What ingredients do I need to make chicken fried rice at home?

To make chicken fried rice, you’ll need cooked rice (preferably day-old), boneless chicken breasts or thighs, eggs, frozen peas and carrots, green onions, garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, and cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil. Using brown rice is a healthier choice. These ingredients combine to create a flavorful, balanced dish that’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

How do I cook chicken fried rice step-by-step?

Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook diced chicken until fully cooked and set aside. In the same pan, cook garlic, peas, carrots, and green onions until tender. Push veggies to the side, scramble eggs in the center, then mix with the vegetables. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce, returning the chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together until heated through. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Can I make chicken fried rice with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice?

Yes, cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative. Use grated or store-bought cauliflower rice and stir-fry it briefly until tender before combining with cooked chicken, vegetables, and eggs. Because cauliflower rice cooks faster than regular rice, adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid sogginess. This swap reduces carbs and calories while keeping the recipe flavorful.

Is chicken fried rice a healthy meal option?

Chicken fried rice can be healthy when prepared with whole grains and lean protein. Using brown rice instead of white rice increases fiber and nutrients. Choosing low-sodium soy sauce lowers salt content, and including plenty of vegetables boosts vitamins and minerals. Opting for chicken breast or thighs provides high-quality protein without excessive fat. Portion control also helps keep it balanced.

Can I use different proteins like shrimp or ham in chicken fried rice?

Absolutely. Shrimp cooks quickly (about 1 minute per side) and makes a tasty variation. Use small shrimp for even cooking. Ham is also a popular option—add about 1 ½ cups of diced ham and heat it through since it’s pre-cooked. Adjust cooking times based on the protein choice to ensure everything is heated safely and evenly.

Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Ready In 20 Minutes

Name: Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: – 3 cups cooked long-grain brown rice; – 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts; – 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil; – 1 Tbsp canola oil; – 1 1/3 cups frozen peas and carrots blend; – 3 green onions; – 2 cloves garlic; – 2 to 3 eggs; – 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; – Sriracha for serving

Ingredients

– 3 cups cooked long-grain brown rice

– 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts

– 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

– 1 Tbsp canola oil

– 1 1/3 cups frozen peas and carrots blend

– 3 green onions

– 2 cloves garlic

– 2 to 3 eggs

– 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

– Sriracha for serving

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Instructions

1-First, heat 1 1/2 tsp of the toasted sesame oil and 1 1/2 tsp of the canola oil in a large non-stick wok or skillet over medium-high heat.

2-Add the diced chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté until cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.

3-Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the remaining toasted sesame oil and canola oil, then toss in the frozen peas and carrots blend and chopped green onions; sauté for 1 minute.

4-Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute longer. Push the vegetables to the edges of the pan and add the eggs to the center, scrambling until just set.

5-Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked rice and low-sodium soy sauce. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6-Serve warm, with optional Sriracha for a spicy kick. This easy weeknight chicken fried rice recipe comes together in about 25 minutes total.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍚 Day-old brown rice provides the best texture for fried rice.
🍗 Substitute chicken with pork or tofu for variety.
🥕 Using frozen peas and carrots saves preparation time.
🥚 Scramble eggs only until just set to maintain softness.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving