Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

This chicken fried rice recipe is a quick, tasty, and classic dish that brings restaurant-style flavor right to your kitchen. It’s one of the easiest chicken fried rice recipes for weeknight dinners because it uses simple ingredients and comes together in just minutes. Using cold, cooked rice ensures the perfect texture, while chicken, eggs, and soy sauce create an authentic Chinese-style chicken fried rice that’s better than takeout.

Ingredients

1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cups cooked white rice, cold
1 cup cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

Directions

Beat the egg with water in a small bowl until smooth and fully combined. Heat butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-low heat, pour in the egg mixture, and cook without stirring for 1–2 minutes until set. Remove the cooked egg, cut it into thin strips, and set aside. In the same skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat, add chopped onion, and cook while stirring until soft and lightly golden. Add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula, then stir in the cooked chicken, soy sauce, and black pepper until everything is evenly coated. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the rice is heated through and slightly crisp. Finally, return the shredded egg to the skillet, mix gently, and cook for an additional minute before serving hot.

Preparation Details

For best results, use cold, leftover rice since freshly cooked rice can become mushy during stir-frying. This recipe can be customized by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for a more colorful and nutritious variation. Adjust soy sauce and black pepper to taste for authentic flavor. This easy chicken fried rice recipe is perfect for quick dinners, lunch boxes, or anyone looking for a satisfying meal ready in about 15 minutes.