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Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice

This quick and easy chicken fried rice is better than takeout! Made with simple ingredients and ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a flavorful and healthy dinner option that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Servings: 8
Calories: 200kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken cooked and shredded
  • 3 cups cooked rice cooled or leftover rice works best
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce adjust to taste
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions optional

Instructions

  • Preheat Skillet: Heat a medium skillet or wok over medium heat.
  • Sauté Vegetables: Add sesame oil, diced onion, and peas/carrots to the skillet. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
  • Cook the Eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side and scramble with a spatula until fully set.
  • Combine Ingredients: Mix the scrambled eggs with the cooked vegetables.
  • Add Rice and Chicken: Stir in the cooked rice and shredded chicken, mixing thoroughly with the egg and vegetable mixture.
  • Season with Soy Sauce: Drizzle the soy sauce over the mixture and stir until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce if needed.
  • Serve Warm: Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Rice Tip: Leftover or day-old rice works best because it’s less sticky and moist than freshly cooked rice.
Chicken Substitutes: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
Add-Ons: Customize the recipe by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli.
Make It Your Own: For extra flavor, toss in a dash of garlic powder, ginger, or sriracha.