Homemade Chicken Fried Rice

Name: Homemade Chicken Fried Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old); 1 cup cooked chicken, diced; 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 2 green onions, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Speedy Meal Ideas

I love making Homemade Chicken Fried Rice because it’s a quick meal that brings so much flavor and comfort. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile—I can use whatever vegetables I have on hand! Every time I toss everything together in the skillet, the aroma fills my kitchen, reminding me of my favorite takeout spot. Plus, this dish is great for using leftover rice, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution when I want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time.

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:45:35.551Z

Making Homemade Chicken Fried Rice is always an adventure in the kitchen for me. I love experimenting with different combinations of vegetables and proteins. Recently, I added some fresh peas and bell peppers, and it elevated the whole dish. This meal is all about balancing flavors and textures, so don’t shy away from adding some sesame oil at the end—it brings everything together beautifully.

Another tip I've learned over time is to make sure your rice is a day old. Fresh rice tends to clump together, while chilled, leftover rice separates easily and fries up perfectly. It truly makes a difference to achieve that perfect fried rice consistency!

        You'll love this recipe because...
        It's a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and veggies
The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil creates a savory depth
It's a one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes

      

Mastering the Rice

Using day-old rice is fundamental in this recipe. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, which can lead to clumping and a soggy finished dish. The rice should be cold and slightly dried out, allowing each grain to be separate and absorb the flavors of the soy sauce and sesame oil better. If you don't have day-old rice on hand, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes before use.

The quality of your rice makes a difference in the final dish. Medium-grain rice works well for fried rice because it has a perfect balance of stickiness and separation when cooked. However, long-grain varieties like jasmine or basmati also add aromatic qualities. Just make sure whichever type you choose is thoroughly cooled before adding it to the skillet.

Perfecting the Vegetable Mix

The mixed vegetables are highly customizable in this recipe, allowing you to use whatever you have on hand. Traditional options like peas, carrots, and bell peppers provide color and sweetness, but you could also include broccoli, corn, or even leafy greens like spinach. Just remember that hard vegetables like carrots may need a bit more time in the skillet, so cut them into smaller dice for faster cooking, ensuring everything is tender and evenly cooked after 2-3 minutes in the pan.

Another helpful tip is to consider the freshness of your vegetables. Using frozen mixed vegetables can save time since they are pre-cut and often blanched, helping them retain color and nutrients. Just make sure to thaw them first to prevent excess moisture from releasing into your fried rice, which can dilute the flavors and texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious Homemade Chicken Fried Rice:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
1 cup cooked chicken, diced
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you’ve gathered all of these ingredients, you’re ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Homemade Chicken Fried Rice:

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the vegetables and shred the cooked chicken. If using day-old rice, break up any clumps before starting.

Cook the Eggs

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs, and scramble until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another teaspoon of oil. Sauté the mixed vegetables until tender, about 2-3 minutes.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked rice and chicken to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine. Mix in the scrambled eggs and green onions, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chicken fried rice!

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can mix in some garlic or ginger while sautéing the vegetables. Adjust the soy sauce to your taste for a saltier kick.

Storing and Reheating

To store leftovers, let the chicken fried rice cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as delicious on the second day. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This technique helps revive the texture and prevents the rice from becoming mushy in the microwave.

If you’re looking to keep this meal longer, you can freeze the chicken fried rice. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and it will last for up to three months. For straight-from-the-freezer reheating, let it defrost in the fridge overnight and then follow the skillet reheating method for optimal texture.

Creative Variations

While the classic soy sauce and sesame oil combination is delicious, you can easily experiment with different sauces and flavors. For a spicier kick, add a splash of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the mix. If you prefer a sweeter profile, a dash of teriyaki sauce can complement those flavors beautifully. You might also consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil right before serving for an aromatic lift.

For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the chicken and replace it with tofu or tempeh. They will absorb the flavors of the dish well and provide a satisfying protein source. Just be sure to press the tofu beforehand to remove excess moisture, allowing it to crisp up during cooking when added to the skillet.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work great in fried rice. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

→ Is it necessary to use day-old rice?

Using day-old rice is ideal, but if you're in a pinch, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool for about 15 minutes before using.

→ Can I add other proteins?

Definitely! Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.