Easy One-Skillet Chicken Fried Rice: Your Ultimate 30-Minute Weeknight Meal
Every kitchen deserves a reliable, go-to recipe for a simple, yet incredibly delicious, chicken fried rice. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Imagine tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant peas, crisp carrots, and sweet corn, all expertly sautéed together and coated in a savory soy sauce glaze. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that truly hits the spot!
This Asian-inspired Chicken Fried Rice isn’t just “yum city”; it’s a culinary journey you can embark on in your own kitchen with minimal fuss. And the best part? This entire meal comes together in a single skillet, just like our beloved Skillet Chicken Broccoli and Rice! This means less cleanup and more time enjoying your homemade masterpiece.
Mastering Homemade Chicken Fried Rice in Under 30 Minutes
If you’re reading this, chances are you already have a deep appreciation for fried rice. But what if you could recreate that restaurant-quality flavor in your own home, in under 30 minutes, using just one skillet? If that sounds like music to your ears, then this Chicken Fried Rice recipe is absolutely designed for you! It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe shines because it transforms readily available ingredients into a magical dish that consistently receives rave reviews. It’s packed with a medley of everyday vegetables and relies on cooked rice and cooked chicken, making it virtually headache-free. The beauty of using pre-cooked components is the significant time saving, allowing you to whip up a wholesome meal in a flash.
The Art of Using Leftovers: Cooked Rice and Chicken
Having cooked rice and chicken on hand is often the secret weapon in our kitchen, and it’s the foundation of this quick-fried rice. If you don’t typically keep cooked rice ready, you can easily prepare it ahead of time, or for an even faster option, instant rice can be used in equal amounts. The key is to use cold, day-old rice if possible, as it results in a better texture and prevents the dish from becoming sticky or mushy.
Similarly, cooked chicken is crucial for the 30-minute promise. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, as are leftover roasted chicken breasts or thighs. If you don’t have cooked chicken readily available, don’t worry! You can quickly pan-fry or boil some chicken while you prepare your other ingredients. Alternatively, you can omit the chicken entirely for a delicious vegetarian fried rice, which I’ve done many times with great success!
I initially crafted this Chicken Fried Rice recipe years ago, and it has since become one of the most frequently made dishes in my collection. It’s a perfect staple in our household – versatile, satisfying, and we usually get a few meals out of one batch, making it excellent for meal prep or planned leftovers. The sheer simplicity combined with its incredible flavor ensures it never disappoints.
In the spirit of embracing speedy, one-skillet meals, you might also love this One-Pot Ham and Peas Alfredo. It’s wonderfully creamy, utterly dreamy, and also ready in about 30 minutes. Super delish and just as easy to make!
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Fried Rice
Crafting the perfect fried rice starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this quick and easy recipe:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 3 cloves garlic (grated)
- 1/2 cup green onion (chopped)
- 1 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
- 4 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Canola Oil & Sesame Oil: Canola oil provides a high smoke point for sautéing, while sesame oil adds that distinct, aromatic Asian flavor. Don’t skip the sesame oil for authenticity!
- Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs are scrambled and then mixed in, adding richness and protein.
- Garlic: Freshly grated garlic offers the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic works in a pinch. Consider adding a touch of grated fresh ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
- Vegetables: Carrots, peas, and corn are classic choices, offering color and sweetness. Feel free to customize with other quick-cooking vegetables like diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or chopped mushrooms. Ensure frozen veggies are thawed to prevent excess moisture.
- Cooked Rice: This is arguably the most important ingredient. Day-old, cold rice (white or brown) is crucial. Freshly cooked, warm rice will release too much moisture and make your fried rice soggy. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool completely, or even chill it in the fridge for an hour.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken is a superstar here. You can also use cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or diced. If starting with raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before adding it to the fried rice mixture.
- Soy Sauce: Use your favorite brand. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you’re watching your sodium intake. For a gluten-free version, tamari is an excellent substitute.
- Black Pepper: A dash of black pepper adds a subtle warmth. A pinch of white pepper can also be used for a more traditional flavor.
Essential Kitchen Tools for this Recipe:
- chef knife
- cutting board
- Microplane fine grater (ideal for grating garlic and ginger)
- Stainless steel whisk (for beating eggs)
- measuring cup set
- large nonstick skillet or wok (a large surface area is key for even cooking)
- silicone spatula or wooden spoon (for stirring and scraping)
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice Every Time
- Use Cold, Day-Old Rice: This cannot be stressed enough! Cold rice grains are firmer and drier, which allows them to separate easily and absorb flavors better without becoming mushy or sticky. If you only have fresh rice, cook it, then spread it thinly on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least an hour, or even freeze for 15-20 minutes, before using.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Fried rice is essentially a stir-fry, and stir-frying requires high heat. This creates that desirable slightly charred, wok-hei flavor. Ensure your skillet or wok is very hot before adding ingredients.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches, if necessary, prevents the temperature from dropping too much and steaming the ingredients instead of frying them. Overcrowding leads to soggy fried rice.
- Prep Everything Ahead: With a quick cooking time, you’ll want all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking. This is often called “mise en place” and is essential for stir-fries.
- Cook Eggs Separately: Scrambling the eggs first and then adding them back in at the end ensures they are perfectly cooked and integrated throughout the dish.
- Adjust Soy Sauce to Taste: Different brands of soy sauce have varying sodium levels. Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions (the white and green parts) or cilantro at the end adds a burst of freshness and color.
Enjoy your absolutely delicious and easy Homemade Chicken Fried Rice! Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. If you’re looking to explore more delightful Asian-inspired flavors, don’t forget to check out our fresh and tasty Spring Stir Fry recipe. For other fantastic Chinese options, our Sesame Chicken is a guaranteed hit every time I make it! Another favorite stir-fry recipe, loaded with delicious mushrooms, chicken, and assorted veggies, is our comforting Moo Goo Gai Pan.
More Asian-Inspired Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed this Chicken Fried Rice, you’ll love diving into these other flavorful Asian-inspired dishes:
- Asian Broccoli Slaw
- Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Vegetable Spring Rolls
- Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
- Chicken Chow Mein Casserole
Chicken Fried Rice
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 3 cloves garlic grated
- ½ cup green onion chopped
- 1 cup carrots chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- 1 cup frozen corn thawed
- 4 cups cooked rice white or brown
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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In a large, nonstick skillet or wok on medium-high flame, heat canola oil and sesame oil until shimmering (about 2 minutes).
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Add eggs and lightly scramble; remove from skillet and set aside.
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To the same skillet, add garlic, onions, and carrots; sauté until slightly tender (about 4 minutes).
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Fold in peas, corn, the scrambled eggs, cooked rice, chicken, soy sauce, and black pepper.
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Continue to sauté, stirring frequently, until all ingredients are thoroughly warmed through and well combined (about 4-6 minutes); serve warm immediately.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published on May 17, 2017 and has been updated with additional information and tips to enhance your cooking experience.