One pan, no fuss, and full of flavor; this chicken fried rice is a fast, budget-friendly meal you’ll want to make on repeat.
Published: February 2, 2025 by Lea
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When I need a quick, satisfying meal, chicken fried rice is always a great choice. It’s easy to make, comes together in one pan, and uses simple ingredients I always have on hand.
One of my go-to meals when my son has friends over; I don’t like ordering takeout that much, so I prefer cooking something at home that’s just as tasty. This recipe is perfect because it’s quick, filling, and only takes a few minutes to be ready. It has that takeout feel, so the kids love the idea, and I love that it’s homemade, packed with protein and veggies, and way more budget-friendly.
What you need to make Chicken Fried Rice:
- Cooked Rice
- Chicken Breast
- Onion
- Garlic Cloves
- Minced Ginger
- Mixed Vegetables (Thawed frozen vegetables)
- Eggs
- Soy Sauce
- Sesame Oil
- Salt & Pepper
- Vegetable Oil
- Green Onions for garnishing (Optional)
Measurements are posted in the recipe card below the instructions.
Steps to Make Chicken Fried Rice
- Peel a piece of fresh ginger by using a spoon to scrape off the skin. Then, grate it or mince it into tiny pieces. Do the same with the garlic (peel the cloves, then finely chop or mince them).
- Chop your onion into small pieces.
- Cut the chicken breast into small bite-sized cubes.
- Heat some vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken.
- Season with salt and pepper, then toss it around so it cooks evenly. Let it cook until the chicken is fully cooked through. This should take a few minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for later.
- In the same pan, add the chopped onions. Stir them around and let them cook until they turn golden and soft.
- Once the onions are golden, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir for a couple of seconds then add your vegetables. Stir everything together and let the veggies cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Make some space in the middle of the pan and crack in two eggs (you can also crack the eggs and lightly whisk them in a bowl before adding them to the pan). Let them sit for a few seconds, then start stirring, breaking them up as they cook. Once the eggs are fully scrambled, mix them with the veggies.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir everything together.
- Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps as you stir. Add the soy sauce and the sesame oil (for more flavor, add 1 tbsp oyster sauce if you have any), then mix everything together until the rice is combined with all the other ingredients and heated through.
Can I use fresh rice for chicken fried rice?
For the best texture, it’s best to use one-day-old rice. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps prevent clumping and keeps the fried rice light and fluffy.
Can I make chicken fried rice without eggs?
Yes! If you prefer, you can skip the eggs, and the fried rice will still turn out delicious.
Can I use something other than chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version. You can also make this recipe without chicken and it’ll simply be fried rice.
If you tried this recipe, be sure to leave a rating and share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear your feedback!
Chicken Fried Rice (One Pan)
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Cooked Rice
- 1 Chicken Breast
- 1 Medium Onion
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 2 tsp Minced Ginger Fresh
- 1 1/2 Cups Mixed Vegetables (Carrots, peas, corn…)
- 2 Eggs
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Salt & Pepper (to season the chicken)
- 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
- Green Onions for Garnishing Optional
Instructions
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Peel and mince the ginger, mince the garlic, chop the onion, and dice the chicken into small cubes.
- In a pan (medium to high heat), heat vegetable oil and add the chicken. Season with salt and pepper, cook until fully done, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onions until golden, then stir in the garlic and ginger. After a few seconds, add the vegetables and cook until they start to soften.
- Make space in the center of the pan, crack in the eggs, and scramble them. Once cooked, mix with the vegetables and add the chicken back in.
- Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well until everything is combined and heated through. Serve with green onions if desired.
Notes
- Nutrition info is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. For the most accurate details, consider using a nutrition tool or checking our full Nutrition Information Disclaimer.
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