Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cups cooked white rice, cold
  • 1 cup cooked, chopped chicken meat
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

Directions

  1. Gather all the ingredients needed for the recipe.
  2. In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water until fully combined.
  3. Heat the butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the egg mixture and cook without stirring for 1-2 minutes until set. Remove the egg from the skillet, cut into shreds, and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the vegetable oil. Heat the oil and then add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  5. Stir in the cold rice, chopped chicken, soy sauce, and black pepper. Continue to cook and stir for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Finally, return the shredded egg to the skillet and mix it into the rice. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooks Note

You can add any diced vegetables you like, such as carrots or bell peppers, along with the onion to enhance color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 255
Total Fat 10g (13% DV)
Saturated Fat 3g (17% DV)
Cholesterol 83mg (28% DV)
Sodium 516mg (22% DV)
Total Carbohydrate 26g (9% DV)
Dietary Fiber 1g (4% DV)
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 14g (28% DV)
Vitamin C 2mg (2% DV)
Calcium 31mg (2% DV)
Iron 2mg (11% DV)
Potassium 172mg (4% DV)

Note: The % Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Chicken fried rice is a beloved dish that has been enjoyed across the globe for many years. Though its origins are often debated, the dish is most commonly associated with Chinese cuisine, specifically from the southern regions such as Guangdong and Shanghai. However, its widespread popularity has seen it evolve in different parts of Asia and beyond, incorporating various local ingredients and cooking techniques.

History of Chicken Fried Rice

The history of fried rice dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618907 AD) in China, where it was considered a practical and tasty way to use leftover rice. The dish was a simple meal made by stir-frying cold, leftover rice with vegetables, meat, and egg. Its popularity continued to grow, and by the 20th century, it had become a staple in many Chinese households, particularly as a fast, affordable, and delicious meal option. Chicken, as a versatile and affordable protein, was often added, further popularizing chicken fried rice.

Regional Variations

In Chinese cuisine, fried rice recipes vary greatly by region. In Guangdong, fried rice might include shrimp and barbecue pork along with chicken, while in the north of China, the use of darker soy sauce and stronger flavors is common. Other parts of Asia, such as Thailand and Japan, have their own fried rice variations, each with unique ingredients like basil or teriyaki sauce. The American version of chicken fried rice, often found in Chinese-American restaurants, tends to be sweeter, with a stronger presence of soy sauce and vegetables like peas and carrots.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While chicken fried rice shares similarities with other fried rice dishes, there are a few key differences. For example, Yangzhou fried rice, a famous Chinese variety, often contains shrimp, pork, and additional seasonings such as pickled vegetables, making it more complex in flavor. Another popular dish, Thai fried rice, incorporates fragrant jasmine rice, fish sauce, and often includes fresh herbs like cilantro and basil. The Americanized version, on the other hand, is typically simpler and emphasizes a rich soy sauce flavor with the comforting addition of egg.

Where to Serve Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice is a versatile dish and can be found in a variety of settings, from casual family dinners to fine dining. It is commonly served as a side dish in Chinese restaurants, often accompanying stir-fries or grilled meats. In some regions, its also a quick lunch or dinner option, perfect for using up leftover rice and chicken. It is also frequently featured in "buffet-style" Chinese restaurants, where customers can choose from a wide selection of stir-fried dishes. The dish's adaptability means it can be served in many different settings, from street food stalls in Asia to home kitchens worldwide.

Interesting Facts About Chicken Fried Rice

  • Chicken fried rice is often made using cold rice from the previous day. This is because the rice grains firm up in the fridge, preventing the dish from becoming mushy during cooking.
  • It is said that the creation of fried rice was largely due to frugality, as it allowed households to avoid wasting leftover rice by repurposing it into a new dish.
  • In addition to the common vegetables and chicken, various cultures have put their own spin on fried rice by adding unique ingredients. For example, in Malaysia, fried rice is often cooked with sambal (a chili paste), while in Indonesia, the dish might include fried shallots or even a fried egg on top.
  • The dish is not only a comfort food but also an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins when made with a variety of vegetables and lean meats like chicken.

Conclusion

Chicken fried rice is a timeless dish that combines practicality, flavor, and versatility. Whether youre enjoying it at a local restaurant or preparing it at home with your favorite ingredients, it offers a delicious and satisfying meal. With its simple yet satisfying flavor, its no wonder that chicken fried rice continues to be a global favorite!

