Chicken Fried Rice (VIDEO)
Chicken Fried Rice is one of our go-to EASY 30-minute meals. Fried Rice is perfect for meal prep and a genius way to use leftovers. It’s actually even better with leftover rice. Watch the video tutorial below and you’ll see how easy this is.
Fried rice recipes are well-loved in our house, from our Shrimp Fried Rice to Bacon Mango Fried Rice and even Cabbage Fried Rice! Homemade fried rice is simple to make and healthier than takeout.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Chicken Fried Rice Recipe:
Fried rice is perfect for meal prep. It comes together fast and it reheats well. It’s also a great way to use up leftovers. If you cook rice earlier in the week, make more than you will need and put it into fried rice. Leftovers never tasted so good!
Pro Tips for Making Fried Rice:
- For best results, start with cold cooked rice. Do not use freshly cooked warm rice or it will become gooey and sticky in the pan.
- Fried rice should be cooked quickly over high heat. Give your skillet a chance to preheat before adding ingredients and avoid the urge to stir constantly, especially when the rice is added. Allow things to crisp and brown slightly.
- This recipe moves fast so prep all of your ingredients before firing up the stove.
- Add ingredients in the right order. If you add everything at once, the pan will cool too quickly and steam-cook your ingredients.
What is Fried Rice?
Fried rice is a Chinese stir fry made with rice. Scrambled eggs and veggies are usually added along with some type of protein like shrimp, chicken, or ham. It is traditionally cooked in a wok, but a large heavy non-stick skillet works just as well. Fried rice can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course.
The Best Chicken for Stir Fry:
Adding chicken to fried rice is a great way to incorporate more lean protein. We prefer chicken thighs for chicken fried rice. The dark meat has more flavor and is more forgiving; it remains tender even when it is overcooked. It also works great with chicken tenders or chicken breasts. Just use what you have on hand.
How to Cook Rice for Fried Rice:
Leftover chilled white rice is best and is less likely to turn gummy on the skillet. If you want to cook rice for fried rice, you will need 1 1/2 cups of raw rice to make 5 cups cooked rice. We use Jasmine rice but any long grain rice will work.
- Thoroughly rinse rice in a colander until water runs clear – this removes extra starch.
- Cook according to package instructions. We put 1 1/2 cups rinsed into a medium saucepan, add 3 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 Tbsp butter. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a low simmer, cover with a lid and cook 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let sit 5 minutes.
- Spread rice into a casserole dish or baking sheet and cool to room temperature then refrigerate until chilled.
More (Family Favorite) 30-Min Meals:
- Beef and Broccoli – better than takeout
- Philly Cheesesteak – just like in Philly
- Lemon Chicken Pasta in alfredo sauce
- Taco Soup – perfect for taco night
- Chicken Parmesan – feeds a crowd
Watch How to Make Chicken Fried Rice:
You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make restaurant-quality fried rice.
If you enjoyed this chicken fried rice video, please subscribe to our Youtube Channel and click the bell icon so you’ll be the first to know when we post a new video. THANK YOU for subscribing! We love spending time with you on our Youtube Channel.
Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless, skinless and trimmed
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 Tbsp extra light olive oil, or high heat cooking oil
- 4 large eggs
- 5 cups cooked white rice, chilled*
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce, (or GF Tamari) or added to taste*
- 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil, or to taste
- 12 oz frozen peas and carrots, fully thawed
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium/high heat and add 1 Tbsp oil. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 Tbsp oil then scrambled eggs and stir and scramble for a minute, breaking up the egg with your spatula. Cook just until no longer wet and immediately transfer to the plate with chicken.
- Use tongs to wipe skillet clean with a paper towel. Swirl in another 1 Tbsp oil then spread 5 cups rice evenly over the pan. Cook 1 to 2 minutes without disturbing then stir and sauté another 1 to 2 minutes. Rice should sizzle.
- Drizzle 2 Tbsp soy sauce and 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil over the rice and stir well. Add fully thawed vegetables and mix well.
- Add cooked chicken and scrambled eggs back to the pan. Add 1/4 cup green onion and mix well. Continue to cook until veggies and rice are hot and rice sizzles, stirring frequently. Add more soy sauce and sesame oil to taste.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
This is the best recipe I’ve ever used for fried rice! I have tried several and this one got rave reviews and we all ate too much of it! I used some chicken thighs, basmati rice, and liquid aminos for the soy sauce. My family asked me to make it again before we were done with dinner that night.
That’s wonderful to hear!
Made this tonight for my husband and I and it was very good! Made just as written. I will make it again and again! Thanks for a great recipe!
Thank you for following the recipe, Kathy. We’re so glad to hear that you loved it!
I’d love to have the recipe for Chicken Fried Rice, however, I cook for only 2, 3, or 4 people and I find that most recipes are for 6 to 10 and it’s not always easy cutting some ingredients down to size. Any suggestions?
Hi Carol! In the recipe card, you’ll see the number of servings listed. You can increase or decrease the number of servings and it will convert the ingredients list for you.
