The Ultimate Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe: Better Than Takeout, Made at Home

Craving the comforting flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout but want to enjoy it fresh in your own kitchen? Look no further! This homemade chicken fried rice recipe delivers an incredibly delicious, satisfying meal packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and fluffy scrambled eggs. It’s so easy to prepare, you’ll be amazed it comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for any busy weeknight.

Forget bland or clumpy fried rice; I’ve finally unlocked the secret to a truly exceptional homemade version! While it might not replicate every authentic detail of a restaurant-style dish, this recipe is just as tasty, quick, and remarkably easy to make. Best of all, it requires no special equipment – just a good skillet or wok – and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore. Its versatility also means you can easily adapt it to your preferences, swapping proteins or adding different veggies.

This recipe is proudly sponsored by Go Bold with Butter.

Why Make Chicken Fried Rice at Home?

There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of chicken fried rice from scratch. Firstly, it offers unparalleled freshness; you control the quality and quantity of every ingredient. No more questionable oil or excessive salt! Secondly, it’s incredibly economical. Using up leftover rice and whatever vegetables you have on hand makes it a budget-friendly meal that minimizes food waste. Thirdly, the satisfaction of creating a dish this flavorful and vibrant in your own kitchen is immense. It’s a quick, customizable, and delicious way to bring a touch of restaurant magic home, tailor-made to your family’s tastes.

The Secret Ingredient: The Magic of Butter in Fried Rice

While butter might not be a traditional ingredient in many authentic Asian fried rice recipes, its inclusion in this dish is a game-changer. It introduces a distinct rich, nutty, and savory flavor that elevates the entire profile of the fried rice. Beyond taste, butter plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture. It helps in browning the chicken and vegetables, creating those desirable caramelized bits that add depth. When frying the rice, butter coats each grain, preventing stickiness and promoting a slightly crispy, fluffy outcome. If you’ve ever found your homemade fried rice lacking that “something extra” or tasting a bit bland, butter is the secret weapon you’ve been searching for. It transforms an ordinary dish into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken Fried Rice

To embark on this delightful culinary journey, gather these simple yet essential ingredients. The full, detailed recipe with exact measurements is available below in the recipe card, but here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to create this fantastic dish:

• Salted butter: Our star ingredient, divided for different cooking stages, adding richness and flavor.
• Sesame oil: For that essential aromatic, nutty, and authentic fried rice flavor.
• Boneless chicken breast: Lean protein, chopped into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
• Eggs: Whisked and scrambled to add texture and a savory component.
• Carrots: Diced small for quick softening and a pop of color and sweetness.
• Peas: Frozen peas are perfect here, adding bright green and a subtle sweetness without needing to thaw.
• Green onions (scallions): Separated into whites/light greens for sautéing and bright green tops for garnish and freshness.
• Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with its pungent, savory aroma.
• Cooked long grain rice: Cold, day-old rice is ideal for preventing mushiness and achieving crispy grains.
• Soy sauce: The primary seasoning, providing umami and salinity.
• Oyster sauce: Adds a complex, slightly sweet, and savory depth to the sauce.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning individual components as they cook, building layers of flavor.

Step-by-Step: How to Craft Your Chicken Fried Rice

While there are several hands-on steps involved in making this dish, the key to its speedy preparation is efficient mise en place – having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Once everything is chopped and measured, this recipe is incredibly easy and comes together in less than 20 minutes of active cooking time. Let’s walk through it:

Prep Work: The Key to Speed

Before you even turn on the stove, ensure your chicken is chopped, eggs are whisked, carrots are diced, peas are ready, green onions are sliced (whites separated from green tops), garlic is minced, and most importantly, your rice is cooked and cold. Cold, day-old rice is crucial for preventing a mushy texture, as it’s drier and won’t steam as much in the pan. Fluff it with a fork to break up any clumps before you start.

Step 1: Perfectly Browned Chicken

Begin by melting a portion of your salted butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your chopped chicken pieces. Season them generously with a pinch of salt. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center. This browning adds a fantastic depth of flavor. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside in a bowl.

Step 2: Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

Add a little more butter to the same hot pan. Pour in your whisked eggs and season them lightly with salt. Stir frequently as they cook for just a few minutes, aiming for soft, fluffy scrambled eggs. Overcooked, rubbery eggs are a no-go for fried rice! Once they’re just set, remove them from the pan and add them to the bowl with the cooked chicken.

