The Takeout Favorite Made Faster at Home
Chicken fried rice is one of those rare meals that everyone in the house agrees on. It’s savory, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make at home. With just a handful of ingredients and a hot skillet, you can recreate this takeout staple in under 30 minutes—no delivery tip required.
In 2024, searches for “easy fried rice” have surged as more families seek quick, budget-friendly meals using pantry and freezer staples. Stir-fry recipes like this one dominate Pinterest’s “Weeknight Meals” boards, thanks to their versatility, speed, and crowd-pleasing flavor.
Whether you’re trying to use up leftover rice or craving a healthier twist on fast food, this chicken fried rice delivers the perfect balance of taste and nutrition in one skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Rice
✅ Quick and Easy
Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup.
✅ Protein-Packed
Chicken adds lean protein while eggs and peas contribute even more.
✅ Budget-Friendly
Uses leftover rice and simple, affordable ingredients.
✅ Customizable
Toss in extra veggies, change the protein, or spice it up your way.
✅ Family Favorite
Kid-tested, grown-up approved, and easy to double for larger groups.
Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked white or brown rice (preferably cold) | 4 cups | Day-old rice gives the best texture |
| Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs | 1 lb, diced | Shrimp or tofu also work |
| Large eggs | 2 | Add an extra egg for richness |
| Frozen peas and carrots | 1½ cups | Any frozen veggie mix is fine |
| Onion, diced | ½ cup | Green onions also work |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 | 1 tsp garlic powder in a pinch |
| Soy sauce (low sodium) | ¼ cup | Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free |
| Sesame oil | 1 tsp | Adds authentic flavor; optional |
| Vegetable or avocado oil | 2 Tbsp | For stir-frying |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Adjust with soy sauce saltiness |
Add-in Ideas:
- Crushed red pepper or sriracha for heat
- Pineapple chunks for sweet-savory twist
- Cashews or peanuts for crunch
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Add another ½ Tbsp oil if needed. Crack the eggs directly into the skillet and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
Add the remaining ½ Tbsp oil to the skillet. Sauté onion and garlic for 1 minute. Add peas and carrots and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Push the veggies to one side and add the cold rice to the pan. Break up any clumps and let the rice fry for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to crisp up slightly.
Step 5: Combine & Season
Return the chicken and eggs to the skillet. Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over everything, tossing well to combine. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until hot and evenly coated.
Step 6: Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with chopped green onions, chili flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving – makes 4 large servings)
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425 |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in single-serving containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave or stir-fry with 1–2 tsp of water to restore moisture.
Recipe Variations
Vegetarian
Swap chicken for cubed tofu or edamame for a meatless meal.
Low-Carb
Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a keto-friendly version.
Extra Protein
Add shrimp or an extra egg for an additional boost.
Spicy
Mix in sambal oelek, crushed red pepper, or diced jalapeño for heat.
Teriyaki Twist
Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add chopped pineapple for a sweet-savory combo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
You can, but cold, day-old rice gives better texture. If using fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet and chill it for 15–20 minutes.
Can I make this with rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Dice and stir it in during the final few minutes of cooking.
Can I skip the egg?
Yes, but it adds both flavor and protein. You can substitute with tofu scramble or omit entirely.
Is it gluten-free?
It can be—just use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and check that all other ingredients are GF-certified.
Bring the Takeout Vibe Home – Share Your Skillet!
Snap a shot of your golden Chicken Fried Rice masterpiece and tag @YourFoodBlog with #HomemadeTakeout. We feature our favorite reader remakes every Friday!
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