Homemade Chicken Fried Rice

Name: Homemade Chicken Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old); 1 cup cooked chicken, diced; 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 green onions, sliced; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Smart Quick Meals Ideas

I absolutely love making Homemade Chicken Fried Rice—it’s both comforting and quick to prepare! With just a handful of ingredients, I can turn leftover rice and chicken into a flavorful meal that my whole family enjoys. The beauty of this dish is its versatility; I can toss in whatever veggies I have on hand, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser, and I find myself making it at least once a week!

Created by

Genevieve Porter

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:31:36.368Z

When I first tried making chicken fried rice at home, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple it was! I learned that using day-old rice gives the best texture—it helps to prevent that mushy consistency you sometimes get when using freshly cooked rice. I often marinate my chicken in soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking, which gives an additional depth of flavor that I absolutely love.

One of my best discoveries was adding a splash of oyster sauce towards the end of cooking; it really elevates the dish! This recipe allows for creativity, as I often swap in seasonal vegetables or even add a fried egg to the mix for richness. Each time I make it, I try something new!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick and easy meal that's ready in just 25 minutes
Flavor-packed with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger
Versatile—use whatever protein or vegetables you have on hand

Mastering the Rice

The type of rice you use can significantly impact the texture of your chicken fried rice. Day-old rice is ideal because the grains are firmer and less sticky, preventing the dish from becoming mushy. If you don't have day-old rice, cook your rice, spread it out on a baking sheet, and let it cool for about 30 minutes to help dry it out before using it in this recipe.

When you add the rice to the skillet, make sure to break up any clumps gently. This will help each grain get coated in the sauce. If the rice starts to stick, a little more sesame oil can help to keep everything moving smoothly. Aim for a slight sizzle when you stir; this indicates that you’re achieving the slightly crispy texture that elevates the dish.

The Art of Stir-Frying

High heat is crucial when stir-frying, as it cooks the ingredients quickly without steaming them. Make sure your pan or wok is preheated properly. To test if the oil is hot enough for cooking, add a drop of water; if it sizzles immediately, you're ready. Stir-frying shouldn't take long—generally around 5-7 minutes—so have all your ingredients prepped and within reach, as timing is key.

Keep the food moving in the pan, using a spatula to flip and toss the ingredients continuously. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning. If you're working in batches due to volume, be careful not to overcrowd the pan; this will lead to steaming instead of delicious, crispy fried rice.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious meal:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
1 cup cooked chicken, diced
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 green onions, sliced
2 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready for a smooth cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your homemade chicken fried rice:

Prepare Ingredients

Start by chopping your cooked chicken, green onions, and mincing the garlic and ginger. If you haven't done so already, take your rice out of the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature.

Cook the Eggs

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Stir-Fry Vegetables

In the same pan, add more sesame oil if necessary, then sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add the frozen peas and carrots, stir-frying for about 3 minutes, until heated through.

Add Rice and Chicken

Add the day-old rice and diced chicken to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring well to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring everything is heated evenly.

Finish the Dish

Finally, return the scrambled eggs to the pan along with sliced green onions. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!

Enjoy your homemade chicken fried rice, perfect for any meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Leftover rice works best, and for added crunch, try adding some chopped bell peppers or cashews.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of soy sauce or want a gluten-free option, tamari works as a great substitute. Additionally, for a different flavor complexity, try using teriyaki sauce or coconut aminos. You can also experiment with different proteins; shrimp, tofu, or even a mix of whatever leftover meats you have on hand will work wonderfully in this fried rice.

For the vegetables, feel free to switch out the peas and carrots for items like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. These substitutions will not only add different colors to the dish but also contribute unique textures and flavors. Just be mindful of cooking times, as harder vegetables like broccoli may need a minute or two longer to soften.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Chicken fried rice makes for excellent leftovers. To store, simply cool the fried rice and transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in portioned containers. It will last for about three months, making it a time-saver for busy evenings.

Reheating fried rice can be tricky if done incorrectly. For the best results, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the rice. Stir frequently and cover the pan for a few minutes to trap steam, ensuring it heats evenly and doesn’t dry out. Microwave reheating is possible, but may lead to uneven warmth, so do so in short bursts and stir periodically.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old?

Yes, but be sure to cool it down completely and consider spreading it out to prevent clumping.

→ What vegetables can I add?

You can add whatever you like! Bell peppers, broccoli, and corn are great options.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This fried rice can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats well.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken or replace it with tofu, and ensure your sauces are vegetarian-friendly.