Description
Skip the takeout and make this flavorful Chicken Fried Rice right at home! This quick and easy dinner recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with tender chicken, cold rice, colorful veggies, and perfectly scrambled eggs — all tossed in savory soy sauce and finished with a drizzle of sesame oil. Perfect for using leftovers and great for meal prep, this is one of the best easy dinner ideas you'll keep coming back to. Whether you're craving a healthy snack, need a quick lunch, or want simple food ideas for a busy weeknight, this chicken fried rice has you covered.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked cold white rice
1 cup cooked chicken breast or thighs, diced
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup frozen green peas
1 medium carrot, diced
2 green onions, sliced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (canola or vegetable)
Instructions
1. Prep all ingredients: dice the carrot, slice green onions, mince garlic, and beat the eggs.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Add a bit more oil to the pan if needed. Scramble the beaten eggs, then remove and set aside with the chicken.
4. Add garlic, diced carrots, and peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant.
5. Turn heat to high. Add cold rice, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir-fry until heated and slightly crisped.
6. Return chicken and eggs to the pan. Add soy sauce and stir well to combine everything evenly.
7. Stir in sliced green onions. Toss for another minute until everything is well mixed.
8. Turn off heat and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve hot.
Notes
Use only cold, day-old rice for the best texture — fresh rice will turn mushy.
Cook ingredients in batches to prevent steaming and to keep everything crisp.
Add sesame oil at the very end to preserve its nutty flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: easy recipe, chicken fried rice, quick dinner, takeout at home, healthy snack, fried rice