FAQ about Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Yes, leftover rice works perfectly in this recipe. Cold rice is ideal as it helps prevent the dish from becoming too mushy and ensures better texture.

Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to help restore its moisture.

Yes, you can freeze fried rice for up to 1-2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and make sure to cool it down completely before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

You can add any vegetables you like, such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, or even leafy greens like spinach. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly with the rice.

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the chicken and substitute with tofu, extra vegetables, or tempeh for added protein.

If you're looking for a soy-free alternative, you can use tamari, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos. Each will provide a slightly different flavor, but they will all work well in this recipe.

To prevent sticky rice, ensure you're using cold, day-old rice if possible. Freshly cooked rice tends to be more sticky due to the moisture content. Also, make sure to fry the rice on medium-high heat to allow it to dry out a bit.

Yes, you can use a variety of oils depending on your preference. While vegetable oil is traditional, you can also use sesame oil for a more authentic flavor or olive oil for a lighter option.

You can use any cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover chicken from a previous meal. Just be sure to chop it into small, bite-sized pieces for easy mixing with the rice.

Yes, you can prepare the fried rice up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. However, fresh is always best, especially for the crispy texture.

Comments

khullander

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Excellent, easy recipe. I rinse the rice in cold water, so I don't have to wait. I also decreased the pepper because it's got a little too much zip.

mommyblock

03/14/2002 07:27:20 PM

Love this one! I used thawed frozen mixed vegis and added them after everything. Made for a very quick and easy recipe. I do recommend that you have everything chopped and ready to add before you actually start cooking as this cooks very quickly and leaves no time in between. My 3yo loves fried rice when we are out so this was an excellent dinner for her! And I could chop the vegis and chicken into bite sizes for her and not worry about her trying to stuff something too big into her mouth! And the rest of the family loves it just as well, even my super picky husband (who seems to never eat anythign I make! LOL)

jdog

12/02/2022 01:37:46 AM

Delicious! Took other reviewers recommendations to cook in sesame oil, add ginger, red pepper flakes, sliced water chestnuts, thawed peas, corn, green beans - what a treat!!

Jenny Sak

03/16/2024 10:02:30 PM

Excellent base recipe allowing you to add extras as desired. As others mentioned, I also used toasted sesame oil in place of vegetable oil, minced garlic, 2 eggs, red pepper flakes, scallions, a package of frozen stir fry vegetables in addition to the onion in recipe. Kikkoman makes a nice stir fry sauce (which is definitely cheating), but finished it nicely. I appreciated having this recipe to start the process!

Anneke Bos

02/06/2020 09:23:30 PM

Ok, here are my changes, I took 3 slices of chopped bacon, fried those removed them from the wok and scrambled 2 eggs and removed them , then added my veggies, and meat, and then the rice , added only put in 1 TBSP soy sauce, then added 1 TBSP Oyster beef sauce, stirred to combine. Now I did add pepper, but to cut down on the calories for rice I added 1 cup cauliflower minced to 1 cup rice. added a total of 3 cups each. Yummy.

Jimijoe43

02/11/2021 10:24:37 AM

Very good recipe. Just looking at the ingredients and I see this recipe might need some flavoring. I added a chopped green pepper and added that to the onions to saute. I also added 2 tspns of red pepper paste while I cooked my chicken, then used that pan to cook the eggs. Also used that pan for the rest of the recipe. I added 2 cloves of garlic, sliced thin, and finely chopped about 1 tspn of ginger, adding them to the sauteing onion and pepper. At end of recipe I added steamed broccoli.

chris g

02/22/2019 12:45:23 AM

Excellent recipe. I made it tonight. I didn’t add pepper, just a few grinds of a pepper mill (fresh) pepper. I did cook rice earlier in day and out in fridge, used 2 lg minced cloves of garlic. I followed recipe but added chopped celery & carrots, frozen peas, and zucchini quartered. I had cooked chicken premade. I did chop and prep everything first. I used organic tamari ( reduced sodium soy sauce). I made dinner but had doubled the rice so I reserved some onion & garlic and after dinner I fried onion & garlic in oil ( I used extra light tasting olive oil), added 1 tbsp Tamari after translucent, then added chilled extra serving of rice. Once fried and well blended then added to leftovers of chicken/egg/vegetable fried rice batch. I simply didn’t have room in my sauté pan as I made 4 cups of rice. I loved this recipe and it’s flexibility. I have winged my own version in past but none tasted this good. In past I added sesame oil but I think it is not needed as this tasted wonderful!

