried Rice

744shares
Jump To Recipe

Chicken Fried Rice is an easy fried rice recipe made with cooked rice, shredded chicken, eggs, and simple vegetables. Skip the takeout, save money, and eat healthier while this scrumptious chicken fried rice recipe!

chicken fried rice in black wok
Blogpost Contents hide
1) Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
2) What I love about chicken fried rice
3) Why is fried rice called fried rice?
4) How to Make Chicken Fried Rice
5) What type of rice is used for fried rice?
5.1) Do I need to use dried out rice when making chicken fried rice?
6) How do you dry out rice for fried rice?
7) What is the best oil to use for chicken fried rice?
7.1) Can I use olive oil for fried rice?
8) Chicken fried rice recipe ingredients
8.1) Recommended kitchen tools
8.2) More Asian recipes to make with shredded chicken
9) More easy weeknight recipes
10) Easy Chicken Fried Rice
10.1) Ingredients
10.2) Recipe Instructions
10.3) Nutrition

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

This fried rice recipe is one of my favorite Asian recipes and longest-running meals since college when I figured out how to "skip the takeout" and make my own food.

Even back then, when I had more time on my hands, I still wanted easy, affordable, and healthy.

the kitchen girl logo More EASY CHICKEN RECIPES from Kitchen Girl

What I love about chicken fried rice

  • Use leftover baked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or meal-prepped chicken breast is cost-effective and always delish.
  • You can use brown rice as a healthy option.
  • Peas, carrots, and corn are easy to obtain and add so many nutrients!
  • Gluten-free friendly (GF soy sauce, tamari or Bragg Aminos - you choose).
  • You control the sodium, not the restaurant.
  • No MSG or added sugar, fat, etc. (once again, you choose).

Since this fried rice recipe relies on cooked rice and cooked chicken, we just add those items to our meal planning efforts...so we eat fried rice at least once a month.

If you're into chicken fried rice, you're gonna love Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice! It's just as easy and scrumptious as this one!

the kitchen girl logo More ASIAN RECIPES from Kitchen Girl

Why is fried rice called fried rice?

We often think of anything labeled fried as "deep fried" in oil.

But Chinese fried rice is different. Well, it should be anyway. When it's made properly, it's made with just enough oil to lightly coat the rice and other ingredients. It's cooked over very high heat for a very short period of time.

This is why it's called fried rice. At home, we do our best to mimic this technique by using high heat, just a little oil, and rapid cooking.

Yummm, I'm seriously craving this stuff right now.

chicken fried rice in white bowl with chopsticks on grey background

How to Make Chicken Fried Rice

  1. Heat oil in a skillet.
  2. Add beaten eggs and scramble until fluffy and cooked through, transfer to a plate to add later.
  3. Sauté veggies (garlic, onion, carrots) in the same skillet.
  4. Fold in other ingredients...rotisserie chicken or meal-prepped shredded chicken, cooked rice, peas, cooked eggs, and seasonings.
  5. Heat until warmed...then feed your ARMY!

* See full recipe below

For this recipe, I use storebought rotisserie chicken or meal-prepped chicken from my Baked Chicken Thighs or my Instant Pot Shredded Chicken. We use the 80/20 rule...so, we never eat a whole rotisserie chicken by itself. We always turn it into other things...like fried rice! We do the same thing with our Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice.

This is why we make meat such a small part of any recipe and flood it with healthy ingredients.

the kitchen girl logo More ASIAN RECIPES from Kitchen Girl

What type of rice is used for fried rice?

I use long grain jasmine or basmati rice for its light, yet sturdy, texture. White or brown rice works perfectly for chicken fried rice.

I love the way they taste, especially jasmine, and I'm always happy with the texture.

You can use a medium-grain, or even a short-grain rice, but I personally prefer the long grain for the fluffy texture that doesn't stick together when cooked.

chicken fried rice in white bowl with chopsticks on grey background

Do I need to use dried out rice when making chicken fried rice?

If you make chicken fried rice using freshly cooked rice, it's probably going to be sticky and require you to use a lot more oil than you need. The idea behind the day-old rice is that it has lost a little moisture after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.

How do you dry out rice for fried rice?

