with this dish. Chicken fried rice can stand alone as a hearty meal, but it can also shine bright on a larger table. Here are a few tasty suggestions:

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls with dipping sauce add an exciting crunch.
2. Steamed Dumplings: These are delightful bite-sized treasures that complement fried rice perfectly.
3. Sesame Broccoli: A simple vegetable side dish brings in bright flavors and colors.
4. Hot-and-Sour Soup: An Asian classic that awakens the taste buds ahead of the main meal.
5. Soy Glazed Chicken Wings: For those desiring more chicken goodness, wings coated in a soy glaze make a savory match.

Oh, chicken fried rice. It’s a dish that’s practically a hug in a bowl. On busy weeknights, when the idea of cooking feels overwhelming, chicken fried rice arrives as the knight in shining armor—a quick, satisfying meal that can use up leftover ingredients. As a busy mom, I’ve relied on this dish to turn those “what’s for dinner?” moments into “wow, you made this?” moments.

I remember the first time I learned how to make it. I had just moved into my own place, and my fridge was embarrassingly bare. I rifled through the fridge, finding a few ingredients and hoping for the best. Using some leftover rice, frozen veggies, and—lo and behold—some chicken, I created something magical. The satisfaction was more than just hunger; it was a small victory in my culinary journey. Fast forward to today, and I’ve perfected my chicken fried rice recipe to suit family tastes, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

What is Chicken Fried Rice?

Chicken fried rice is a classic dish originating from Chinese cuisine. It combines leftover rice with chicken and assorted vegetables, all seasoned to perfection. This hearty meal turns simple ingredients into a flavorful, filling dish. The beauty of chicken fried rice lies in its versatility; you can alter it based on what you have on hand.

What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Chicken Fried Rice?

While traditional chicken fried rice is always a crowd-pleaser, my recipe brings a twist by incorporating a variety of flavors and textures. First, I focus on using day-old rice, which creates a better bite.

Then, the addition of bacon brings a smoky richness that elevates the dish. I’ll add ginger and garlic for vibrant aromatics, infusing each bite with zest. Plus, I’ve crafted a delicious sauce that brings everything together—a blend of soy sauce, cooking wine, and oyster sauce that packs a punch without overwhelming the dish.

How Does It Taste Like?

Imagine taking a bite of perfectly cooked rice that’s fluffy yet slightly crispy from the high heat. Then, coupled with tender chicken, salty bacon, vibrant, crunchy vegetables, and a hint of sesame oil.

Oh, don’t forget that burst of fresh green onions at the end! It’s a dance of flavors in your mouth—savory, slightly sweet, and with just the right amount of crunch. It’s comforting and satisfying, so much so that you might find yourself going back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish

Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need, so your cooking adventure is well-prepared and delightful:

For Chicken Fried Rice:
2 tablespoons oil – Look for peanut, vegetable, or canola.
2 large eggs – Lightly beaten for a fluffy texture.
150g (5oz) chicken breast – Sliced into small, bite-sized pieces.
120g (4oz) bacon – Trimmed and chopped; this adds an irresistible smokiness.
2 garlic cloves – Finely minced, because garlic is life.
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger – For that zing.
1/2 medium onion – Diced to add depth.
1 small carrot – Peeled and diced; it brings sweetness and color.
1/2 cup frozen corn – Or fresh, if you have it—sweetness in every kernel.
1/2 cup frozen peas – These little green gems add freshness.
2 cups (packed) cooked white rice – Preferably day-old for that perfect fried rice texture.
3/4 cup green onions – Sliced thinly; these brighten it up.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds – For a nutty finish.

For the Sauce:
2.5 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine or Mirin
1 tablespoon oyster sauce – Adds umami goodness.
3 tablespoons light soy sauce – The salty base.
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil – Optional, but it’s worth it!
1/4 teaspoon white pepper – Just a pinch for some heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to transform your ingredients into a tantalizing meal.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start with the foundation. Have everything prepped and ready. Chop your chicken, bacon, and veggies. Measure out your sesame seeds and sauces. This organization helps everything go smoothly. If you skip this step, you may find yourself forgetting half your ingredients in the middle of cooking!

