Easy 30-Minute Chicken Fried Rice: Your Ultimate One-Skillet Weeknight Meal
Every busy kitchen thrives on having a reliable, incredibly simple, and utterly delicious recipe that can be whipped up in a flash. And when it comes to satisfying comfort food with an Asian-inspired twist, nothing beats a fantastic **chicken fried rice**. Imagine tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant peas, crisp carrots, and sweet corn, all perfectly sautéed together with a savory soy sauce glaze. It’s a classic for a reason, beloved by families everywhere for its hearty flavors and customizable nature.
This particular chicken fried rice recipe isn’t just “yum city”; it’s a game-changer. Designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, this entire meal comes together in just one skillet. That means less time cooking, and even less time cleaning up! If you appreciate the convenience of a single-pan dinner, you’ll love this recipe as much as our popular Skillet Chicken Broccoli and Rice. It’s truly the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you crave something homemade and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Quick & Easy Homemade Chicken Fried Rice
You’re here, which means you likely share our deep appreciation for flavorful fried rice. But what if we told you that your favorite takeout dish could be made at home in under 30 minutes, all in a single skillet? If you’re nodding enthusiastically, then this incredibly easy homemade chicken fried rice recipe is tailor-made for you! This isn’t just about speed; it’s about crafting a dish that’s wholesome, delicious, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a fast-paced lifestyle.
Our recipe utilizes simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. It’s virtually headache-free because it leverages already cooked rice and chicken, transforming them into a magical, comforting dish that everyone at the table will adore. This clever shortcut means less prep work and a quicker journey from pan to plate, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
The Secret to Speed: Pre-Cooked Ingredients
The beauty of this 30-minute chicken fried rice lies in using pre-cooked ingredients. In our home, having cooked rice and chicken on hand is a common occurrence, especially with smart meal prep. If you don’t typically have these prepared, don’t worry! Here are a few tips:
- For Cooked Rice: You can cook a batch of rice specifically for this recipe. However, using cold, day-old rice is actually preferable for fried rice as it’s less sticky and yields a better texture. If you’re short on time, instant rice can be used in equal amounts, though the texture might vary slightly.
- For Cooked Chicken: Leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or simply chicken breasts quickly boiled and shredded work perfectly. If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can quickly sauté diced chicken breast before starting the recipe, adding about 5-7 minutes to your cooking time. Alternatively, you can easily make this dish without chicken for a delicious vegetarian fried rice, which still rocks! I’ve enjoyed it meatless many times.
I developed this chicken fried rice recipe years ago, and it has since become a staple in my collection, probably made more often than any other dish. Its consistent deliciousness and ease of preparation mean it frequently graces our dinner table, and we often get a few tasty meals out of a single batch, making it excellent for leftovers.
In the spirit of quick, one-skillet meals, you might also want to check out this One-Pot Ham and Peas Alfredo. It’s wonderfully creamy, dreamy, and ready in just 30 minutes – another super delish and equally easy option for a delightful family dinner!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken Fried Rice
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need to create this simple yet satisfying homemade chicken fried rice:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (for high-heat cooking)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for that distinctive Asian aroma and flavor)
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten, to create fluffy scrambled egg pieces)
- 3 cloves garlic (grated for maximum flavor distribution)
- 1/2 cup green onion (chopped, offering a fresh, mild onion flavor)
- 1 cup carrots (finely chopped for quick cooking and texture)
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed, adding sweetness and color)
- 1 cup frozen corn (thawed, for bursts of natural sweetness)
- 4 cups cooked rice (white or brown, preferably cold and day-old for best results)
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (your pre-prepped protein star)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (the primary seasoning for umami depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to add a hint of warmth and spice)
Recommended Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
While this recipe is incredibly simple, having the right tools can make the process even smoother. Here are the kitchen essentials I use for preparing this delicious chicken fried rice:
- Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping vegetables with ease.
- Cutting board: A stable surface for all your prep work.
- Microplane fine grater: Perfect for finely grating garlic, ensuring it melts into the dish.
- Stainless steel whisk: For perfectly beating your eggs.
- Measuring cup set: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Large nonstick skillet or Wok: The star tool for stir-frying everything in one go.
- Silicone spatula or Wooden spoon: For stirring and tossing without damaging your skillet.
Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Rice
To ensure your homemade chicken fried rice turns out perfectly every time, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Use Cold Rice: This is arguably the most important tip! Day-old, refrigerated rice has a firmer texture and separates better, preventing a mushy fried rice. Freshly cooked, warm rice tends to be too moist and sticky.
- High Heat is Key: Fried rice is a stir-fry, and stir-frying requires high heat. This helps to quickly cook the vegetables, crisp up the rice, and develop those coveted caramelized flavors. Don’t be afraid to turn up the heat!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook in batches if necessary, especially if you’re doubling the recipe. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, steaming the ingredients instead of frying them, which can lead to soggy fried rice.
- Prep Everything Ahead: With a 30-minute recipe, having all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go (mise en place) before you start cooking is crucial. This ensures a smooth and quick cooking process.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the soy sauce and pepper to your preference. Different brands of soy sauce can vary in saltiness, so it’s always good to taste test.
- Optional Add-ins: Feel free to customize! You can add a dash of oyster sauce for extra umami, a bit of ginger for a zesty kick, or a sprinkle of white pepper for a more traditional flavor.
- Crispy Edges: For extra crispy rice, after mixing all ingredients, spread the rice evenly in the skillet and let it sit for a minute or two without stirring before tossing again. This allows the bottom layer to crisp up.
Serving and Storing Your Homemade Fried Rice
Your delicious chicken fried rice is best served warm, straight from the skillet. It’s a complete meal on its own, packed with protein, grains, and vegetables. However, it also pairs wonderfully with other Asian-inspired dishes. Consider serving it alongside a fresh and tasty Spring Stir Fry recipe for a truly vibrant meal. If you’re looking for more delicious Chinese options, our Sesame Chicken is always a huge hit whenever I make it! Another favorite stir-fry recipe that’s loaded with delicious mushrooms, chicken, and other fresh veggies is our Moo Goo Gai Pan.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it an excellent meal prep option for lunches!
More Asian Inspired Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed this simple chicken fried rice, you’ll love these other Asian-inspired recipes from our collection:
- Asian Broccoli Slaw: A refreshing and crunchy side dish.
- Egg Roll in a Bowl: All the flavors of an egg roll without the fuss.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light, fresh, and perfect as an appetizer.
- Teriyaki Chicken and Rice: Another easy and flavorful one-pan favorite.
- Chicken Chow Mein Casserole: A comforting twist on a classic.
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!
Print It
Pin It
Rate It
Save ItSaved!
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, preferably cold
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
In a large, nonstick skillet or wok, heat canola oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat until shimmering (approximately 2 minutes).
-
Add the lightly beaten eggs to the hot skillet and quickly scramble them until cooked through. Remove the scrambled eggs from the skillet and set them aside.
-
Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the grated garlic, chopped green onions, and chopped carrots. Sauté these vegetables, stirring frequently, until they are slightly tender-crisp (about 4 minutes).
-
Fold in the thawed peas, the reserved scrambled eggs, cooked rice, shredded chicken, soy sauce, and black pepper.
-
Continue to sauté all ingredients, stirring well to combine and ensuring everything is thoroughly warmed through and slightly crisped (about 4-6 minutes). Serve your delicious homemade chicken fried rice 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 to provide even more helpful information and tips for making the best homemade chicken fried rice.