Name: Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 onion (peeled and diced); 1 red bell pepper (deseeded and finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced); 115 g (2/3 cup) frozen peas; 1/2 bunch of spring onions/scallions (chopped); 250 g (2 cups) cooked shredded/sliced chicken; 2 eggs; 800 g (4 cups) boiled and cooled long-grain rice (approximately 1 1/3 cups or 300g dried rice before cooking); 2 tbsp oil (neutral oil such as avocado oil); 1/2 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1/4 tsp salt; Juice of 1/2 a lemon

If you’re on the hunt for something quick, delicious, and downright satisfying to whip up any night of the week, you’re going to absolutely love this Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and your belly with happy vibes. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or starting fresh, this recipe is straightforward, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome meal fast. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything to make sure your fried rice comes out just like you want it — fluffy, flavorful, and loaded with tasty bites of chicken and veggies.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So Quick and Easy: You can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes, which feels like a magic trick after a long day.
Uses Leftover Chicken Perfectly: Instead of wasting leftovers, this recipe transforms them into a star dish.
Bursting with Flavor: The combo of sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice gives it that irresistible balance of savory and zesty.
Family-Friendly: I’ve made this for my family multiple times, and everyone, kids included, always asks for seconds.

A close-up view of a white plate filled with fried rice, showing layers of light brown rice mixed with small pieces of white chicken, bright green chopped spring onions, and small orange-red peppers scattered throughout. The rice is lightly coated with red sauce drizzled on top, adding a glossy texture. In the background, there is a blurred white plate with more fried rice, placed on a white marbled surface. The overall colors are warm with green, red, and white contrasts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Fried Rice, quick chicken fried rice, homemade fried rice recipe, simple stir-fry chicken and rice, delicious chicken fried rice

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to give you a savory, colorful fried rice that’s perfect any time you want a filling meal that’s more exciting than ordinary rice dishes. You’ll find that using cooked, cooled rice really helps with the best texture.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of neutral avocado oil, a peeled and diced yellow onion, a finely chopped red bell pepper, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of fresh green frozen peas, a small pile of cooked shredded white chicken meat, a small white bowl of sesame oil, a neat mound of boiled and cooled long-grain rice, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small pinch of salt beside the bowls, half a fresh lemon cut with visible juice, and a small bunch of chopped spring onions arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Easy Chicken Fried Rice, quick chicken fried rice, homemade fried rice recipe, simple stir-fry chicken and rice, delicious chicken fried rice

Neutral oil (like avocado oil): It’s great for frying without overpowering the other flavors.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked until soft and translucent.
Red bell pepper: Brings a nice crunch and vibrant color.
Garlic: Minced for that punch of aromatic flavor everyone loves.
Frozen peas: Quick and easy way to add veggie goodness and pops of sweetness.
Cooked shredded or sliced chicken: Leftovers are perfect here to save time and reduce waste.
Sesame oil: That rich, nutty flavor that instantly makes your fried rice taste more authentic.
Boiled and cooled long-grain rice: Day-old rice works best to get that perfect fried texture without clumping.
Eggs: Scrambled into the rice for extra protein and texture.
Dark soy sauce: Gives the dish that savory umami boost and beautiful color.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the flavors.
Juice of half a lemon: Adds a fresh zing and brightens the whole bowl.
Spring onions (scallions): Chopped on top for freshness and a mild onion kick.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to tailor it to your taste or what’s in your pantry — that’s the best part about making fried rice at home!

Swap in different proteins: I’ve used shrimp, tofu, and even ham instead of chicken with great results — feel free to go bold or keep it simple.
Veggie overload: Toss in carrots, corn, or baby corn if you like a crunchier and more colorful plate.
Spicy kick: Add a little sriracha or chopped chili to crank up the heat if you enjoy that fiery hit.
Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Gently soften the onions

Heat 1 tablespoon of your neutral oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and stir frequently for about 5 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent — that gives a beautiful base flavor without browning too much. This is one of those steps I never skip because caramelized onions take the dish to the next level.

Step 2: Add the bell pepper, garlic, and peas

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then toss in the chopped red bell pepper, minced garlic, and frozen peas. Continue stirring frequently for another 2 minutes so the vegetables get tender but keep their texture and bright colors. The garlic should smell heavenly but not burnt, so keep the heat moderate.

Step 3: Mix in the chicken and sesame oil

Now stir in your cooked shredded chicken along with the half tablespoon of sesame oil. The sesame oil adds a subtle nuttiness that really brings authentic depth, so don’t skip it. Once combined, you’re ready to bring in the star ingredient—your perfectly cooked rice!

Step 4: Add the rice and crank up the heat

Throw in the cooled long-grain rice and turn the heat to high. Here’s a pro tip: use a spatula to gently toss everything together and keep the rice from sticking to the bottom — constant movement is key here. Keep stirring and tossing for about 5 minutes until the rice is heated through and starting to get a little wok hei (that smoky fried taste!).

Step 5: Scramble in the eggs

Push the rice mixture to one side of the wok. Crack the two eggs right into the empty space and drizzle a bit of soy sauce over them. Keep the egg side over the heat and stir slowly so the eggs start scrambling but stay slightly runny — this silky texture is my favorite part! Then, fold the eggs into the rice, blending everything together.

Step 6: Final seasoning and lemony finish

Add the rest of the soy sauce, sprinkle the salt evenly, and stir well. Finally, squeeze the juice from half a lemon over the fried rice, stir again, and taste — the brightness from the lemon really lifts all the savory flavors. If you want more zing, go ahead and add a little extra lemon juice. Serve topped with chopped spring onions for that fresh crunch.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Use Day-Old Rice: Fresh rice can clump; cooled rice from the day before helps keep each grain separate and perfect.
High Heat is Your Friend: Cooking on high helps create that classic fried rice texture without steaming the ingredients.
Don’t Skip the Lemon: That little citrus splash brightens the whole dish in a way you don’t expect but will want every time.
Scramble Eggs Separately in the Wok: Giving the eggs their own space prevents overcooking and keeps their texture silky and soft.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

A close-up view of a mound of fried rice on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: the bottom layer is white and slightly golden rice grains, the middle layer contains shredded light brown chicken pieces mixed with small green peas, and the top layer is scattered with bright green chopped spring onions and tiny red bell pepper bits. Wooden chopsticks rest diagonally at the back of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Fried Rice, quick chicken fried rice, homemade fried rice recipe, simple stir-fry chicken and rice, delicious chicken fried rice

Garnishes

I love topping my fried rice with plenty of fresh spring onions for crunch and freshness. Sometimes, I sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra nutty touch. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of sriracha or a few cilantro leaves can elevate it beautifully — and hey, it’s your kitchen, go wild!

Side Dishes

This fried rice stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed greens, quick cucumber salad, or even potstickers for an Asian-themed feast. I often serve it with a bowl of hot miso soup when I want a cozier vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special dinners, I’ve scooped this chicken fried rice into lettuce leaves as a fun handheld dish. Another neat trick is to mold it with a small bowl and invert onto your plate for neat, restaurant-style presentation. A sprinkle of finely sliced red chili adds a pop of color and a hint of heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps well for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool the rice completely before refrigerating to keep it fresh and safe. Leftovers make such a convenient lunch or quick dinner option.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable, but I recommend portioning it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. I’ve found that freezing sometimes softens the veggies a bit, but it’s a fantastic option for meal prep.

Reheating

For reheating, tossing the fried rice back in a hot wok or frying pan with a splash of oil revives the texture best — it helps restore some of the original wok hei flavor. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir every minute or so to heat evenly and avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe with fresh rice?

You can, but fresh rice tends to be softer and can get mushy or clump together when fried. For best results, use rice that’s been cooked and cooled, ideally leftover rice from the day before, which fries up nicely and keeps each grain fluffy.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?

I find poaching or roasting chicken breasts and then shredding them with two forks works perfectly. If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut that’s super flavorful and convenient.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled, and keep in mind that the cooking time to heat it through might be a little longer due to its firmness.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply skip the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, diced tofu, or edamame. Use vegetable broth or water when cooking rice if you want extra flavor, and swap soy sauce for tamari if you need a gluten-free option.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to meals because it’s quick, reliable, and always satisfies that craving for something hearty and tasty. I love how forgiving it is, allowing you to switch things up based on what you have at home. I really encourage you to give it a try — it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, sharing it always lights up my dinner table. Let me know how it turns out for you!