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, and let its flavorful fat render down—this is essential to build the base flavor for your dish. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

In the same skillet, pour in the lightly beaten eggs. Gently scramble them until they’re just set, then remove and set them aside with the bacon. This step adds richness to the fried rice.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Utilizing the heat from the skillet, add your chicken pieces next. Cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to crowd the pan; otherwise, your chicken might steam instead of sear.

Step 5: Combine Aromatics

Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the minced garlic, ginger, onion, and carrots. Stir-fry for an additional couple of minutes until everything is fragrant and the onions are translucent. You’ll love the heavenly smell filling your kitchen at this point!

Step 6: Add the Rice

Now, add your day-old rice. Break up any clumps with your spatula, ensuring the rice gets all those delicious flavors. Stir it well; make sure everything is combined and heating through.

Step 7: Stir in the Frozen Veggies

Sprinkle in the frozen corn and peas. These will heat up quickly, adding vibrancy and color to your rice. Mix everything thoroughly.

Step 8: Season with Sauce

Drizzle the sauce mixture (made up of the cooking wine, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper) over the rice. Stir and allow the liquid to coat all of the ingredients. Let it cook for a few minutes—this is when the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 9: Finish Up

Add the cooked bacon and scrambled eggs back to the pan. Gently fold everything together until well combined. Finish by garnishing with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Tips & Tricks on Making Chicken Fried Rice

Here are a few nuggets of advice for getting the best out of your fried rice:

Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist. Day-old rice dries out a bit, making it perfect for frying.
High Heat is Key: Cooking on high heat helps develop that coveted smoky flavor. Just don’t forget to stir!
Be Creative: Add veggies or proteins you enjoy. Bell peppers, broccoli, or even shrimp work beautifully.
Don’t Over-Stir: Let the rice fry a little instead of constantly stirring. This creates delightful little crispy bits.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste as you go! Feel free to tweak the sauce to your preference.

Nutrition Information

Curious about what you’re consuming? Here’s a breakdown:

Calories: Approximately 490 per serving
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: Varies with soy sauce used—can be reduced by opting for low-sodium options.

How Do I Store This Dish?

Chicken fried rice is surprisingly easy to store. Here’s how you do it:

Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze chicken fried rice for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s cooled before you store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Alternatives to Use in Chicken Fried Rice

Stuck with limited ingredients? Not to worry! Here are some substitutes that can work wonders:

Tofu: Use this as an alternative protein; it soaks up flavors beautifully and is a great meat alternative.
Quinoa: If you want a healthier option, quinoa can be used instead of rice. It adds a nutty taste and higher protein content.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb twist, this is a fantastic substitute that works surprisingly well!
Duck: For a richer flavor, shredded duck can replace chicken. It’s luxurious and indulgent.
Zucchini Noodles: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can spiralize zucchini for a unique take on this dish.

Chicken Fried Rice

Content Editor

Oh, chicken fried rice. It’s a dish that’s practically a hug in a bowl. On busy weeknights, when the idea of cooking feels overwhelming, chicken fried rice arrives as the knight in shining armor—a quick, satisfying meal that can use up leftover ingredients. As a busy mom, I’ve relied on this dish to turn those "what's for dinner?" moments into "wow, you made this?" moments.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Asian, Chinese

Servings

Calories 490 kcal

Equipment

Skillet

Ingredients

For Chicken Fried Rice:

2 tablespoons oil – Look for peanut vegetable, or canola.
2 large eggs – Lightly beaten for a fluffy texture.
150 g 5oz chicken breast – Sliced into small, bite-sized pieces.
120 g 4oz bacon – Trimmed and chopped; this adds an irresistible smokiness.
2 garlic cloves – Finely minced because garlic is life.
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger – For that zing.
1/2 medium onion – Diced to add depth.
1 small carrot – Peeled and diced; it brings sweetness and color.
1/2 cup frozen corn – Or fresh if you have it—sweetness in every kernel.
1/2 cup frozen peas – These little green gems add freshness.
2 cups packed cooked white rice – Preferably day-old for that perfect fried rice texture.
3/4 cup green onions – Sliced thinly; these brighten it up.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds – For a nutty finish.

For the Sauce:

2.5 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine or Mirin
1 tablespoon oyster sauce – Adds umami goodness.
3 tablespoons light soy sauce – The salty base.
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil – Optional but it’s worth it!
1/4 teaspoon white pepper – Just a pinch for some heat.