Would you please send me the recipe for Coconut Cream Cake. Went to Hawaii and had a piece and it was delicious. I try a lot of your recipes and pass them on to my friends.
Thank you.
Gail
Hi Gail, I don’t have a recipe for Coconut Cream cake but that sounds delicious. Thanks for the idea!
Hi Natasha, I made this dish tonight and some reason the came out dry. Is there anything I can use to moisten it a bit. The rice was made the same day and I don’t know if that would make a difference or not.
Thank you,
Tyler
Hi Tyler. I’m sorry to hear that. Leftover rice tends to be drier than fresh rice so that shouldn’t be the problem. It will easily turn hard and dry if you stir-fried it for too long. Could this have been the issue? You can reheat it in the microwave with a few teaspoons/tablespoons of water and a lid. This may help get some moisture back into the dish. You could also have your favorite stir-fry sauce on top of this dish to help, but I wonder if it may become too salty.
Can you use brown rice in this recipe? Trying to stay away from white.
Hi Patricia, one of my readers mentioned she used leftover brown rice with this recipe, and it worked great!
This was SO delicious! It will become one of our regular meals!!
I’m so glad you loved it, Cheryl! Thank you for the feedback.
I made this tonight. The texture was perfect but not a lot of flavor. I wonder if I should use a different soy sauce. Is there a special soy sauce you use? We did add more soy sauce but it didn’t make a lot of different. I used a less sodium soy sauce.
Hi Chris, since this recipe calls for regular soy sauce and not low sodium, you will probably need some more to amplify the flavor if using low sodium. I liked the soy sauce I used in the recipe post.
I love every recipe I’ve made of yours! Today I made the instant pot whole chicken recipe you have to use for white chicken chili. I need a quick meal for after soccer games and thought this fried rice recipe might be good- but do you think I could use the leftovers from that instantpot whole chicken in this recipe? Would that work worth this recipe?
Thanks, Michelle. I think that will work just fine. We’d love to know how it goes if you give that a try!
I’ve made this with the chicken and it was awesome! last night, when I did not have a side dish and needed to “clean” out my fridge, I made this without the chicken. Still delicious and so easy!
Hi Rita! That’s great. I’m glad you still enjoyed it without chicken. We love this with shrimp too!
Thank you Natasha for your clear and step by step recepy. I made the chicken fried rice and it was perfect. I boiled the rice yesterday and the chicken breast I prepared in the airfryer. Real yummee!
I’m so glad the recipe post is helpful! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, I’m so happy you enjoyed this fried rice!
I tried this tonight it was so good!! I didn’t use leftover rice or have mine chilled so it was a little more mushy but still very good! My kids and my picky hubby loved it. Thank you!
Glad to hear that, Danielle! Thank you for sharing.
YUM YUM YUM! This took minutes to make because I omitted the chicken since I made it to satisfy my chiniese starch crave! Was the best fried rice I ever tasted! Natasha I owe it to you!!!
That’s wonderful, Rikki! I’m so glad you loved the recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Excellent! My family loved it! I added garlic and butter to mine at the end and it was over the top the best fried rice I have ever had! I also added teriyaki sauce to my chicken when I cooked it.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Jennifer! I’m so happy you enjoyed that.
I absolutely love this recipe! Natasha, am I able to freeze this recipe and if so, how would you recommend reheating when ready to eat?
Hi Kyla, glad you love this. Yes, rice and the remaining ingredients in this recipe do freeze well. We like to throw it into a pan and saute it until heated through. There are other methods you can try, but we prefer that way.
Hi Natasha’s I am so loving this awesome chicken fried rice
I will try to make tonight for dinner..can’t wait
Re: Chicken fried rice
Is there a good way to warm up the leftovers?
Hi D, we like to throw it into a pan and saute it until heated through. There are other methods you can try, but we prefer that way.
Hi Natasha, can you tell me what kind of rice you use for the fried rice please.
Really love your cooking.
Hi Amanda, we use Jasmine rice but any long grain rice will work.
Hi Natasha!
Do you have an easy Beef fried rice recipe? Or, could you make a video for it?
I do not. But you can modify and use beef in this recipe.
Your recipes Always turn out tasting great! Try the shrimp tacos ( the sauce is beyond fabulous! Thank You
You’re welcome, Michele. It’s my pleasure to share these great recipes to you all!
I’m not a chef and always thought rice was rice. Not true I learned. I visited Thailand many times and Thai Jasmine rice is far superior tasting compared to plain long grain white rice. Try comparing yourself
Nice dish Natasha. Only the rice is wrong. Try using premium grade Thai Jasmine rice instead of tasteless plain long grain white rice. You won’t go back. As a test cook a cup of plain long grain rice and a cup of Thai Jasmine rice and see for yourself. First thing you will notice is the aroma difference. Then the taste difference. You won’t go back using plain long grain white rice again in all your recipes. Thai Jasmine rice costs a little more but well worth it.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Luke!
Luke the rice is not “wrong” just bc it’s not the kind you like, just saying
As a beginner I just wanted to let you know that you have the BEST BLOG out there. Please continue your wonderful and delicious recipes.
