This Chicken Fried Rice recipe is the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal. Made with leftover rice, juicy chicken, scrambled eggs, and vegetables, this fried rice is packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice while getting a hearty, savory dish that’s better than takeout. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can add or substitute vegetables and proteins as needed!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 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)
• 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
• ½ cup frozen green peas
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 4 cups leftover white or brown rice
• 3 large eggs (beaten)
• 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches until golden brown, about 7-8 minutes per batch. Set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the diced onion, mushrooms, and carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender. Stir in garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute. Add the green peas and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Fry the Rice:
   Add the remaining vegetable oil and sesame oil to the skillet. Spread the rice in an even layer and cook for 2 minutes without stirring. Flip and spread the rice again, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Scramble the Eggs:
   Push the rice to one side of the skillet, add the beaten eggs to the empty side, and scramble until cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine:
   Stir in the cooked chicken, vegetables, and the oyster sauce mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the flavors blend.
7. Serve:
   Serve the fried rice immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutrients

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients used)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 220mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 500mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g
• Vitamin A: 3500 IU
• Vitamin C: 12mg
• Calcium: 80mg
• Iron: 4mg

Why Chicken Fried Rice is a Weeknight Winner

Chicken Fried Rice is an ideal dish for busy weeknights because it’s quick, easy, and customizable. You can make it using leftover rice, which not only saves time but also ensures the rice is slightly dried out, perfect for frying. The chicken thighs provide a juicy, flavorful base, while the vegetables add color, texture, and nutritional value. Plus, the addition of eggs makes the dish even more filling.

It’s also incredibly flexible—you can swap out chicken for other proteins like shrimp, beef, or tofu, and easily add or omit vegetables based on your preference or what’s available in your kitchen. It’s an all-in-one meal that satisfies and can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary restrictions.

How to Make Chicken Fried Rice

Making Chicken Fried Rice is simple and quick, and the result is a flavorful, satisfying dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious meal:

1. Prepare the Sauce

Start by making the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set it aside, as this will be added to the fried rice later for a burst of savory flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken pieces for about 7-8 minutes per batch, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion, shiitake mushrooms, and carrots. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Then, stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the frozen green peas and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

4. Fry the Rice

Add the remaining vegetable oil and sesame oil to the skillet. Spread the cooked rice evenly in the pan and let it cook for about 2 minutes without stirring to allow the rice to get crispy. After 2 minutes, flip the rice and spread it out again, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. This helps to crisp up the rice and gives it that characteristic fried texture.

5. Scramble the Eggs

Push the rice to one side of the skillet, creating an empty space. Add the beaten eggs to the empty side of the skillet and scramble them until fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Once the eggs are scrambled, mix them into the rice.

6. Combine the Ingredients

Stir in the cooked chicken, vegetables, and the oyster sauce mixture. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure the flavors blend together and the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.

7. Serve

Serve the Chicken Fried Rice immediately, garnished with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Why This Chicken Fried Rice is So Flavorful

The key to this Chicken Fried Rice’s deliciousness is the combination of rich ingredients—oyster sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar—creating a balanced and savory sauce that coats every grain of rice. The crispy rice, combined with juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and scrambled eggs, offers a satisfying contrast of textures in every bite.

The addition of garlic and ginger provides a fragrant base, while the sesame oil adds a depth of flavor that makes the dish taste truly authentic. The heat from the crushed red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering the dish, making it flavorful but not too spicy.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Fried Rice

Each serving of Chicken Fried Rice contains approximately 450 calories, making it a filling and hearty meal. The dish is rich in protein, offering 30 grams of protein per serving, primarily from the chicken and eggs. With 15 grams of fat, including 2 grams of saturated fat, it’s a moderate-fat dish that provides a good balance of nutrients.

The 60 grams of carbohydrates come from the rice and vegetables, with 4 grams of fiber helping to support digestion. The 4 grams of sugar come from natural sources like the vegetables, making it a balanced dish that doesn’t rely on added sugars. Additionally, the dish provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A (3500 IU) and vitamin C (12 mg), as well as calcium (80 mg) and iron (4 mg), supporting overall health.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways:

• With Extra Vegetables: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to increase the nutritional value and add more color to the dish.
• As a Main Course: Serve the fried rice on its own for a satisfying meal. Pair with a light soup or salad for a complete meal.
• With Additional Protein: If you prefer more protein, consider adding shrimp, beef, or tofu in place of the chicken, or even adding more eggs.
• With a Side of Kimchi or Pickles: For a tangy contrast, serve the fried rice with a side of kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect quick and easy meal that’s full of flavor and texture. With its savory sauce, tender chicken, and crispy rice, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. It’s also a great way to use up leftover rice while creating a hearty, satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and proteins for endless variations, and enjoy this delicious, homemade take on a classic dish. Whether served as a main course or a side, Chicken Fried Rice is a guaranteed hit!