Name: Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4½ cups cooked jasmine rice, cold and day-old; 1½ cups frozen peas and carrots (or frozen vegetable mix); ½ lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce (for marinade); 1 teaspoon chicken broth (for marinade); 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for marinade); 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil (for marinade); 3 large eggs, beaten; 1 small shallot or ¼ onion, finely diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 teaspoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil (divided for cooking); 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce or light soy sauce (for sauce); ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce (for sauce); 2 teaspoons sesame oil (for sauce); 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (chicken stock powder) (for sauce); ⅛ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper (for sauce)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 2 reviews

There’s something so comforting and satisfying about a meal that comes together quickly without skimping on flavor, and that’s exactly what this Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe delivers. Picture tender chicken, fluffy day-old jasmine rice, vibrant peas and carrots, and fluffy scrambled eggs all stir-fried to perfection with a savory, aromatic sauce—ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s a better-than-takeout dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or anytime you want a flavorful, home-cooked Asian-inspired meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with raw, pale pink chicken pieces that have a soft, slightly shiny texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. The chicken pieces look fresh, with some light yellow fat spots visible, piled loosely inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be fooled by its simplicity—the ingredients in this recipe are carefully chosen to bring harmony in taste, texture, and color. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of savory, tender, and fresh that defines this dish.

4½ cups cooked jasmine rice, cold and day-old: Day-old rice is key for the best texture; it fries up fluffy without turning mushy.
½ lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced: Chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful than breasts when stir-fried.
1½ cups frozen peas and carrots: Adds natural sweetness, color, and a pop of freshness.
3 large eggs, beaten: Creates those soft, scrumptious little curds to scatter throughout the rice.
1 small shallot or ¼ onion, finely diced: Brings gentle aromatic sweetness to the base.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for that punchy, fragrant foundation.
4 teaspoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil): The perfect medium for stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
Chicken Marinade: 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp chicken broth, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp vegetable oil—all work together to tenderize and season the chicken deeply.
Sauce: 2 tbsp soy sauce, ½ tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder, ⅛ tsp white or black pepper; a blend that amps up umami and adds that savory-slightly toasted flavor that makes fried rice irresistible.

How to Make Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing all marinade ingredients in a medium bowl and tossing the thinly sliced chicken thighs in it. This simple marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with subtle savory notes, making every bite juicy and flavorful. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes—you’ll notice it makes a significant difference in the texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken marinates, combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. This sauce is the magic behind the dish’s rich, savory taste. Setting it aside now means it’s ready to go at the perfect moment during cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook it until it’s fully cooked and lightly browned—a few minutes on each side should do. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Cooking the chicken first ensures it doesn’t overcook later and maintains tender juiciness.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Add another teaspoon of oil to the pan. Toss in minced garlic and diced shallots, sautéing quickly for about 10 seconds to release their fragrant aroma without burning. Then add the frozen peas and carrots, stir-frying for just 10 more seconds to heat through while keeping their bright color and slight crunch. Pushing everything to one side of the pan makes room for the eggs in the next step.

Step 5: Scramble the Eggs

In the empty space of the pan, pour in the remaining oil and then the beaten eggs. Let them sit undisturbed for about 20 seconds so they start to set, then scramble and break them into bite-sized pieces. When the eggs are just cooked, mix everything in the pan together. This technique gives the eggs a soft, tender texture that melds beautifully with the rice and vegetables.

Step 6: Combine Rice and Chicken

Now it’s time for the star—add the cold, day-old jasmine rice along with the cooked chicken back into the pan. Toss everything thoroughly to combine, breaking up any clumps of rice. Using cold rice is vital here; it helps the grains stay separate and lightly toasted rather than soggy.

Step 7: Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking

Pour the prepared sauce evenly around the edges of the pan or directly on top of the rice mixture. Let the rice toast for approximately 5 seconds without stirring, which allows it to develop a subtle crisp texture that’s just heavenly. Then toss everything together until the sauce is evenly distributed and the rice takes on a light golden-brown color.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a white spoon holding fried rice above a large white bowl filled with fried rice. The fried rice has grains of brown cooked rice mixed with small green peas, orange carrot cubes, and pieces of cooked chicken. The chicken pieces are light brown and mixed evenly throughout the rice. The background is a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is holding the spoon. The photo is bright and clear, showing the texture of the rice and ingredients well. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your dish even more, sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top. A drizzle of extra sesame oil or a handful of roasted peanuts adds a wonderful aroma and crunch. Garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also add fresh dimension and texture to each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair this chicken fried rice with simple sides like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed bok choy dressed lightly with soy and sesame oil. For something heartier, a bowl of hot and sour soup or wonton soup would complement the savory flavors beautifully and round out a delightful meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the fried rice inside pineapple shells for a tropical flair. You can also mold the rice into small nests or shapes using a ring mold and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant dinner party touch. Presentation can be simple or show-stopping, and this recipe works perfectly either way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe makes excellent leftovers! Store any uneaten chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days. The flavors stay delicious, and the rice reheats beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover chicken fried rice for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing as much air as possible. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, the best method is to use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to reintroduce moisture and prevent drying out. Microwave works fine too—cover the dish to trap steam and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during stir-frying, chicken breast can be used if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook to avoid dryness.

Why should I use day-old rice for this recipe?

Day-old rice is drier and firmer than freshly cooked rice, which helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy. It results in individual grains that fry up nicely and absorb the flavors better.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables, and swap the chicken broth and bouillon powder for vegetable-based alternatives. The sauce and method remain just as effective and tasty.

How spicy is this chicken fried rice?

This recipe is mild and savory, making it accessible for all palates. If you enjoy heat, feel free to add chili flakes, sambal oelek, or chopped fresh chilies during cooking.

What if I don’t have dark soy sauce?

If you don’t have dark soy sauce, you can substitute with regular soy sauce plus a little bit of brown sugar or molasses to mimic the sweetness and color. The dish will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is truly a weeknight hero in the kitchen—simple, fast, and bursting with addictive flavors that make it a favorite for the whole family. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding fresh herbs or your favorite veggies. Once you try this recipe, I promise it’ll become a go-to staple that brings smiles and satisfied appetites all around your table.