Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect weeknight meal that’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. With juicy chicken, tender vegetables, fluffy rice, and a savory sauce, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and rivals your favorite restaurant version. Great for using leftover rice and customizable with your favorite mix-ins.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breastrice (preferably day-old)eggsfrozen peas and carrotssoy sauceoyster saucesesame oilgarliconiongreen onionsvegetable oilsalt and pepper

directions

Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant.

Add frozen peas and carrots, cooking until heated through.

Push veggies to the side and scramble the eggs in the same pan.

Add the cooked rice and return the chicken to the pan. Stir everything together.

Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly and stir-fry for a few more minutes until well combined and heated through.

Top with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken.

Add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli.

Make it spicy with a touch of sriracha or chili flakes.

Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months for easy future meals.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice?

Day-old rice is best to prevent mushiness, but you can use fresh rice if cooled and dried slightly first.

Do I need oyster sauce?

It adds depth of flavor, but you can skip it or substitute with hoisin or extra soy sauce.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives to make it gluten-free.

Can I add more protein?

Yes, toss in more chicken, scrambled eggs, or even bacon for extra protein.

Can I prep it ahead of time?

Yes, chop everything in advance and store separately for faster cooking.

What oil should I use?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best for high-heat cooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to ensure even stir-frying and avoid steaming.

Conclusion

Easy Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice is a fast, flavorful dish that brings the comfort of takeout into your own kitchen. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll come back to again and again.