Aloha
I’m so glad to hear that. Thank you so much. 🙂
Hi Natasha! I love your videos and the recipes I have tried from you! Thank you! If I wanted to add chopped white onion – when and how would you suggest I do that?
Hi Melissa, you can sautee it on the side and then add it to the recipe. I haven’t tried it myself, but I bet that would work well!
Hi Natasha! First, let me say that you are sincerely my absolute favorite chef! I have made many of your recipes and they’ve ALL been wonderful! Your chicken fried rice is one of my & my family’s favorite meals but I do need some help please. How long should it take to wash the rice before the water comes clear? I feel like it takes so long and that maybe I’m doing something wrong. I sincerely appreciate any feedback.
Hi Andi! Thank you so much for sharing that with me! I’m so inspired to hear thoughtful comments like yours! As long as you’re rinsing until the water is relatively clear or soaking until the water becomes relatively clear, it shouldn’t be more than 5 minutes or so.
It may be preferrable to soak the rice twice in a pint of water, stirring to release the starch from the rice, and draining. This is better for separated grains than simply rinsing it in a seive under the the tap.
I cooked your chicken fried rice meal on my griddle while camping, what a great meal
I bet this is so good on a griddle, especially when camping!
I loved making this!!! I can only imagine how many ways we can make this with different proteins and sauces!! We used a peanut satay sauce as we need gluten free for my daughter. I am excited to make this again with a new sauce!
So true, it is so versatile! Feel free to try other varieties too.
Love, love,loved this recipe! Super easy to fallow, the whole family enjoyed it very much! It was a win!
That’s awesome, thank you for sharing that with us, Jada!
Hi Natasha! I was wondering, is it possible to substitute the rice with quinoa? And if so, how would the steps change, if at all? Thanks so much for your amazing recipes!
Hello Maureen, I haven’t tried that to advise. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes, we’s also love to know!
Hi Natashas,
So many different sesame oils out in the stores. Can you tell me what sesame oil you would use?
Hi Wanda, we have a photo of the brand we used in the recipe! I hope that’s helpful!
I cooked this recipe for a first time and was absolutely happy with it. It was easy to make and delicious. It was more than enough for dinner for two and I have leftovers for tomorrow lunch. Thank you Natasha for recipe and for video.
You’re so welcome! Thanks a lot for your good comments and feedback.
I made this with leftover brown rice, leftover frozen veggies, and without chicken (since I didn’t have any). I needed to add a bit more soy sauce to taste at the end, but otherwise it was a very quick and easy dinner, and used up a lot of things that I had lying around the kitchen! My toddler even got some of his veggies in!
That is the best when kids love what we moms make. That’s so great!
Eating this as I write. I’m genuinely impressed- this was extremely easy to make and used up my leftover rice. Satisfies the Chinese food craving without all the grease and sugar…and tastes SO good. Thank you!
You’re so welcome, Lena! I hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try from my website.
Hi Natasha, I was wondering if I could use minute rice for this recipe instead?
Hi Julie, we like to use long-grain white rice. You could use minute rice but it would affect the texture in the end, it will still be good.
Great recipe. Love your fried rice. Already made scrimp fried rice. Now I am going to made chicken fried rice. Thank you. Your recipes and explanations are the best!
Thank you for your good comments and feedback. I hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try!
used this basic recipe for years. So versatile. Sub ham or leftover beef roast. Only difference is I sauté chunked onion and some garlic before adding meat etc. You have a great page here. I visit a LOL
Thank you for sharing that with us, Janet. I hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try!
I tried this version over the recipe I usually use, and I really like the outcome of this one better. Very good. I make it meatless though to go with Mushroom Chicken (panda Express copy cat).
Hello Rachel, nice to know that you enjoyed this recipe meatless too. Thanks for your review and for sharing that with us.
This was delicious, earning rave reviews from the family. One of my kids, who is a give or take chicken or rice kind of guy, ate 4 bowls of it, and told me at least with every refill how good it was. My other son is not a fan of peas, so used broccoli in its place. Definitely a keeper!
That is awesome! Thanks for your great feedback, Sammy. I’m glad the recipe was a hit!
I made a meatless version and used leftover veggies – asparagus & carrots, and green onion. It was delicious!
That sounds good, thanks for sharing that with us! I know others would like to try that version too.
How do you reheat after it is frozen?
Hi Drenda, we like to throw it into a pan and saute it until heated through. There are other methods you can try, but we prefer that way.
Can you please tell me how did you prep (cooked) rice for this recipe?? Can’t wait to try this 😄😄💕
Hi Khoshy, we have it linked in the recipe but you can also find it HERE. I hope that helps!
I love it, thank you for you recipe.
You’re welcome, Lidia! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
I made this as dinner for 2 tonight and it was great. Lots of leftovers for another day. Your recipes are so easy to follow.
Ooops! Missed the 5 stars.
Thanks a lot!
Great to hear that you loved this recipe for dinner. I hope you and your family will love every recipe that you will try!
Will it taste okay without the sesame oil? I forgot to buy some and I am making it tomorrow.