Step 3: Sautéing Vibrant Vegetables

Melt another small amount of butter in the pan and add the sesame oil. Once heated, toss in your diced carrots, peas (no need to thaw frozen peas!), and the white and light green parts of your sliced scallions. Season with a touch of salt. Sauté for a few minutes until the carrots begin to soften, maintaining a slight crunch. During the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic and stir constantly until fragrant – be careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Frying the Rice to Perfection

Now for the main event! Add the remaining butter to the pan and increase the heat slightly. Introduce your cold, pre-fluffed rice. Stir constantly, ensuring every grain is coated in the butter and absorbing the flavors from the pan. If you prefer a slightly crispier fried rice texture, allow the rice to sit undisturbed for short intervals (15-30 seconds) between stirs to develop a golden crust at the bottom of the pan. As you stir, make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom – this is where all the concentrated flavor lives! Continue this process for 1-2 minutes until the rice is thoroughly heated through and lightly toasted.

Step 5: Infusing with Flavorful Sauces

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Pour this savory mixture evenly over the heated rice in the pan. Stir vigorously until the sauces are fully and evenly incorporated, coating every grain of rice with their rich flavor. This step happens quickly, so be prepared to stir well.

Step 6: Bringing It All Together

Immediately return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan. Add the bright green tops of the scallions. Toss everything together for another minute or two, ensuring all components are well combined and reheated. The scallion greens add a fresh, pungent finish.

Serve your glorious homemade chicken fried rice immediately, and prepare for a symphony of flavors!

Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Fried Rice

Achieving restaurant-quality fried rice at home is simpler than you think, especially with these insider tips:

• Use Cold, Day-Old Rice: This is arguably the most critical tip. Freshly cooked, warm rice has too much moisture, which leads to mushy, clumpy fried rice. Cook your long-grain rice a day ahead and refrigerate it. The chilling process dries out the grains slightly, making them perfect for frying and ensuring a fluffy, separate texture. If you want to master rice, check out my post on how to make perfect steamed rice.
• Season in Layers: Don’t just rely on the final sauce. Salting the chicken, eggs, and vegetables individually as they cook ensures that each component is flavorful on its own, contributing to a rich, well-balanced final dish rather than a bland one.
• High Heat is Your Friend: Fried rice needs to be cooked quickly over high heat to achieve that signature “wok hei” (breath of the wok) flavor and prevent ingredients from steaming instead of frying. Ensure your pan or wok is thoroughly heated before adding ingredients.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches if necessary, or using a large enough pan, prevents overcrowding. An overcrowded pan lowers the temperature, steaming the ingredients instead of frying them, resulting in a less desirable texture.
• Toasted Sesame Oil for Max Flavor: Opt for toasted sesame oil over plain sesame oil. Toasted sesame oil has a much stronger, nuttier flavor that truly enhances the Asian profile of the dish. Add it towards the end or with the veggies to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Invest in a Wok (If You Can): While a large skillet works perfectly fine, a wok’s sloped sides and large surface area are ideal for stir-frying. They distribute heat evenly and allow for easy tossing, which helps cook everything quickly and prevents sticking.
• Customize with Protein: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp, thinly sliced beef, pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Cook any protein separately first and then add back at the end.
• Experiment with Veggies: Don’t be limited to carrots and peas. Broccoli florets, bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, or snap peas make excellent additions. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even cooking.
• Leftover Storage: Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat fried rice in a skillet over medium-high heat with a tiny bit of oil or butter, stirring frequently until heated through. This helps maintain a good texture.
• Deep Dive into Authenticity: If you’re keen to explore the nuances of truly authentic Chinese fried rice, I highly recommend this insightful and educational post by Taste Asian Food.

Customizing Your Fried Rice: Endless Possibilities

One of the best aspects of homemade fried rice is its adaptability. This recipe provides a fantastic foundation, but don’t hesitate to make it your own! As mentioned, you can easily substitute the chicken with other proteins like succulent shrimp, tender beef, or even plant-based options such as tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian meal. If you opt for tofu, press it thoroughly to remove excess water before cubing and frying until golden and crisp.

Beyond protein, the vegetable possibilities are endless. Consider adding chopped bell peppers for a vibrant crunch, thinly sliced mushrooms for an earthy depth, or corn for a touch of sweetness. A handful of fresh bean sprouts tossed in at the very end will add a delightful crispness. For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha can be stirred in with the sauces. You can also play with different types of rice – brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and more fiber, though it might require slightly longer frying time.

Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to your taste preferences. If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium soy sauce. This recipe truly is a canvas for your culinary creativity!

Shop Tools for This Recipe

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience. Here are some essentials that will help you prepare this delicious chicken fried rice with ease:

Disclosure: This recipe was created in partnership with Go Bold With Butter. Thank you for supporting partnerships with brands I love and believe in, which make Completely Delicious possible. All opinions are always 100% my own. To learn more about Go Bold With Butter, you can visit their website here. You can also find them on facebook, instagram, and pinterest.