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30-Minute Chicken Fried Rice - Fast, Flavorful, Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Cooked, chilled rice (3 cups; day-old is best, jasmine or long-grain)
  • Chicken breast or thigh (12–14 oz, diced small)
  • Eggs (2 large)
  • Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup; or mixed vegetables)
  • Green onions (3–4, sliced)
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  • Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, minced) or ginger paste
  • Soy sauce (3–4 tablespoons; use low-sodium if preferred)
  • Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon; optional but adds depth)
  • Sesame oil (2 teaspoons)
  • Neutral cooking oil (2–3 tablespoons; canola, vegetable, or peanut oil)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)
  • Lime (optional, for a squeeze of brightness)

Method
 

  1. Prep the rice: If you don’t have leftover rice, cook 1 cup of dry rice. Spread it on a tray to steam off and cool while you prep. Chilled rice fries better and won’t get mushy.
  2. Chop the chicken: Dice chicken into small, even pieces. Pat dry and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce and oyster sauce. Set aside. Keep sesame oil separate; it goes in at the end for aroma.
  4. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and let it shimmer.
  5. Scramble the eggs: Add beaten eggs to the hot pan. Swirl to set, then gently scramble until just cooked. Remove to a plate.
  6. Cook the chicken: Add another tablespoon of oil. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove to the plate with eggs.
  7. Sauté aromatics: Add a bit more oil if the pan is dry. Add garlic and ginger. Stir 30–45 seconds until fragrant—don’t let them burn.
  8. Stir-fry veggies: Add peas and carrots. Cook 2–3 minutes until warmed and lightly crisp-tender.
  9. Fry the rice: Add the chilled rice, breaking up clumps with a spatula. Spread it out in the pan and let it sit for 30–60 seconds to toast slightly. Stir and repeat once or twice for a lightly golden, separated texture.
  10. Season and combine: Return chicken and eggs to the pan. Pour in the soy/oyster sauce mixture. Toss well so every grain gets coated. Add half the green onions.
  11. Finish: Drizzle in sesame oil and toss. Taste and adjust with more soy sauce, pepper, or a squeeze of lime. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like heat.
  12. Serve: Top with remaining green onions and serve hot.