Hi Justine, someone else shared this “I also didn’t have any sesame oil, so I used extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled in some sesame seeds for flavor.” I hope that helps.
Great video. A lot of people add garlic and/or ginger…what are your thoughts?
Hi Randy! Thank you so much for watching! I bet that could work in this recipe! If you experiment with adding those, I would love to know how you like this recipe!
Delish. My husband and I loved this. I halved the recipe and still have enough for two dinners each! A nice quick meal.
So glad to hear that, Penny! Thanks for sharing your great review with us.
Hello! Can I substitute yellow onion for green onion and use minute rice? Thank you!
Hi Lauren, I think green onions would work. I haven’t tried this with minute rice, however. When rice cooks for its normal time, it absorbs all the flavors, and that’s what truly makes it delicious.
I have been cooking for 56 years. I have tried several different recipes for Fried Rice over the years. I made your recipe of Chicken Fried Rice a couple of nights ago. My husband told me, this is delicious. The very best Fried Rice you have ever made.
Thank you.
That is just awesome! Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Peggy.
love all your recipes but I always use Basmati rice (cooked day before and refrigerated). It never goes glucky? and not being a big meat eater, fry onion, grated carrot, garlic and of course defrosted sweet peas and corn plus soy sauce. This seems to be a hit with my vegetarian daughter/granddaughers but I do love all the extras you add. You are amazing.
Hi, yes I agree it’s our new favorite rice.
love your recipes and was wondering if I want to make just fried rice, do I use this recipe and just delete the chicken?
Hello Janet, that would work too. I think it’s still going to be delicious! Let us know how you liked that if you try it!
The chicken fried rice “without the Chicken” was great. I did add a little more soy sauce. Served it with breaded pork chops. We all love rice and this makes it a little more special.
This is such an easy, delicious chicken fried rice recipe. I prefer chicken breast, so that’s the only swap I made, and it still turned out delicious!
Great to hear that! Thank you so much for your awesome review.
I made Easy chicken fried rice today. My husband and I enjoyed it. Rice and chicken came out nice. Enjoy your videos! Thank you.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Do you rinse the rice before cooking it from raw or before you place it in the pan with everything (already cooked)?
Hi Jessica, yes, please see the section titled How to Cook Rice for Fried Rice: “Thoroughly rinse rice in a colander until water runs clear – this removes extra starch.” I hope that helps.
Hi Jessica, yes I rinse rice before in a colander until water runs clear – this removes extra starch. You may review this part of the recipe How to Cook Rice for Fried Rice for more information. I hope that helps.
So far the best!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Made this tonight and it was so quick, easy and delicious! Made the beef and broccoli yesterday and hubby is loving all the new dishes!
Awesome! Thank your for sharing, Michelle. I hope you’ll love every recipe that you will try.
Hi Natasha! Can we use frozen cauliflower rice instead of regular rice?
Hi Pearly, I have only tried it with rice. You can substitute for a low carb version of fried rice but the method would be a little different. I suggest following instructions specifically written for cauliflower fried rice.
So delicious I will make this again and again.
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
Hello Natasha, Thanks for your recipe, it’s quite amazing.
Cheers!
Thank you for that great review, Aubrey! I’m happy you enjoyed that!
Could this recipe be frozen and reheated later?
Hi Erika, yes, rice and the remaining ingredients in this recipe do freeze well.
I have made this several times and we love it. And its so easy to make. Thank you
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
If I want to add beef what cut of beef do I use?
Hi Rachel, I haven’t tried making beef fried rice, but I think there’s room to experiment.
This was indeed fantastic – I added a bit more soy sauce. My previous attempts with fried rice went wrong, as always used a freshly boiled rice and did not let it cool down 🙂
Thank you for sharing that with us, Lydia! I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Turned out great, did add a little more soy sauce and peanut oil but just a tad. Thank you!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
This was fantastic
Thank you, Suzanne!
This was the best chicken fried rice I ever made. I also made it with beef.
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
Was the best I have ever made, made it with left over Turkey
You are the Best for those of us like cooking gourmet food
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Hi everything you make looks so delicious!!!
Do you have a recipe for rice balls?
Thank you, Carmela! Yes, we have an Arancini Rice Balls recipe HERE, I hope you love it!
Oh my God, I had rice everywhere! It took me over two hours. I’m fried! Get it. The good thing is it was delicious!
I’m happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Hi!
Can I use uncle bens microwaveable rice?
Hi Frances, I have not tried that yet to advise. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.
Loved making this dish so easy. Chicken Fried Rice! Yummy😄
Just wish I could show you.
Hello Karen, I’m happy that you liked this recipe. You can share pictures of your creation on our Facebook page in the comments section or in the Facebook group.
Planning to do your Chicken Fried Rice for dinner tonight. Should this be a side dish or main meal? If side dish what is your recommended main dish?
Hello Connie, sounds like a great plan. I hope you enjoy your dinner! It really depends, it can be a side dish or main meal it is so flexible. You can eat with veggies, mashed potato, or egg rolls/dumplings!