The easiest way to dry out rice for fried rice is to simply refrigerate cooked rice overnight. However, if you need to make fried rice with freshly cooked rice, simply spread the rice or a baking sheet and place it in the refrigerator uncovered for an hour or two.

chicken fried rice in white bowl with chopsticks on grey background

What is the best oil to use for chicken fried rice?

A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point is best for fried rice. The most common pantry oils for this are vegetable oil and canola oil.

Can I use olive oil for fried rice?

You can, but only if it's an olive oil blend that's made for high heat frying. You would never want to use extra virgin olive oil for any fried rice recipe.

Chicken fried rice recipe ingredients

  • canola oil or vegetable oil
  • fresh garlic
  • green onions
  • carrots
  • baby peas
  • corn
  • cooked rice (white or brown)
  • shredded chicken breast (or rotisserie chicken)
  • reduced-sodium soy sauce (gluten-free)
  • black pepper

Recommended kitchen tools

  • chef knife
  • cutting board (to chop onions)
  • Microplane fine grater (to grate garlic)
  • 5-quart nonstick skillet or wok
  • silicone spatula or wooden spoon

More Asian recipes to make with shredded chicken

  • Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
  • Chicken Banh Mi Sliders
  • Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice
  • Asian Slaw Quinoa Salad

More easy weeknight recipes

  • One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice
  • 30 Minute Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Lasagna Soup for Instant Pot or Stove
  • Instant Pot Turkey Chili

the kitchen girl logo More ASIAN RECIPES from Kitchen Girl

chicken fried rice in skillet and white bowls on gray background with title text overlay
Healthy chicken fried rice recipe with brown rice [or white], fresh vegetables, and reduced sodium soy sauce! Skip the Takeout Chicken Fried Brown Rice. thekitchengirl.com #lowsodium #chinesefood #friedrice #chickenfriedrice #glutenfreefriendly

Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice is an easy fried rice recipe made with cooked rice, shredded chicken, eggs, and simple vegetables. Skip the takeout, save money, and eat healthier while this scrumptious chicken fried rice recipe!
5 from 22 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 1-cup servings
Author: Traci - TheKitchenGirl.com

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp Canola Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
  • 2 large Eggs lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 large Green Onions sliced (separate green from white)
  • 1 cup Carrots diced
  • 1 cup Sweet Peas frozen, fresh, or canned
  • 1 cup Corn frozen, fresh, or canned
  • 4 cups Cooked Rice white or brown
  • 1 cup Shredded Chicken Breast or rotisserie chicken
  • 2 Tbsp Reduced-Sodium Tamari or soy sauce (if not gluten restricted)
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Recipe Instructions
 

How to make chicken fried rice

  • In a large, nonstick skillet on medium high, heat CANOLA OIL and SESAME OIL; add EGGS and gently scramble; remove and set aside.
  • To the preheated skillet, add GARLIC, GREEN ONIONS, and CARROTS; sauté until tender and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
  • Add PEAS, CORN, RICE, CHICKEN, TAMARI (or soy sauce), PEPPER, and scrambled EGGS.
  • Continue sautéing, until warmed through, stirring as needed (about 4-6 minutes).
Tried this recipe? I'd love your review!Visit the comments below and tell me how it went.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 217mg | Potassium: 254mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3001IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.

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Why is fried rice called fried rice?

Fried rice is made by frying rice and other ingredients in oil over very high heat for a short period of time.

What type of rice is used for fried rice?

I use long grain jasmine or basmati rice for its light, yet sturdy, texture. White or brown rice works perfectly for chicken fried rice.

How do you dry out rice for fried rice?

The easiest way to dry out rice for fried rice is to simply refrigerate cooked rice overnight. However, if you need to make fried rice with freshly cooked rice, simply spread the rice or a baking sheet and place it in the refrigerator uncovered for an hour or two.

What is the best oil to use for fried rice?

A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point is best for fried rice. The most common pantry oils for this are vegetable oil and canola oil.

What are the ingredients for fried rice?

Fried rice is typically made with cooked rice, oil, vegetables, animal protein (eggs, chicken, pork, or shrimp), and soy sauce.

744shares
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Comments

  1. AvatarChristine says

    December 26, 2020 at 7:57 pm

    5 stars
    This was so delicious! My whole family loved it and so easy to make.

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      December 26, 2020 at 8:17 pm

      Yay Christine! So glad this chicken fried rice is family approved for you 🙂 Thanks for the feedback...day made!

  2. AvatarBecky Graczyk says

    November 13, 2020 at 3:44 pm

    I only have instant rice in my cabinet. Is it okay to make this kind and leave in the fridge overnight for "old rice"? I only ask because I have seen Minute rice turn blue in the refrigerator before, but that may have been after days.

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      November 13, 2020 at 10:15 pm

      Ahhh, good question, Becky. I haven't tried making fried rice with instant rice, but I wouldn't be opposed if that's all I had on hand. I'm not sure why your rice turned blue but that's definitely not normal lol.

  3. AvatarKushigalu says

    February 13, 2020 at 10:02 am

    5 stars
    Love fried Rice and this recipe is so flavorful and delicious. A must try!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 13, 2020 at 10:58 am

      Thanks so much, Kushigalu! Yes, glad you can enjoy this one 🙂

  4. AvatarErika says

    February 13, 2020 at 8:57 am

    5 stars
    I love fried rice and also love the idea of using a rotisserie chicken. Makes it so much easier.

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 13, 2020 at 9:08 am

      Thanks, Erika! Yep, we love our fried rice tooooo 🙂

  5. AvatarLisa | Garlic & Zest says

    February 13, 2020 at 8:51 am

    5 stars
    I buy a rotisserie chicken just about every week -- this is such a different and clever way to use it! And who doesn't LOVE fried rice?!!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 13, 2020 at 9:07 am

      Thanks, Lisa 🙂 Between rotisserie and my Instant Pot shredded chicken, we've got the bases covered!

  6. AvatarLauren says

    February 13, 2020 at 8:36 am

    5 stars
    Making this ASAP! I love finding new recipes that use rotisserie chickens! Saves so much time <3

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 13, 2020 at 9:07 am

      Thanks, Lauren! Glad you can enjoy this recipe 🙂

  7. AvatarPamela says

    February 13, 2020 at 8:33 am

    5 stars
    I love that you made a comfort food so easy to make! A staple in our dinner menu - thanks!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 13, 2020 at 9:06 am

      Thanks Pamela! Yes, chicken fried rice is such a comfort food! Glad you like it 🙂

  8. AvatarJocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says

    August 14, 2019 at 8:52 am

    5 stars
    This is seriously so genius!!!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      August 14, 2019 at 10:01 am

      Haha thanks, Jocelyn! We eat it on the regular over here! 🙂

  9. AvatarCourtney | Love & Good Stuff says

    August 14, 2019 at 7:19 am

    5 stars
    Such a perfect, easy meal and a great way to repurpose leftover rice!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      August 14, 2019 at 7:26 am

      Thanks Courtney! Yep, rice never goes to waste over here...we almost always turn it into fried rice 🙂

  10. AvatarRebecca says

    August 14, 2019 at 7:18 am

    5 stars
    great idea to make it with rotisserie chicken, this looks delicious!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      August 14, 2019 at 7:26 am

      Thanks, Rebecca! We lovvvve our rotisserie chicken meals 🙂

  11. AvatarToni says

    August 14, 2019 at 6:21 am

    5 stars
    My kids really loved this fried rice! And they can't wait for me to make it again!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      August 14, 2019 at 7:25 am

      So glad to hear it, Toni! This is a family-friendly meal, for sure 🙂

  12. Avatarkim says

    August 14, 2019 at 6:08 am

    5 stars
    Love this! It was so easy and has so much flavor! Great recipe!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      August 14, 2019 at 7:25 am

      Awesome Kim! So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

  13. AvatarElena says

    March 13, 2018 at 12:19 pm

    I love fried rice, what a perfect weeknight meal option!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 13, 2018 at 1:42 pm

      Thanks Elena...it really is! Hope you get a chance to make this one 🙂

  14. AvatarCalleigh K says

    March 13, 2018 at 8:37 am

    My family loves the fried rice since we are Asian, rice is a staple on our table. This is also my favorite way to use up the leftovers.

