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Easy Crispy Chicken Fried Rice

easy crispy chicken fried rice - featured image

A quick and easy homemade fried rice recipe featuring crispy chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and savory soy and sesame flavors. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice, chilled (day-old rice preferred)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add a small drizzle of oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set but still moist, about 1 minute. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
  3. Add the remaining oil to the pan, then toss in minced garlic. Stir quickly until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add peas, carrots, and half the green onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly softened.
  4. Add the chilled rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Spread the rice out in the pan and let it cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop a crispy bottom. Toss and repeat once or twice more to get a golden crust on the rice.
  5. Return the chicken and eggs to the pan. Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil over everything. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning. Taste and season with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.

Notes

Use day-old rice for best crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Press the rice down and let it sit undisturbed to form a crispy crust. Thaw frozen vegetables before cooking to avoid excess water. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. For vegan, replace chicken with tofu and eggs with chickpea flour scramble.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried rice, chicken fried rice, crispy fried rice, easy dinner, quick recipe, homemade fried rice, weeknight meal