Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Packed with tender chicken, fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and colorful veggies, this Chicken Fried Rice brings the magic of your favorite takeout straight to your kitchen—quickly, easily, and with unbeatable freshness. Each bite delivers layers of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors wrapped in soft-yet-toothsome rice—truly the ultimate comfort food in a bowl!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Fried Rice lies in its simplicity—a handful of kitchen staples join together for something truly special. Each ingredient plays a role in flavor, color, and texture, so let’s break down why every one is essential to this dish’s irresistible appeal.

• Oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola): The foundation for high-heat stir-frying, adding subtle richness and a perfect sear to the ingredients—peanut oil is traditional for a slightly nutty aroma, but any neutral oil will shine.
• Eggs: Lightly scrambled and folded in, they deliver fluffiness and a mild creaminess, plus those signature golden flecks found in classic fried rice.
• Chicken breast: Finely sliced so it cooks quickly and distributes juicy bites throughout the rice; marinating first locks in flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory depth that permeates the whole dish—don’t skip it!
• Onion: Chopped fine for a subtle sweetness and just a hint of crunch in every forkful.
• Bacon: Sautéed until golden for a wonderful smoky note; it also stands in for more traditional Chinese BBQ meats.
• Carrot: Diced small for bursts of color and natural sweetness that balance the savory notes.
• Frozen corn (or fresh/canned): Each kernel adds a sunny pop and a little chew—feel free to swap in fresh if you have it!
• Frozen peas: Sweet, bright, and tender, they balance out the dish both visually and flavor-wise.
• Cooked white rice (day old): Pre-cooked and chilled rice cooks up perfectly non-sticky, giving you that authentic restaurant texture.
• Green onions: Thinly sliced and tossed in at the end for freshness and a little bite.
• Sauce (Chinese cooking wine or Mirin, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper): This magical combination brings restaurant-level flavor—umami, complexity, and a touch of aromatic richness.

Variations

Chicken Fried Rice is a blank canvas for your kitchen creativity. It’s incredibly flexible, so don’t hesitate to swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, or make it work with what you have on hand—or your dietary preferences!

• Add Shrimp or Tofu: Swap out or combine your protein—a handful of shrimp, some baked tofu, or even leftover roast pork transforms this into a whole new dish.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and bacon, bump up the vegetables (try mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas), and use vegetarian oyster sauce and soy for just as much depth.
• Spicy Kick: Add a spoonful of chili crisp, sriracha, or a few diced chilies for a fiery, addictive twist.
• Lower-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice in place of white rice for a lighter, grain-free take—just cook it gently to avoid sogginess.

How to Make Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by mixing up the sauce ingredients. Spoon a little over the sliced chicken breast and let it rest for 10 minutes. This simple marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also floods it with that seriously umami-packed flavor you want in every juicy bite of Chicken Fried Rice.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

Heat a bit of oil in your wok or skillet, pour in the whisked eggs, and scramble them until just set but still soft. Take them out as soon as they’re barely cooked—this keeps them from turning dry, so you get delightful ribbons of egg woven throughout your fried rice later.

Step 3: Sauté Bacon, Aromatics & Vegetables

Bump up the heat and toss in the bacon; let it render a minute until the fat melts and it smells amazing. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the bacon turns golden and the aromatics perfume the kitchen. Next, stir in your diced carrots, corn, and peas (no need to defrost), cooking briefly to keep them vibrant.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Push the veggies to the sides and add your marinated chicken. Stir-fry until the pieces just turn from pink to white—which should only take about a minute and a half. This quick-cook method ensures the chicken stays juicy and soaks up all the aromatic flavors already in the pan.

Step 5: Add the Rice and Sauce

Toss in your cold, crumbly rice and pour on all remaining sauce. Stir and toss everything together on high heat, breaking up any clumps so every grain gets coated in that glossy, savory goodness. Give it a good minute and a half to soak in the flavor and sizzle together.

Step 6: Finish with Egg & Green Onions

Finally, return the scrambled eggs and add sliced green onions, tossing well to distribute everything evenly. Remove from heat—your Chicken Fried Rice is ready for bowls and eager chopsticks!

How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

Scattering extra sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even a dash of toasted sesame oil over your Chicken Fried Rice right before serving adds a pop of freshness and eye-catching color. For a bit of zing, try a light drizzle of chili oil or sriracha for those who love a touch of heat!

Side Dishes

Pair your fried rice with a quick stir-fry of broccoli, crispy spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or even a simple bowl of miso soup. These sides make dinner feel special and expand the meal into a homemade “takeout night” feast everyone will look forward to.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop Chicken Fried Rice into halved hollowed bell peppers, serve in lettuce cups for a playful twist, or use small ramekins to pack and unmold onto plates for a restaurant-style dome effect. For a crowd, present it in a big platter, garnished generously, so guests can help themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Chicken Fried Rice fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even richer on day two, so don’t be shy about making a little extra!

Freezing

This fried rice freezes beautifully. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you need a speedy meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave defrost setting.

Reheating

Reheat your Chicken Fried Rice in the microwave (with a quick sprinkle of water for steam) or a hot skillet on the stovetop. Stir gently as it warms, and add a splash of soy sauce or a touch more oil if it needs reviving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love a meal that tastes like a warm hug after a busy day, Chicken Fried Rice is exactly what you need. Try it once, and I guarantee it’ll become a staple—easy, endlessly adaptable, and always comfort on a plate. Now go grab a wok (or your biggest pan) and let’s get cooking!

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