Hey there, it’s Austin from Beyond The Bayou Blog, where I share my kitchen escapades and favorite recipes. Today, I’ve whipped up a nostalgic delight: Chicken Fried Rice, a dish that takes me back to lazy Sundays and family gatherings.

One memory that stands out is when I first attempted to make fried rice on my own. I got so excited about adding ingredients that I ended up with a mountain of rice that even my dog couldn’t finish! Since then, I’ve perfected the art of balancing flavors and textures in this beloved recipe.

This chicken fried rice isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about the joy of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce, every bite tells a story of comfort and happiness.

So, grab a plate and savor the warmth of homemade goodness with this flavorful chicken fried rice. Cheers to good food and cherished memories! For more such options you can move forward to Dirty Rice or Cajun Rice.

Reasons to Love This Recipe!

Healthy Option: This fried rice is a healthy choice, especially if you include lots of vegetables, opt for brown rice over white, and use minimal added sugar and oil.
Versatile and Convenient: Easily adapt the recipe by using frozen peas and carrots and adding any extra vegetables you have on hand.
Quick Cooking: You’re in for a quick mealâ€”this recipe falls into the 30-minute meal category.
One-Skillet Wonder: Simplify your cooking with this one-pot meal; it’s a time-saver and reduces cleanup.
Fantastic Leftovers: Enjoy the deliciousness even after the meal; leftovers reheat wonderfully and make for a satisfying next-day lunch or dinner.
Deliciously Epic: Homemade chicken fried rice is a crowd-pleaser. If someone claims they don’t like fried rice, it’s probably because they haven’t tasted this homemade version yet!

Overview: How To Make Chicken Fried Rice?

Today, I’m sharing a delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Fried Rice recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s a blend of fluffy rice, tender chicken, and savory flavors that will satisfy your cravings in no time.

To start, I beat an egg with water to create a fluffy texture, then cooked it without stirring until it formed delicate shreds. In a large skillet, I melted butter and sautÃ©ed chopped onions until they were soft and aromatic. Next, I added cold cooked rice, chopped chicken, soy sauce, and ground black pepper, stirring everything together for about 5 minutes until well combined.

The final touch was adding the shredded egg back into the skillet, giving the dish a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Serve this Chicken Fried Rice piping hot for a comforting and fulfilling meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Waiting for My Secret Tips?

Use Leftover Rice: Cold leftover rice is ideal for fried rice. Don’t discard extra cooked rice; it’s perfect for this dish. If you don’t have leftover rice, I’ll share my method for cooking fresh rice below.
Versatile Protein Options: Don’t have chicken? No worries! This recipe works well with chopped shrimp, leftover steak, shredded pork, smoked rib meat, or chopped kielbasa. You can also skip the meat and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Increase Vegetable Content: Boost the nutritional value by substituting some white rice with cauliflower rice in a 1:1 ratio. Add it when sautÃ©ing the frozen vegetables.
Cook Over High Heat: Fried rice should be cooked quickly over high heat. Let your skillet preheat before adding ingredients and avoid constant stirring, especially after adding the rice. Allow ingredients to crisp and brown slightly for added flavor.
Prep Ingredients in Advance: This recipe moves quickly, so prep all ingredients before starting to cook.
Add Ingredients Gradually: To prevent the pan from cooling too quickly and steaming the ingredients, add ingredients in the right order rather than all at once. This ensures a flavorful and perfectly cooked fried rice dish.

Variations You Will Love!

Swap the Protein: Instead of chicken, try using chicken thighs, ground chicken, or ground turkey. You can also explore other proteins. Check out my related fried rice recipes for more ideas!
Customize the Vegetables: While I used frozen veggies for convenience, you can also use fresh carrots, onions, or any veggies you like. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking times as needed.
Try Different Rice or Grain: While I used white long-grain rice for an authentic takeout flavor, brown rice or quinoa can also work well.
Go Vegetarian: Skip the chicken or replace it with firm tofu, especially smoked tofu for added flavor.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or use tamari sauce instead.

What to Serve with Chicken Fried Rice?

Storing Its Leftovers Is Easy!

Refrigeration: Store your fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To warm up leftovers, use a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or the microwave.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze your chicken fried rice in an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

What Makes Chicken Fried Rice Taste so Good?

Chicken fried rice tastes delicious due to a combination of flavors and textures. The savory chicken adds protein richness, while the vegetables provide freshness and crunch. The rice, cooked to perfection with aromatic spices and soy sauce, absorbs all the tasty juices, enhancing every bite. This dish’s balance of salty, umami, and slightly sweet notes, along with the satisfying textures, creates a comforting and satisfying meal that’s hard to resist.