Chicken Fried Rice with Vegetables

Chicken Fried Rice with Vegetables is one of the most comforting and flavorful meals you can make using simple, everyday ingredients. Originating from Asian cuisine — particularly Chinese — fried rice was traditionally created as a way to repurpose leftover rice and vegetables. Over time, it evolved into a globally loved dish that balances savory flavors, fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and fluffy rice beautifully.

This homemade version is better than takeout — it's colorful, satisfying, and incredibly customizable. With juicy marinated chicken, aromatic garlic and ginger, crunchy veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice stir-fried to perfection, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular favorite in your home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it's quick, wholesome, versatile, and tastes just like restaurant-style fried rice but fresher and healthier. It’s a one-pan meal packed with protein, vegetables, textures, and bold flavor. Plus, it's the perfect way to use leftover rice and reduces kitchen waste — making it both delicious and practical.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• It’s a complete balanced meal in one bowl.
• Extremely kid-friendly and loved by all ages.
• You can adjust flavors — mild, spicy, sweet, or garlicky.
• Ready in under 30 minutes — ideal for busy schedules.
• Easily adaptable for gluten-free or low-sodium diets.

If you enjoy takeout-style fried rice, this homemade version will easily become your new go-to meal.

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Preparation Time	15 minutes
Cooking Time	15–20 minutes
Total Time	30–35 minutes
Servings	4 servings
Calories	Approximately 450 calories per serving
Course	Main Course
Cuisine	Asian / Chinese-American

Ingredients

For Chicken

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Fried Rice

• 3 cups cold cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola, peanut, or sesame oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons green onions or spring onions, chopped

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Toss cooked chicken with soy sauce, garlic powder, and pepper.
2. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and onion — stir-fry for 1 minute.
3. Add vegetables and cook until softened (2–3 minutes).

Step 3: Cook the Eggs

1. Push vegetables to one side of the pan.
2. Add beaten eggs and scramble until just cooked.

Step 4: Add Chicken

1. Add seasoned chicken to the pan.
2. Cook for 2 minutes to heat through.

Step 5: Add Rice and Seasonings

1. Add cold rice.
2. Break up clumps and stir-fry for 3–5 minutes.
3. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle sesame oil and mix well.

Step 6: Final Touch

1. Add chopped spring onions.
2. Toss everything until evenly combined and heated.

How to Serve

Serve hot as:

• A complete main meal
• A side dish for Asian-inspired dinners
• A lunchbox or meal-prep portion
• With chili sauce, sriracha, or extra soy sauce

Garnish with extra spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, or chili flakes.

Recipe Tips

• Use cold rice — warm rice becomes mushy.
• High heat cooking gives authentic smoky flavor (called “wok hei”).
• Use neutral oil with a high smoke point.
• Do not overcrowd the pan — stir fry in batches if needed.

Variations

Style	Ingredients Change
Spicy Fried Rice	Add sriracha, chili oil, or chopped fresh chili
Garlic Fried Rice	Double the garlic, skip oyster sauce
Pineapple Fried Rice	Add pineapple chunks and cashews
Teriyaki Fried Rice	Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce
Veggie-Only Version	Skip chicken and increase vegetables
Shrimp Fried Rice	Replace chicken with shrimp

Freezing & Storage

Method	Duration	Notes
Refrigerated	3–4 days	Store in airtight container
Frozen	Up to 1 month	Reheat in pan for best texture

Avoid freezing before cooking — rice may become mushy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large non-stick skillet or wok
• Wooden spatula or frying turner
• Rice cooker (optional but helpful)

FAQ

Q: Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Not recommended — cool rice completely or refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Q: Can I make it low-sodium?
Yes — use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce oyster sauce.

Q: What vegetables work best?
Frozen peas, carrots, corn, and bell peppers work perfectly.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Rice with Vegetables is a delicious, filling, and satisfying meal that is both easy and versatile. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or using up leftovers, this flavorful dish brings together textures, colors, and bold Asian-inspired taste in one pan. Once you try this homemade version, you may never go back to takeout again!