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    Home » Recipes » Chicken

    Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice

    Modified: May 29, 2025 · Published: Apr 4, 2023 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. · 42 Comments

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    EASY Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice- no need to get take-out when you can make this from scratch version right at home! One of the best weeknight dinners, this take-out classic is packed with flavor, not greasy, and is loaded with chicken, veggies, and tender rice! Perfect to make via stove-top, in a Wok, on your Blackstone, or Instant Pot!

    homemade, from scratch fried rice with chicken

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    Jump to:
    • The BEST Chicken Fried Rice
    • What’s in Chicken Fried Rice?
    • How to make Easy Chicken Fried Rice
    • Storing and Reheating Leftover Fried Rice
    • Tips for making Easy Chicken Fried Rice
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How to make Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice
    • What to serve with Chicken Fried Rice
    • Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

    The BEST Chicken Fried Rice

    Chicken Fried Rice is one of our favorite dinner options! Incredibly quick and easy, this recipe comes together in under 20 minutes and can be adapted to fit what you already have on hand! Clean up is a breeze, and there are typically leftovers to enjoy the next day, so its a win-win!

    The best part, you can enjoy this as a main meal, side dish, or as leftovers! You can make this using a skillet, Wok, or Blackstone griddle! So many different options, all with a mouthwatering end result!

    Chicken Fried Rice in a wok with Sriracha sauce

    What’s in Chicken Fried Rice?

    For this Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

    • Chicken– I love to use cooked, shredded chicken in mine, but you can also use diced, cooked chicken.
    • Rice– leftover from the previous day is best, cooked white or brown rice works great
    • Sesame Oil– you can also use vegetable oil, but sesame oil adds way more flavor
    • Onion– diced
    • Frozen Peas/Carrots– I love using the packaged veggies because it cuts down on time, if you want to use fresh, feel free, just cook them until tender
    • Soy Sauce– try to use the low sodium version
    • Egg– 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
    • Green Onions– optional, but highly recommended

    fluffy, tender rice cooked with sesame oil and veggies

    How to make Easy Chicken Fried Rice

    1. Preheat a medium skillet or wok to medium heat.
    2. Add the sesame oil, onion, and peas/carrots. Allow to cook until tender.
    3. Slice the onion, carrots, and peas to one side of skillet and add in the lightly beaten eggs to the other side.
    4. Using a spatula, scramble the eggs.
    5. Once eggs are fully cooked, combine with the onion/peas/carrots.
    6. Add the cooked rice and shredded chicken into the skillet and combine with the egg mixture.
    7. Pour the soy sauce on top and stir to combine evenly.
    8. Add the green onions, if using, and serve!

    Storing and Reheating Leftover Fried Rice

    Fried rice is best when enjoyed the day it is made, however, leftovers are good too!! Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can place in the microwave or reheat on the stove-top until heated through. PRO TIP: adding about 1 tablespoon water when reheating will help keep the moisture in the rice and make leftovers just as scrumptious as when first served.

    chicken, tender rice, veggies, and sesame cooked in a wok

    Tips for making Easy Chicken Fried Rice

    • Leftover rice works best. Cold rice from the previous day works best because it will have had time to dry out a bit and not be as “wet”, sticking together. Of course, if this isn’t an option, no worries, it will still be great.
    • Feel free to use any other protein if don’t have chicken on hand. Ham, pork, ground beef, or omitting altogether making it vegetarian works great too!
    • Change up the veggies to fit your tastes. Add in peppers, garlic, zucchini, or any other veggie desired.
    • You can make this Gluten Free by using a Gluten Free Soy Sauce.
    • Make this low carb by using cauliflower rice in place of white or brown rice.
    • Don’t skip the green onions. Though they are small, they add such a great boost of flavor.

    authentic chicken fried rice made at home

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Fried Rice Unhealthy? Nope! In fact, you can make it even healthier by using brown rice and reduced sodium soy sauce. Another great option is to use cauliflower rice in place of the white/brown rice.

    What can I use in place of chicken? Shrimp, diced ham, pork, or ground beef are all great options to use in place of the chicken. You can also omit altogether for a meatless meal.

    How much dry rice equals the 3 cups cooked? About 1 ½ cups dry rice equals 3 cups cooked.

    How do I add a bit more flavor? Feel free to add more soy sauce to this recipe to fit desired taste. You can also add a splash of Sriracha sauce to each plate upon serving.

    Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes!! Simple place in a freezer safe container or bag and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat prior to serving. Works great!

    How to make Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice

    1. Preheat the Blackstone over medium low. Add 2 tablespoon vegetable oil and spread it around a bit.
    2. Add on the peas/carrots. Saute for about 4 minutes. Move the veggies to the other side of the griddle and add the egg.
    3. Scramble and then move to combine with the veggies.
    4. Pour cooked rice onto the Blackstone and top with the sesame oil and soy sauce. Allow to cook for about 3-4 minutes.
    5. Combine with the egg/veggies and cooked chicken. Serve!

