This Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect weeknight dinner that transforms leftover rice into a flavorful, hearty meal. Packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, eggs, and aromatic garlic and ginger, it’s a satisfying takeout-style dish made right at home. Whether you’re using up what’s in your fridge or meal prepping for the week, this customizable fried rice is quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable. Best of all, it comes together in one skillet for minimal cleanup!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons neutral oil, divided

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lb.)

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon freshly minced ginger

• 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)

• ¾ cup frozen peas

• 3 large eggs, beaten

• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear both sides until golden, about 8 minutes per side.

3. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake chicken for an additional 6–8 minutes until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.

4. In the same skillet, heat 2 more tablespoons of oil. Add onions and carrots; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

5. Stir in cooked rice and peas. Cook until everything is warmed through, about 2 minutes.

6. Push rice to one side of the skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the empty side. Add beaten eggs and scramble until nearly cooked, then mix into the rice.

7. Add chopped chicken back to the skillet along with soy sauce and green onions. Stir to combine and heat through. Serve hot.

Nutrients

• Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1½ cups)

• Calories: ~420 kcal (estimated)

• Protein: ~30g

• Carbohydrates: ~35g

• Fat: ~18g

• Saturated Fat: ~4g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Sugar: ~4g

• Sodium: ~550mg

A Homemade Take on a Takeout Favorite

Few dishes are as universally loved as fried rice, especially the kind you’d order from your favorite local restaurant. But making it at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, sodium, and portion size—all while delivering the same great taste. This homemade Chicken Fried Rice brings the savory, umami-packed experience of takeout right into your own kitchen, no delivery required. The best part? You know exactly what’s going into your meal, and it’s cooked fresh in one skillet.

Protein-Packed and Nutritionally Balanced

This dish is a meal in itself. With tender diced chicken breast, fluffy scrambled eggs, and crisp sautéed vegetables, it provides a solid mix of lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. It’s satisfying and energizing without being overly heavy. The inclusion of peas and carrots adds fiber and important nutrients, while the eggs contribute both flavor and a creamy texture that brings the whole dish together. At approximately 420 calories per serving with around 30 grams of protein, this fried rice is ideal for anyone seeking a filling, nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Loaded With Flavor from Garlic and Ginger

What elevates this recipe from basic to bold is the generous use of aromatics. Minced garlic and fresh ginger are sautéed until fragrant, infusing the entire dish with warm, spicy undertones. These simple additions bring a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and invigorating, delivering that signature fried rice taste we all crave. Combined with the soy sauce and green onions, each bite is layered with savory complexity and just the right amount of saltiness.

Customizable for Every Palate

One of the best things about Chicken Fried Rice is how endlessly adaptable it is. Don’t have chicken on hand? Try it with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Swap peas and carrots for bell peppers, broccoli, or baby corn. Add a touch of heat with red chili flakes or Sriracha if you like it spicy. Want to keep it low-carb? Use cauliflower rice instead. This recipe is a flexible foundation that can be tailored to your taste preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have in the fridge.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Chicken Fried Rice is a meal prep hero. It stores well in the fridge for several days, making it ideal for busy weekdays or grab-and-go lunches. It reheats beautifully in a skillet or microwave, retaining its texture and flavor. You can even make a large batch and freeze individual portions to reheat later. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want to make your future self’s life easier, this dish delivers convenience without compromising freshness or nutrition.

Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Flavor

With everything cooked in a single skillet, this recipe keeps the cleanup to a minimum. That makes it not only quick to prepare but also ideal for weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner without the pile of dirty dishes afterward. From searing the chicken to sautéing the vegetables and scrambling the eggs, the entire process is streamlined to save time without sacrificing flavor or quality.

A Great Way to Introduce Cooking to Beginners

For anyone learning their way around the kitchen, this recipe is an ideal starting point. It teaches key cooking techniques—like searing, sautéing, and scrambling eggs—all within the context of a straightforward dish. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the method is forgiving if you’re just getting comfortable with cooking. Plus, the results are so delicious and rewarding, it’s likely to become a regular rotation in your weekly meal plan.

Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved

This chicken fried rice is a guaranteed family favorite. Kids love the soft texture of the rice, the mild flavor, and the fun of discovering bits of chicken, peas, and carrots in every bite. Adults will appreciate the balance of protein and vegetables, as well as the satisfying flavors that make it feel like more than just leftovers. It’s also easy to adjust the seasoning to suit different preferences, making it one of those rare meals that everyone at the table can agree on.

Budget-Friendly and Pantry-Based

In a time where grocery prices are rising, it’s helpful to have recipes that are both cost-effective and filling. Chicken Fried Rice checks that box with ingredients that are affordable and often already on hand. Day-old rice, eggs, frozen vegetables, and a few pantry staples like soy sauce and cooking oil come together to create a hearty meal without the need for pricey extras. It’s a practical solution for stretching your grocery budget while still delivering great taste and nutrition.

Aromatic, Hearty, and Comforting

More than anything, this dish is comfort food at its finest. The smell of garlic and ginger sizzling in oil, the sound of rice hitting the skillet, and the sight of steam rising as it all comes together—it’s a sensory experience that feels like home. Whether you’re making it after a long day or sharing it with friends over dinner, this chicken fried rice brings a sense of satisfaction that only a truly good meal can provide.

Conclusion

This Chicken Fried Rice recipe proves that simple ingredients and smart techniques can produce a flavorful, satisfying meal that rivals your favorite takeout. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and packed with the kind of flavor and nutrition that makes you feel good about what’s on your plate. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week, or just looking for a delicious way to use up leftovers, this dish has you covered. Add it to your weekly rotation and enjoy a comforting, one-skillet wonder that delivers every time.