I actually had this a main meal it was a hit with the family, all enjoyed it. Suggestions from family was to make the fried rice and do the chicken on side like orange chicken or general tos.. Do you have a recipe for either of these chicken dishes?
Hi Connie! I’m so glad your family enjoyed this recipe! We have a few recipes: Kung Pao-Chicken HERE, General Tso’s Chicken HERE and Sweet and Sour Chicken HERE I hope this is helpful!
Delicious! Great as left over. I’ll be making extra next time!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that Sue!
I love trying out new recipes every week!! Today I’ve made this Chicken Fried Rice. Did everything according to recipe. The only issue I have is that, when I added sesame oil it kinda blocks all the other tastes from this recipe.. idk if it’s just me,but yeah!
Hopefully rest of family will like this for dinner
Hi Alla, sesame oil does have a ton of flavor so it’s best to use it sparingly. It also mellows out in the dish as it sits for a bit.
Asian sesame oil is intense so try a mild one sold in Indian groceries.
You just need to use a really small amount but it’s the best flavor like she calls for
Love your recipes, thank you so much for your hard work. My issue was the rice, though. It came out mushy and gummy. In re-reading your rice recipe I think I overcooked it in too much water. I also added the rice to already boiling water, so that is different as well as the fact that it was not cold when I added it to the recipe. Will do better next time, though (I hope) Trial and error, eh?
Hi Donna, that is likely the culprit since with the already boiled water the rice may have overcooked. I hope you give this a try again soon.
Im a new fan….why…your refreshingly cute… and i love your recipes very much…….when my kids were little i would make a big pot of not chicken but pork fried rice…for everyone to eat before going trick or treating….i wish now i had put pineapple in it …….
That’s so nice Louisa, thanks for sharing that with us. I hope you and your family will love every recipe that you will try for them.
Tried this last night for dinner. Better than ANY restaurant I’ve ever had. I had a good helping, then cut up a few slices of pineapple and added that before my second helping. I’ve tried 2 of your recipes of yours and I’m 2 for 2. So easy to do and plenty of left overs for the two of us.
Wow! That’s just awesome Jim! Thank you for that wonderful review!
This chicken fried rice was absolutely delicious! I brought this dish to my daughter and her husband today for lunch…they gave me so many compliments! I go over there twice a week to help watch my new granddaughter, so a delicious lunch is such a treat for them…and me too! Thank you Natasha!
You’re welcome, Janice!! I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe!
I made this recipe last night for dinner along with General Tso’s chicken. Adding both together made it doubly delicious. I will definitely make it again.
Dinner sounds awesome! I’m so glad you loved both recipes, it’s a great combo!
Made chicken fried rice tonight and the fam loved it. I’ve also made the shrimp fried rice (there’s never enough for leftovers).
Thanks for making recipes and videos easy to follow, makes me more comfortable to cook…
I’m so glad to hear that everyone loved this recipe. Thank you so much for sharing your good feedback with us!
So delicious we all love it and it is easy to make. I have left over rice approximately 5 cups and I used them instead of throwing them away. Thank you for amazing recipe.
You are so welcome. Thank you too for your good comments and feedback!
This is the first time I have ever commented on Pinterest, but I wanted to thank you for the recipe and share some changes I had to make. I was looking for a quick and simple recipe, and although I didn’t have all the ingredients, I decided to try it anyway. First, the only chicken I had on hand was “Tysons grilled chicken strips“. I cut the strips into small pieces and quickly cooked it in extra-virgin olive oil. I cooked my rice in my rice cooker, but I didn’t have time to cool it down. So I decided to try it hot. I also didn’t have any sesame oil, so I used extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled in some sesame seeds for flavor. I also didn’t have any vegetables so I left those out completely except for the green onions. But even with all the changes I had to make, it was delicious! It was not sticky in the least and although I think it would have been a little better with the vegetables, it was delicious the way it was! I’m excited to try this again when I have all the ingredients, but I can’t imagine it being much better than it already was! Thank you so much for the recipe and blessings to you!
You are very welcome, Laurie. Thanks for sharing your experience making this recipe with us!
Hi Natasha, I just want to thank you for making your recipes so easy to follow and so good. I have made this dish and a few others. Everything came out delicious. My breakfast quesadilla my son said was the best thing I ever made. LOL Thanks for making a mom look like a chef.
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Lanita!
Why the need to wipe the pot clean after cooking the eggs before frying the rice? Aren’t scrambled eggs added back anyway?
Hi Sara, it’s so the egg parts that are left in the pan don’t get overcooked. Overcooked eggs smell and taste like overcooked eggs to me, but if it doesn’t bother you, I suppose you could get away with skipping that step.
Can I use canned peas and fresh carrots?
Hi Alina, I have not tested this with canned peas to advise.
Thank you Natasha for the amazing recipe. I cooked it and it came out so good. My husband loved it.
That’s just awesome Alicia!
Hi natasha! LOVE LOVE LOVE this recipe! Every time I make this I try to make a yum yum sauce to go with it but can’t seem to choose my favorite one so I was hoping that you might have a favorite yum yum sauce recipe you can share? (That one will be my fav)
Made this tonight … so good!! I added the peas and carrots even though I pick them out (too pretty to leave out). The extra working pushing them aside also slows my eating down LOL. I went back three times! Thanks
That’s so great Chris! I’m so glad you enjoyed that!