    Flavorful chicken fried rice that is simple and quick to prepare

    What to serve with Chicken Fried Rice

    Although this recipe is great served on its own, it also pairs perfectly with lots of different options. Here are a few great ones to try:

    Baked Eggs Rolls– easy to make, truly crispy and absolutely delicious. They’re the perfect crowd pleasing appetizer or side dish.

    Simple Orange Chicken– Panda Express Chinese take-out classic, made in your own kitchen. This delicious and Easy Orange Chicken recipe is our family’s favorite

    Baked Honey Sesame Chicken– Sweet, savory, and perfect for any night of the week. Skip the take-out and try this easy homemade version instead!

    Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein– a noodle dish packed with classic Chinese flavor!

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    fluffy, tender rice cooked with sesame oil and veggies

    Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

    Recipe by: Kristin
    Forget going out for Chinese food! You can make this at home dish and save on time, budget, and have plenty for leftovers!
    4.05 from 122 votes
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    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Chinese
    Servings 8
    Calories 200 kcal

    Equipment

    • Wok

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb chicken, cooked and shredded
    • 3 cups cooked rice
    • 2 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
    • 2 tablespoon soy sauce (more if desired)
    • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
    • 2 tablespoon green onions, chopped (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat a medium skillet or wok to medium heat.
    • Add the sesame oil, onion, and peas/carrots.
    • Allow to cook until tender.
    • Slide the onion, carrots, and peas to one side of skillet and add in the lightly beaten eggs to the other side.
    • Using a spatula, scramble the eggs.
    • Once eggs are fully cooked, combine with the onion/peas/carrots.
    • Add the cooked rice and shredded chicken into the skillet and combine with the egg mixture.
    • Pour the soy sauce on top and stir to combine evenly.
    • Add in the green onions, if using. Serve!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 9gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 183mgPotassium: 153mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1775IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

     

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    Comments

    1. MaryJane McCoy says

      November 26, 2024 at 5:45 pm

      5 stars
      We really enjoyed this recipe, it’s even good without the sesame oil. I love toasted sesame oil but my fiance, not so much. I couldn’t stop eating it.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        November 27, 2024 at 10:44 am

        Yay! Love hearing this! I am the same way where I love the sesame oil, but my hubby isn’t a fan. It can have a strong taste! Glad it was a hit!!

        Reply
    2. Livvia J says

      November 03, 2024 at 4:44 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is so tasty and so easy. I used brown rice since that is what I had. That made it a but chewy and nutty. I also added mushrooms and shoestring carrots. I did use the frozen peas though. I did add a touch more sesame oil and soy sauce. Over all it was good and the husband approved.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        November 03, 2024 at 4:54 pm

        Yay!! Glad you enjoyed!! Love the addition of mushroom and shoestring carrots, our fav!!

        Reply
    3. Nicolee Heitzman says

      February 22, 2024 at 4:40 pm

      5 stars
      I made this today and it was so very, very good!!! Went right by the recipe but the only thing I did different is I used rotisserie chicken. It really was so easy and wonderfully good! Thank you for a keeper!!!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        February 22, 2024 at 4:43 pm

        Yay!! Love hearing this! So glad you enjoyed! Great thinking on the Rotisserie chicken!!

        Reply
    4. Brandie Benson says

      November 01, 2021 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      Ok I found your recipe a couple of years ago and have been making it every since we love it.
      I’ve recently made some changes to the recipe due to some diet restrictions I use at least 3 eggs because it’s good and good protein I also use frozen mixed veggies instead of just peas and carrots.I also use frozen cauliflower rice that I microwave before using I always add a little minced garlic and I use soy sauce and a little bottled teriyaki sauce still use onions and sesame oil as well as some butter it’s awesome thank you so much for the recipe

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        November 02, 2021 at 9:13 am

        Yay!! Glad to hear you are loving the recipe!! Great idea on the changes, I love hearing all the great ways to enhance recipes!!

        Reply
        • Charlene Gjerde says

          June 28, 2024 at 10:19 am

          5 stars
          very good recipe i wouldn’t change anything. My family loved it

        • Kristin says

          June 29, 2024 at 7:19 am

          Yay!! Love hearing this! Glad you all enjoyed!!

    5. Viçkie Schwemmer says

      March 17, 2020 at 11:33 am

      Wedges of ripe tomatoes are great with chicken fried rice. Slices of cucumbers also add to chicken fried rice! Enjoy!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        March 17, 2020 at 3:43 pm

        Oh wow, that sounds like a great addition! Thanks for the suggestion!!

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Trackbacks

    1. MADE TODAY: CHICKEN FRIED RICE! – Susanlovesbooks says:
      November 6, 2020 at 10:45 am

      […] Over the years, I have loved to make my tried and true Chicken Fried Rice. It is the skillet version, so if you don’t have an Instant Pot, check that recipe out HERE! […]

      Reply
    4.05 from 122 votes (113 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome to The Cookin' Chicks…I am so glad you've stopped by! I am Kristin, a busy mom of 3, a wife, and a family chef! There are three things that motivate me each day - Family, Faith, and FOOD! I, along with the occasional help of friends and family, want to share my food creations with you! So, I invite you to join me around my dinner table through the recipes that I will share with you here. I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I do!

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