If you’re searching for a comforting yet exciting weeknight meal, this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe will absolutely win your heart and taste buds. It’s packed with tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and an umami-rich sauce that pulls everything together into a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cleaning out your fridge or cooking from scratch, this dish is a fabulous way to create a colorful, satisfying dinner that feels both indulgent and homey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly to deliver maximum flavor and texture. Each component plays its role, whether it’s the juicy chicken, fragrant ginger, or the satisfying bite of vegetables and rice.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a deep, savory umami flavor that enriches the entire dish.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the flavors without overpowering.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Provide a gentle spicy kick to awaken the palate.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing all the spices and sauce.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken to perfection.
- Vegetable oil: Great for cooking with a neutral flavor and good heat tolerance.
- Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Shiitake mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, enhancing the texture and flavor complexity.
- Diced carrots: Bring color, sweetness, and a slight crunch.
- Minced garlic: Offers a fragrant punch that complements the ginger beautifully.
- Freshly grated ginger: Adds warmth and zestiness to balance the richness.
- Frozen green peas: Quick to add and provide bursts of color and sweetness.
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that is signature in Asian-style fried rice.
- Leftover white or brown rice: The base ingredient; day-old rice works best for texture.
- Beaten large eggs: Create fluffy pockets of protein within the dish.
- Thinly sliced green onions: Fresh, crisp garnish that brightens every bite.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Final touch for a subtle crunch and extra nuttiness.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by whisking together oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This sauce will be your flavor powerhouse, delivering just the right balance of savory, tangy, and spicy notes that complement the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Season your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken in batches. Let it get a beautiful golden brown crust, which should take around 7 to 8 minutes, then set it aside to rest. This ensures each piece is juicy on the inside but with that irresistible sear on the outside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in your diced onion, chopped shiitake mushrooms, and diced carrots. Cook these until they become tender, about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing their natural sweetness to develop as they soften. This step is all about layering flavors and building the base for your fried rice.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger
Once your vegetables are soft, stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Cook them briefly, just around a minute until fragrant, so that their vibrant aromatics release and enhance the entire dish with warmth and depth.
Step 5: Stir in Green Peas
Add your frozen green peas and cook until heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes. The peas bring a pop of color and sweet bursts that brighten each mouthful of the fried rice.
Step 6: Cook the Rice
Heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil together with the toasted sesame oil over medium-high heat. Spread your leftover rice in an even layer across the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes. Then carefully flip it and cook for another 2 minutes. This technique crisps up the edges of the rice and gives you that delightful texture that defines a great fried rice.
Step 7: Make Egg Fried Rice
Push the cooked rice to one side of the skillet, and pour your beaten eggs into the empty side. Stir constantly to scramble the eggs until they’re thickened and there’s no visible liquid left, about 2 to 3 minutes. These fluffy eggs will mingle with the rice, adding creaminess and extra protein to the dish.
Step 8: Combine All Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables to the skillet along with the oyster sauce mixture. Stir everything well to combine, then cook together for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. This final stage lets the layers of flavor mingle and saturate each bite, ensuring every mouthful is packed with savory goodness.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds is all you need to finish off your fried rice beautifully. They add a pop of freshness plus a subtle crunch that your taste buds will wholeheartedly appreciate with every bite.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is fantastic as a stand-alone meal but pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed dumplings, a simple cucumber salad, or even a bowl of hot miso soup. These sides complement the main dish without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the fried rice in crisp lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld bite or plate it in edible pineapple bowls for a tropical flair that wows at any gathering. These presentation ideas elevate a classic dish to something special and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chicken Fried Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to continue developing and makes for a quick, delicious reheated meal anytime.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your leftover fried rice in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 1 month. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated fried rice gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture if needed. Stir often to heat evenly, ensuring every bite is just as delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful, boneless chicken breasts can be used if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out quickly.
Is it okay to use freshly cooked rice instead of leftover rice?
Day-old or leftover rice works best because it’s dryer and less sticky, which helps achieve that perfect fried rice texture. If you use fresh rice, spread it out on a tray and cool it to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the chicken and substitute with tofu or extra vegetables. Use a vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce to maintain the savory depth without animal products.
How spicy is this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a mild kick—not overwhelming heat—so it’s perfect for most palates. You can adjust the amount up or down depending on how much spice you like.
What kind of rice is best for fried rice?
Long-grain white or brown rice works beautifully because they stay fluffy and don’t clump together. Leftover rice that has been chilled overnight is ideal for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe has all the elements that make a dish truly delightful: it’s quick, versatile, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Once you try this easy and tasty recipe, you’ll find it becoming a beloved staple in your cooking rotation. Go ahead, treat yourself to this fabulous meal—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Chicken Fried Rice recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying meal using tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and fragrant seasonings. Cooked in a cast iron skillet, the dish combines a savory sauce with perfectly cooked rice and eggs for a delicious homemade take on a classic Asian favorite. Ready in just 35 minutes, it makes a quick and wholesome dinner option for the whole family.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/3 cup oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (3.5-ounce) package shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 cup frozen green peas
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
Rice & Eggs
- 4 cups leftover white or brown rice
- 3 large eggs, beaten
Garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes to create a flavorful sauce base for the fried rice.
- Season the chicken: Pat the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces dry and season them generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, searing each piece until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, chopped shiitake mushrooms, and diced carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute, to enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor.
- Add green peas: Mix in the frozen green peas and continue cooking until they are heated through, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Cook the rice: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and the toasted sesame oil to the pan. Spread the leftover rice in an even layer and let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. Flip the rice to cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes to get a slight crisp.
- Make egg fried rice: Push the rice to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Stir frequently, cooking until the eggs are thickened and no liquid remains, about 2-3 minutes, incorporating the eggs with the rice as they cook.
- Combine ingredients: Stir the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and the oyster sauce mixture into the rice and eggs. Cook together for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken fried rice to serving dishes and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Using leftover rice is best for fried rice as it’s drier and prevents clumping.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for variety.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute oyster sauce with gluten-free tamari.