This looked so yummy that I couldn’t wait to try. I cooked the rice today according to your instructions to make the stir fry tomorrow. Cooled rice on sheet pan, then refrigerated, but it feels really gummy/sticky. Did I do something wrong, or will texture change overnight? I don’t want to waste all of my other ingredients tomorrow if the rice is a fail.
Hi Sandra, did you use a different kind of rice possibly? Some varieties require less cooking time.
Hi Natasha,
Excellent recipe and I made today and came out very well and yummy. The whole family enjoyed….!
I’m so happy to hear that Prasad! Thank you for that great review!
Love all your recipes. Can you freeze your chicken fried rice ?
Hi Laurie, yes rice and the remaining ingredients in this recipe do freeze well.
Thank you Natasha for all your excellent recipes!
You’re welcome Daisy!
Hi! Could I substitute broccoli for the peas? If I used fresh broccoli and fresh carrots cut small how long would I cook them?
Hi Kristal, I think that could work – you would want to cook them for a few minutes over high heat until they are crisp-tender or reach your desired doneness.
can you use teriyaki instead of sesame oil
Hi Jennifer, I haven’t tested that with teriyaki if you experiment please let me know how you like that.
No sesame oil on hand and my grocery is out. Avocado or vegetable oil okay? Thanks!
Hi Ashleigh, you can also use vegetable or canola oil if you have it.
I’am planning on cooking chicken fried rice tonight, but I don’t have sesame oil, what other oil can I use? I love your website and watching you cook. Love your recipes!!!
Hi Debbie, you can also use vegetable or canola oil if you have it.
I made this tonight for dinner using riced cauliflower and it was a huge hit! Thanks for another great recipe.
So glad to hear it! Thanks for sharing Heather.
Absolutely love your site and recipes. I look forward to the daily e-mails. Your new kitchen is beautiful. 👍👍
Thank you so much!
Will this recipe taste the same with chicken breast?
Hi Cindy, that should work.
beautiful and easy.
Thank you!
I just love trying your recipes…I love the instructional videos, you always bring a smile when I see them…I do the majority of the cooking for my family but, my tastes are more different than similar for them….My son in law is EXTREMELY finicky about his food…but I made this chicken fried rice, I doubled the recipe so they could take this to work since food choices are limited with the closures….He went for 3 helpings plus some the kids did not eat….there was only 2 small Tupperware containers for my daughter and son in law…..Now that is a rarity….keep smiling that personality is beautiful and amazing!!!!
Sounds like you found a new family favorite!! That’s so awesome!
I made this tonight. It was great except the vegetables were not fully thawed. I will follow those instructions next time!
I’m so glad you enjoyed that Tabitha!
I have followed Natasha for a while now, and her recipes never fail! This Chicken fried rice recipe is perfect! Seasame oil can be overpowering and this recipe has the perfect amount! Even my super picky son begs me to make this weekly. Thank you from a mom who loves to cook!
Hello Asya and hello to your son too! So happy to know that he loved this recipe, I hope he will also love all the others recipes that you will try.
I love your stir fried chicken recipe. The whole family loved it. It was super easy to make which made me love it twice as much.I love watching you cook.Even on days that I’m tired and don’t feel like cooking a meal for the family I’ll watch one of your videos or look up a recipe and I am ready to cook.Thankyou😊
Thanks for sharing that with us, Lori. That makes me feel happy knowing that I inspire you to cook for your family. I hope that you love every recipe that you try!
Hi Natasha, I love all your recipes. I was wondering .If you have or were thinking of. Putting your recipes in a cookbook?
Hi Bern, we sure have! Stay tuned, we have one in the works.
Can I just say how much I love your posts. You have made me love cooking again. Your tutorials are so informative and very easy to follow. I am going to make this fried rice tonight. I know it will be amazing.
You and your hubby do a great job of putting a smile on my face every time I follow along with your cooking tips and brilliant commentary. Thanks so much. Lynne
I appreciate your nice comments Lynne. I love that you got inspired by my video tutorials and recipes. I hope that you love every recipe that you try!
Since the unfortunate event shut down my school three weeks ago, I’ve been trying all the recipes from your site that I’ve been saving. Hearing my husband’s comments of pleasure as he eats each new dish has been a joy! (Between you and me and a lamppost, I think he’s fallen in love with me again after 15 years of marriage! 😉). Thank you!!
SCSM
PS. He LOVED the chicken fried rice!
Wow that is such a great compliment. Your comments really made me smile and feel inspired! Thanks for sharing that with us.
For smaller amount of rice say 2 cups, do you suggest we put 1/2 of ingredients? Would like to make 2 cups rather than 5 (fried rice).
Hi Sandra, you can definitely halve the recipe.
Hi Natasha! Can you freeze the chicken fried rice to heat up later?
Hi JoAnn, yes rice and the remaining ingredients in this recipe do freeze well.
