When it comes to world cuisines, Chinese food is at the top of Paul’s list. He loves going out for Chinese food and I have recreated some of his favorites at home like Orange Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Asian Lettuce Wraps, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and Homemade Egg Rolls. Chinese Fried Rice is another one of our favorite dishes when we go to a Chinese restaurant or get Chinese take-out for dinner. But with this great recipe, I know I can get a restaurant-quality version in my own kitchen any time I want! It’s actually best made with day-old rice – it’s the ‘secret ingredient’ if you can call it that. Rice that was made the day before will dry out and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients better. A good fried rice recipe will also give you that crumbly texture we’re looking for, instead of it being freshly cooked and sticky. While adding chicken for protein is our favorite version, this recipe is also good with shrimp or pork. Fried rice can even be made with leftover chicken or turkey, so it really is perfect! For more delicious rice dish ideas, check out my Cajun Dirty Rice, Garlic Rice with Fried Egg, and this Creamy Roasted Garlic & Mushroom Risotto.
Why We Love This Recipe
Easily double or triple this recipe for a large crowd for a potluck. Made with basic ingredients, you can use fresh veggies or frozen ones. This easy recipe takes just 30 minutes to make!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Rice – Use day-old cooked rice for the best results here. Jasmine rice or another long grain white rice is ideal, but you can use brown rice if you prefer. Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs are best for this recipe. Oil – I used vegetable oil, but you can use canola oil or peanut oil if you like. Peas and Carrots – Use fresh or frozen peas and carrots for this recipe. Onion – Use a white onion for a great savory flavor. Green Onions – We’ll use green onions for an added fresh sharpness to this dish. Garlic – Use freshly minced garlic for the most fragrant flavor. Eggs – Adds healthy protein to this dish to make it hearty and comforting, perfect for weeknight meals! Soy Sauce – Use light or all-purpose soy sauce to add that classic salty, umami, sweet Chinese flavor that isn’t too overpowering. Sesame Oil – Pure sesame oil is perfect for adding a great nutty flavor. This is one of my favorite ingredients! Salt & Pepper – Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are all the seasoning needed to enhance the flavors of this dish.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice
Tips for Success
Cook your chicken in a Teriyaki Sauce for even more flavor! If you’re not using leftover rice from another meal, make the rice the day before and leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
Substitutions and Variations
Jasmine or long grain rice is our preference, but really any leftover rice like brown rice will work. You can use leftover chicken for this recipe too, just reheat thoroughly before stirring everything together. You can use 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped, and ¾ cup frozen peas in place of the frozen peas and carrots. Add a little bit of oyster sauce for a richer flavor. Change up the veggies to include chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Add some cooked, chopped bacon to the mix for extra protein and an added smoky bacon flavor.
More Chinese Takeout Inspired Recipes
Easy Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry Quick & Healthy Egg Roll in a Bowl The BEST Orange Chicken Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp Beef with Broccoli Sweet and Sour Pork Mongolian Beef (P.F. Changs Copycat)
The BEST Orange Chicken
Mongolian Beef
Homemade Egg Rolls
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