Sandiener

07/16/2019 12:57:51 AM

First, thanks to everyone who told me to use cold rice, I spread mine on a plate and cooled it in the fridge and it came out great. Had some teriyaki marinated thin chicken breast to use so this was a perfect fit, I cooked them off first and chopped, then I started with a bit of butter and cooked white end of scallions and mushrooms before adding rice, drizzled it with some sesame oil. Add my precooked, chopped chicken, thawed carrots&peas a bit of oyster sauce and soy. Moved all off to the side of skillet and put in a bit butter to scramble the eggs. Mix it in and you have yummy dinner that hubby loved. I served mine with Chungs egg rolls from the freezer section. This was so much better than ordering out bc it was a very quick dinner and I could control how much oil/fat went into it

Erik Kozman

09/03/2024 10:11:45 PM

My wife and I loved this dish and will do it again. It had great flavors and I feel it's better than takeout. However, I followed the video as some of the written instructions did not make sense to me. I used a large skillet on high heat and spread the rice out and got a great result with regards to the crispy rice. I cooked it by adding frozen peas and carrots, plus canned bean sprouts. I used two eggs in this recipe. Great dish for fried rice or any other protein. Thanks for the recipe!

Paige Baley

05/08/2019 01:14:16 AM

I made this tonight for dinner and served it with chicken pot stickers and egg rolls. We liked it, but felt there was a bit too much pepper. We will make this again, but cut the pepper in half (1/2tsp). We also felt that we could add one more cup of rice (no need to reduce pepper if this is added). I did add an additional egg and water and added some frozen peas and carrots and a 1/4 cup green onion, plus a handful of mung beansprouts, which we cooked together with the softened onion prior to adding in the rice and other ingredients. The flavor was nice, but doesn't taste like a restaurant's fried rice. Maybe add more soy sauce next time?

Barbara

02/20/2019 03:20:35 PM

Oh my, this turned out so delicious! I did add 1 red bell pepper instead of green pepper diced, half of a jalapeno pepper sliced, green onions & fresh basil. I also used fresh carrots, & fresh celery that I sauteed in 2 Tsp of butter and 1Tsp of Oyster sauce ( as suggested by another review. I added snow peas that last. Yummy! Wish I had doubled it! There is a lot of prep work, slicing, dicing veggies. Fresh veggies are always best! My fiance loved it!

Jeffcjcm

09/05/2025 12:04:55 AM

Great, easy to follow recipe that comes together quickly in one pan. My family loves it. I added frozen peas and carrots tfor some added color and flavor at the same time I added the rice. Really great!

Jeanne Polk

09/03/2025 10:35:52 PM

Very versatile! I add mixed veggies or my personal favorite) fresh spinach added at the end (to wilt)! One of my ‘go tos’!

Gary Miller

07/04/2025 02:13:01 PM

Can’t believe how good it turned out.

Kathryn

05/23/2025 07:48:10 PM

Very quick and easy. I pretty much stuck to the recipe, just added frozen peas; but I can see where you add any of your favorite veggies. Will cut back the recipe next time. It makes enough to feed the neighbourhood. LOL

FairOil9114

05/21/2025 11:03:00 PM

I added some fresh ginger and garlic for a little more pep. It was fast, easy, and delicious as an after work dinner.

Eileen Benson Venturi

05/21/2025 10:18:14 PM

Good base for recipe. I added peppers, edamame, extra chicken broth instead of water, extra soy sauce, sesame seeds and coconut ginger rice staff of white. I would let the rice cool off on a plate after I cooked it though or make it a day before. I also added some red pepper flakes and cashews at the end! Very good!

janmauss

05/21/2025 05:28:27 PM

Amazing how many 5 star reviewers made significant changes to the recipe--so how would they have rated this had they followed the recipe exactly. Looks to me as though this is just a starter recipe! I made changes, too--primarily by adding veggies in addition to the chopped onion. I always have a good variety either as leftovers, frozen, or fresh in my crisper. I've made this a couple of times--once adding some shaved fresh carrot, and about a cup of leftover broccoli. A second time I added a cup of sauteed sliced mushrooms, a handful of leftover green beans, and about half a cup of diced red pepper. You get the idea--this recipe is a good starting point, but pretty bland and colorless by itself.

Bill W

05/21/2025 01:47:24 PM

Bland and unimaginative.

Sarah Rodriguez

05/13/2025 07:31:54 PM

Made it while my toddler napped — easy and quick!