Hi Natasha….I’ve made chicken fried rice a couple of times. Easy and I really like it. For breakfast even! Making the shrimp fried rice right now. Think that will be good aslo. Love your videos and recipes! Not much of a cook but I’m trying!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying our recipes, David! Isn’t the flavor amazing for such a simple dish!
I’ve taken some to a couple of friends. They think it’s good also! And they don’t usually try anything I cook!
Sounds great! Thank you for sharing that with me and I hope you can try the other recipes too soon.
I have made this 3 times and used cauliflower rice each time. It’s delicious I love it. Thanks
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
I enjoy your videos very much. I made the chicken fried rice with brown rice and it turned out great! I can’t wait to try other recipes. Thanks!
Thank you for your good feedback. I hope you love the other recipes that you try too!
I LOVE all your recipes! I made your stir fried shrimp tonight for the 3rd time and have made your chicken fried rice! Similar . Easy and delish!
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
I love this chicken fried rice and the shrimp one too! So easy and pretty ! My family loves it! I have made about 7 of your recipes! All soooooo good!
Hi JoAnne! I love that you’re enjoying our recipes! Thank you for that great review!
Hi Natasha! I was just wondering is the chef’s knife you are using a 5″ or 7″? Can you link the information please? I’ve been using Victorinox 8″ chef’s knife and wanted to add to my tools. Thank you!
Hi Tonya, you can find our favorite kitchen tools in our shop here.
I read your recipes with such enjoyment. I have a need to adapt recipes for 40. I use a stock pot for most. Could this be made in sheet pans? Any hints for increasing the amounts to feed 40?
Hi Dixie, I have not tested this recipe on a sheet pan to advise. If you experiment I would love to know how you like this recipe. Quick hint, if you click on the recipe serving slider it will give you the measurements for 20 people. Simply double that to feed 40. I hope that helps.
Can you use canned chicken in this recipe?
I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.
Sorry if someone has already asked this question, but would brown rice work here?
Hi Janet, yes definitely! You can use cooked brown rice instead of white rice.
I love chicken fried rice! Thanks for easy recipe. When i was growing up my Ma always made fried rice but she used bacon instead of chicken, it was so good. I have never been able to get the bacon fried rice to taste like my Ma’s though lol
You’re welcome, Ruby! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe.
Made this recipe for the first time today. It turned out excellent and I loved the flavors and the way it turned out. However, I don’t know if it’s just me but for some reason shortly after eating I was having a bit of a hard time breathing. I’m not sure if it’s the sesame oil or maybe all the oils required in this dish is too much for me. All I know is I loved it but didn’t feel well after eating it, and I did follow the recipe step by step with no replacements. I’m a healthy individual and have no food allergys that I’m aware of. Any comments/suggestions? Thank you.
Hi Maria, That is odd and my first thought is that maybe you have an allergy to soy or sesame? You might consider if any of the ingredients in the dish were new to you or maybe a new brand of product that could have a different ingredient in it. An allergist can help you rule that out. Oils don’t typically cause breathing problems unless you were allergic to something. I would suggest discussing this with your Dr to rule things out. Take a picture of the labels of your bottles and take them with you to your appointment so you know what to test for.
Can you use a frying pan instead of a skillet?
Hi Keisha, that should work.
Hi Natasha,
I forgot to rinse the rice before cooking it. What should I do?
Thanks,
Mila
Hi Mila, it removes the surface starch that otherwise causes the rice to clump together and get mushy. So you may experience that but there is nothing to remedy post-cooking.
This is delicious and easy to make, I really like it so much
I’m so glad you enjoyed that! Thank you for that awesome review!
I have tried this recipe and my husband and I really liked it. It is also easy to make only half the recipe. Thank you Natasha.
You’re welcome, Gisele!
Great recipe! Since it is marked gluten-free, I just wanted to point out that soy sauce unfortunately contains gluten. For this to be truly gluten-free, one would need to use special gluten-free soy sauce like Tamari.
Hi Alex, yes that is a great point! I added that note to the recipe card also to clarify.
Or, even better, as tamari still contains soy, which is also an allergen — try Coconut Secret “Coconut Aminos.”
I tried it and it is a hit.Its super easy to make.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I tried it. I loved it! I can’t be I won’t ever have to go out for Chinese take out again
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review.
Sounds delicious ! Do I need to use cooked rice ..
Hi Anna, yes for this recipe you need to use cooked rice.
Made the recipe as said. But something was missing. Sauteed onion and garlic in butter then added it to the recipe. Added more soy sauce and a little sriracha sauce. It was so tasty. Love it!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Hi Natasha, I have a question about your Staub skillet. What pros and cons does it have? Is that non stick 100%? Can you sir meat ok without it sticking to a bottom?
Can you still cook eggs in it or cook “zharenaya kartoshka”? I’m so tempted to get that skillet, but before paying $200 I need to know if it worth it. Thank you
Hi Julie, any coated cast iron will not be 100% non-stick. It will still stick a little bit. I definitely could not make crepes in it and fried potatoes will stick to the bottom.
