Chicken Fried Rice is an economical dinner idea! It’s versatile too – use shrimp, pork, ham or Spam in place of the chicken! The possibilities are endless with this basic recipe. It’s a great way to re-purpose leftovers!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full Disclosure Policy for details.
Chicken Fried Rice
This is one of my family’s absolute favorite recipes! Not only is it easy on the pocketbook, but it rivals the stuff you get at your favorite take-out joint! I actually think I like it better than takeout! Even better? I almost always have all of the ingredients on hand to make this tasty Chicken Fried Rice!
Leftovers get a new life when you combine rice with chicken, vegetables, eggs, and a few seasonings in this quick and easy version of Chicken Fried Rice.
One of the great things about this recipe is you can totally change up the protein …. substitute shrimp, pork, ham, Spam, or even go meatless …. you can add whatever veggies you have on hand and if you like, add pineapple and/or ginger! I could eat this stuff every single day and never get tired of it!
Recipe for Fried Rice
- eggs
- water
- butter
- vegetable oil
- onion
- garlic
- frozen peas and carrots, thawed, (optional)
- cooked white rice, cold
- soy sauce
- ground black pepper
- cooked chicken meat, or meat of choice

How to make Chicken Fried Rice
- In a small bowl, beat egg with water.
- Melt butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-low heat. Add egg and scramble until cooked through. Remove from skillet to a small bowl.
- Heat oil in the same pan. Add onion, garlic, and the peas and carrots. Saute until the onion is soft. Then add rice, soy sauce, black pepper, and chicken. Stir-fry together about 3-5 minutes, until mixture is well combined. Add the eggs; stir to combine.
- Serve hot.
A few tips for making Fried Rice
- Be sure to use cold cooked rice in this recipe!
- Changes things up by switching the protein – substitute shrimp, pork, ham, Spam, or even go meatless!
- Switch up the veggies – or use pineapple tidbits!
- Leftover meat and veggies give this recipe a super quick start!
- Add ginger for that little bit of extra flavor.
- Serve this Chicken Fried Rice with Sriracha sauce or extra soy sauce on the side!

Other recipes you may enjoy

Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is an economical dinner idea! It's versatile too - use shrimp, pork, ham or Spam in place of the chicken! The possibilities are endless with this basic recipe. It's a great way to re-purpose leftovers!
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bag (12-16 oz.) frozen peas and carrots, thawed, (optional)
- 4 cups cooked white rice, cold*** (see note)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked chicken meat, or meat of choice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, beat egg with water.
- Melt butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-low heat. Add egg and scramble until cooked through. Remove from skillet to a small bowl.
- Heat oil in the same pan. Add onion, garlic, and the peas and carrots. Saute until the onion is soft. Then add rice, soy sauce, black pepper, and chicken. Stir-fry together about 3-5 minutes, until mixture is well combined. Add the eggs; stir to combine.
- Serve hot.
Notes
It is very important to use COLD, cooked white rice for this recipe!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 331Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 531mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 21g
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary greatly between brands. Always be sure to read labels.
Originally published on April 26, 2012. Updated on May 25, 2020.
Thanks so much for linking up to Creative Thursday this week. This looks super yummy. I'll definitely be trying this soon.
I can't wait to see what you link up next week. Have a wonderful weekend.
Michelle
We would really enjoy your Chicken Fried Rice it looks delicious! Hope you have a great week end and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
I'm a big fan of fried rice but the Hubs, not so much! I may just have to try this for myself at lunch one day!
Thanks for linking up to Mom's Test Meal Mondays!
If you use sesame oil instead of vegetable oil it will taste more authentic. Love it!
Just curious – why is the rice being cold so important?
Great question! If it is not cold, it tends to turn into mush when you use it in a fried rice recipe!
I know people dislike this word but hot rice is too moist.
Try it both ways & you will understand 🙂