Traditional Chicken Fried Rice

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Traditional Chicken Fried Rice is a weeknight staple that transforms leftover rice into a flavorful, satisfying dish. It's quick to make, packed with protein and veggies, and perfect for those craving a taste of takeout at home.

Ingredients for Traditional Chicken Fried Rice

The heart of the dish is the chicken breast, providing lean protein that becomes tender and flavorful when stir-fried. The mix of frozen peas and carrots adds color and a slight sweetness, while green onions offer a mild, fresh onion flavor. Garlic brings depth and aroma, crucial for the overall flavor profile. Cooked white rice, preferably chilled, ensures that the grains remain separate and don’t turn mushy. The eggs add richness and a touch of creaminess. Soy sauce and oyster sauce deliver the savory, umami punch, while the sesame oil provides a nutty finish. Finally, adjust with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the dish's flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use day-old rice for the best texture; fresh rice can be too moist and clump together.
  • Pre-chop all ingredients before starting to make the cooking process smoother.
  • If you prefer a smoky flavor, increase the heat slightly when stir-frying the rice.

Serving Suggestions

This fried rice pairs wonderfully with a light Asian cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some spring rolls or dumplings. If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of kimchi adds a spicy, tangy kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber, just ensure it's cooked and chilled before using.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Feel free to substitute with shrimp, tofu, or even leftover pork or beef.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and add more vegetables or tofu for protein. Ensure your sauces are vegetarian-friendly too.

Traditional Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, stir-frying until it’s fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the peas, carrots, green onions, and garlic, sautéing them until they’re tender — this should take about 3 minutes. Push these veggies to one side of the skillet, making room for the eggs.

Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space, scrambling them until fully cooked. Once the eggs are ready, it’s time to bring it all together.

Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the chilled rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything well, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the sauces. Season with salt and pepper to taste, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.

Serve it hot, and if you like, sprinkle some extra green onions on top for added freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Perfect for using up leftovers or food prep extras.
  • Customizable with your favorite proteins and veggies.
  • Great balance of savory, umami, and a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
3 green onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups cooked white rice, chilled
2 eggs, beaten
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and stir-fry until fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and sauté the peas, carrots, green onions, and minced garlic until tender, about 3 minutes.
4. Push the vegetables to the side and pour the beaten eggs into the skillet. Scramble until fully cooked.
5. Add the chilled rice, cooked chicken, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet.
6. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the sauces.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

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