Hi Julie, we absolutely love it! They trick with any cookware that is non stick is to heat the skillet/ cookware to the temperate you plan on cooking it with. I also recommend reading reviews that come with the product on the site you’re purchasing. We have it linked in our shop on our blog also. I hope that helps.
I remember when no Chinese Restaurant put peas in their fried rice. I think the fast food Chinese take outs started this practice that started 25 to 30 years ago and I’m not a fan. They use to just use green onions.
That is interesting! Thank you for sharing that with me.
We made it last night with just one adjustment: some butter in the rice. it was much loved! The sesame oil is the star of she show.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
What brand of rice would you recommend?
Hi Viktoriya, We use Jasmine rice but any long grain rice will work.
This receipe is fantastic and economical. Thanks for another dish my family loves.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Cheryl. Thank you for the wonderful review!
I can never understand why fried rice isn’t recommended as a cheap meal. You can use any and all small amounts of leftover meats or veggies and it feeds a bunch with rice & 2 eggs. And it’s good!
That’s my favorite thing about it!
I like to use oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, at least 3 cloves of garlic, sm. white onion. I cook my 2 eggs first with a pat of butter, plate them and set aside. Then I fry my onion and my garlic in butter and my 2 carrots I diced. I scoot it over in pan and put my cold rice in with butter if more is needed. I use froz. peas so I throw those in last. But the toasted sesame oil and oyster sauce make a big difference in taste. I add the soy sauce in last. More on my plate if needed. But I have to cook with butter, that’s how I’ve seen the Japanese cooks do it.
That’s just awesome!! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Love your personality, your energetic smile, how you make everything simple. You’re just awesome.
Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Diane!
So delicious and easy to make , thank you for amazing recipe
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed that.
Can I substitute cauliflower rice instead? How to prepare? Same as rice?
Hi Mike, you can substitute for a low carb version of fried rice but the method would be a little different. I suggest following instructions specifically written for cauliflower fried rice.
I’ve been making fried rice for years. Sometimes it’s spanish or tex-mex, or asian. I always start with sateed onions, garlic, and ginger (if it’s asian) (I keep grated fresh ginger in the freezer.) Then I add my peas and carrots. I cook the rice in chicken broth and add a pinch of goya sazon for yellow color.
I used chicken breasts cut very thin, and marinated for 15 min. with dry spices. Then you mix them with cornstarch and oil. I also add soy or teriyaki sauce and sesame oil to the rice.Then you put everything together and voila! Chinese fried rice.
Yum that sounds wonderful and thanks for sharing! What kind of spices do you use for the chicken?
Hi Natasha! This dish looks sooo good, but I have a question; I have another recipe from you, and I want to know the difference with this one. The other recipe is called Easy Chicken Fried Rice.
Thank you so much. Blessings for you and your beautiful family!!!
Hi Cristina, we don’t have an Easy Chicken Fried Rice on our blog. You must be thinking of someone else’s recipe? We do have a really good Shrimp Fried Rice.
Hi Natasha, I was looking to the Easy Chicken Fried Rice, and it has your name and in brackets says Valentina’s Corner, I think I got it from a suggestion from one of your other recipes.
For sure I am going to make your Chicken Fried Rice, I think is the best like all your other recipes, I tried lot of them and we love it. Thanks Natasha!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
All I have is extra virgin olive oil. Would that be okay to use?
Hi Shannon, extra virgin doesn’t work well with fried rice or stir fry because it doesn’t have a high smoke point and will burn at the heat called for in fried rice. You would be better off using an oil with a higher smoke point such as vegetable oil, canola oil or grapeseed oil, or even avocado oil.
Excellent cook, love it, a very healthy meal. Natasha greetings.Successes!!
Thank you for that wonderful compliment!
We make this all of the time! The family loves it!
Sounds like you found a family favorite! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!
Loved this quick and easy recipe and my family loves it too! It will be on repeat for sure.
Quick and easy are the best! I’m so glad your family enjoyed that.
Hi, Natasha!
One quick question. You mentioned in the video you can use chicken breast. Would 1 lb still be the correct amount? Thanks! Btw, my husband and I really love watching you!
Have a blessed day!
Valerie
Hi Valerie, that is correct, I would still suggest the same amount of chicken.
That’s so great Valerie! That is correct. I hope you love this recipe.
Hi Natasha! When I made this my rice got really soggy. I cooled it like suggested. Any other suggestions? Not sure what I did wrong.
Hi Kailey, I’d be more than happy to troubleshoot. Was anything altered in the recipe? Did you measure the rice and liquids accurately?
My family loves this chicken fried rice! It’s delicious!
That’s so awesome! Thank you for sharing that with me, Anna!
This is SO GOOD. Thank you!
Thank you Sarah! I hope it becomes a new favorite for you.
This has become our new go to recipe when we need a quick meal. We usually have everything on hand. Thanks!
Yay!! I love it when that happens (having everything you need on hand) That is the best feeling and also why I love fried rice! 🙂
Hi Natasha, would you please email me a receipt how to make napaleon, and our real russian borsh?
Hi Lucy, you can find Napoleon Cake HERE and our favorite Borscht recipes HERE.