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 13, 2018 at 1:42 pm

      Thanks Calleigh...I'm right there with you on using up leftovers. That's how I ever came to rely on this recipe back in my college days 🙂

  15. AvatarLisa L Bynum says

    March 13, 2018 at 8:13 am

    5 stars
    I know brown rice is better for me, but I'm like you ... I don't like to just eat it on its own. BUT its usually my go-to rice for stir fry because it works so well. I have a ton of leftover chicken in my fridge right now. Looks like we're having stir fry this week!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 13, 2018 at 1:41 pm

      Haha yes! Day made! 🙂 Thanks Lisa...hope you get a chance to make it and hope you love it like I do!

  16. AvatarJessica Robinson says

    March 13, 2018 at 8:06 am

    5 stars
    Love a great 30 minute meal! Especially when it's absolutely delicious like this one!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 13, 2018 at 1:40 pm

      Aww thanks Jessica! Love hearing that 🙂

  17. AvatarJulia says

    March 13, 2018 at 7:38 am

    5 stars
    I love the title 🙂 and I would definitely skip the take out if this was on my table 🙂

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 13, 2018 at 1:40 pm

      Thanks Julia...love hearing that! 🙂

  18. AvatarCarrie | Clean Eating Kitchen says

    March 13, 2018 at 7:32 am

    5 stars
    I love fried rice! I bet this tastes better than a soggy takeaway too!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      March 13, 2018 at 1:39 pm

      Haha, yep, no soggy here 🙂 Thanks Carrie...hope you get to try it out.

  19. AvatarSally Golding says

    February 19, 2018 at 12:58 pm

    5 stars
    I tried this recipe and it was very satisfying. My husband and I both had a second helping!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      February 19, 2018 at 1:02 pm

      Sally...you're making my day over here! Thanks for trying it AND for leaving me the feedback. Much appreciated xoxoxo

  20. AvatarCynthia | What A Girl Eats says

    November 18, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    This would be great with leftover turkey too!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      November 18, 2017 at 10:59 pm

      So true! Thanks for the idea 🙂

  21. AvatarTrang says

    November 18, 2017 at 12:56 pm

    5 stars
    Fried rice is such a great way to use up left-over protein and veggies. Instead of dinner, we would make breakfast fried rice at our house. 🙂

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      November 18, 2017 at 1:57 pm

      Indeed, Trang! Love the breakfast idea...gonna have to try that for sure 🙂 Thanks!

  22. AvatarKiki Johnson says

    November 18, 2017 at 12:07 pm

    5 stars
    Fried rice is such a classic and everyone should have a good base recipe like yours! My favourite way to use up chicken!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      November 18, 2017 at 1:57 pm

      Same same, Kiki! And I couldn't agree more...thanks!

  23. AvatarChris says

    November 18, 2017 at 12:05 pm

    5 stars
    A rotisserie chicken is always on my weekly shop so this post is a winner for me! Definitely on the to-try list. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      November 18, 2017 at 1:56 pm

      Awesome, Chris! Hope you love it as much as I love the name of your blog 🙂

  24. AvatarJessica (swanky recipes) says

    November 18, 2017 at 11:14 am

    5 stars
    I love a good fried rice recipe and we usually make it at least once a month. This looks so much better than anything we ever order out. Can't wait to try this recipe!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      November 18, 2017 at 1:55 pm

      Yep, once a month here too 🙂 And thanks for the compliment...hope you love it!

  25. Avatarsue | theviewfromgreatisland says

    November 18, 2017 at 10:52 am

    How did you know? This is my favorite busy night dinner, and I love trying out new recipes for it, it's pure comfort!

    Reply
    • Traci AntonovichTraci Antonovich says

      November 18, 2017 at 1:54 pm

      Haha thanks...meee too, Sue! I need to break out of my habit and try others as well 🙂

  26. AvatarJane, The Heritage Cook says

    July 14, 2017 at 3:16 pm

    5 stars
    I love fried rice and you are right, it is always a good idea to have recipes like this in our repertoire! Can't wait to give this a try - I can already tell it is going to be outstanding!

    Reply
    • TraciTraci says

      July 15, 2017 at 12:22 am

      Awww Jane, you're too sweet. Hope you love it...been a fav for a long time! Oh, I like to add ginger to it sometimes...yum! Thanks for weighing in 🙂

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