How to Make Chicken Fried Rice (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Ingredients Needed

To make delicious chicken fried rice, you’ll need a few basic pantry and refrigerator staples. Using fresh ingredients and cold, cooked rice is key to achieving the best texture.

Main Ingredients:

• Cooked chicken (diced or shredded)

• Cooked rice (preferably day-old)

• Eggs

• Garlic

• Onion

• Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, beans)

• Soy sauce

• Cooking oil (vegetable, sesame, or neutral oil)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Green onions

• Ginger

• Oyster sauce

• Black pepper or white pepper

• Chili sauce for heat

Best Rice for Chicken Fried Rice

The secret to great chicken fried rice lies in the rice itself. Long-grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati, works best because the grains stay separate and fluffy. Day-old rice is ideal because it is drier, preventing the dish from becoming mushy. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a tray and let it cool completely before frying.

How to Prepare Chicken for Fried Rice

You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or freshly cooked chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh works best.

Steps to Prepare Chicken:

1. Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.

2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Cook in a hot pan with a little oil until fully cooked and lightly golden.

4. Remove from the pan and set aside before stir-frying the rice.

Cooking the chicken separately helps keep it tender and prevents overcooking.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Ensure all ingredients are ready before cooking. Use cold, cooked rice (preferably day-old), diced cooked chicken, chopped vegetables, garlic, and soy sauce. Having everything prepared helps the dish cook quickly and evenly.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking. A hot pan is essential for achieving proper fried rice texture.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the hot oil. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden. This creates the flavor base of the chicken fried rice.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. Cook until the vegetables are tender yet slightly crisp, releasing their natural sweetness without becoming soft.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Add the cooked chicken to the pan and stir well with the vegetables. Cook for 1–2 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors and heats through evenly.

Step 6: Add the Rice

Increase the heat and add the cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps using a spatula and mix thoroughly so the rice combines evenly with the chicken and vegetables.

Step 7: Season the Fried Rice

Drizzle soy sauce evenly over the rice. Stir continuously to distribute the seasoning without making the rice soggy. Add black or white pepper according to taste.

Step 8: Stir-Fry and Combine

Continue stir-frying for 2–3 minutes on high heat. This step helps remove excess moisture and gives the rice a light, slightly toasted texture.

Step 9: Final Adjustments

Taste the chicken fried rice and adjust seasoning if needed. Add chopped green onions or a small splash of sesame oil if desired.

Step 10: Serve Hot

Remove from heat and serve immediately. Chicken fried rice pairs well with sauces, salads, or can be enjoyed on its own as a complete meal.

Popular Variations of Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to customize.

• Spicy Chicken Fried Rice: Add chili sauce or fresh chilies.

• Healthy Version: Use brown rice and add more vegetables.

• Egg-Heavy Style: Add an extra egg for richer texture.

• Garlic Fried Rice: Increase garlic for bold flavor.

• Asian-Inspired: Add oyster sauce or a splash of fish sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Fried Rice

Storage:
Let the fried rice cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a small splash of water or oil to restore moisture. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway for even heating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using freshly cooked, hot rice

• Adding too much soy sauce at once

• Cooking on low heat

• Overloading the pan with ingredients

• Skipping aromatics like garlic and onion

Avoiding these mistakes helps ensure flavorful, non-greasy fried rice every time.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make chicken fried rice at home is simple, cost-effective, and incredibly rewarding. With just a few ingredients and the right technique, you can recreate a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Whether you prefer it classic, spicy, or packed with vegetables, chicken fried rice is a flexible recipe that never disappoints. Once you master the basics, it becomes an easy go-to meal for any day of the week.