When hectic weeknights leave you craving a delicious homemade meal, this 20-minute chicken fried rice comes to the rescue. Packed with tender chicken bites, colorful veggies, fluffy scrambled eggs, and satisfying rice coated in savory seasonings, this Asian-inspired classic delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the wait.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or looking for effortless meal prep solutions, this versatile recipe adapts to your kitchen needs while keeping dinner exciting every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Quick Chicken Fried Rice
Three brilliant reasons make this dish a weeknight superstar. First, it speeds from cutting board to table in just 20 minutes – faster than waiting for delivery. Second, this meal stretches to feed families while keeping food waste low by transforming leftover rice.
Finally, it cooks in one pan for stress-free cleanup so you enjoy downtime faster. Pair it with something from your slow cooker like the classic Crockpot Ranch Chicken for meal variety that satisfies everyone.
Key Benefits in Minutes
Beyond saving time and money, this recipe packs balanced nutrition into every serving. Lean chicken breast offers high-quality protein while mixed vegetables provide vitamins A, C, and K. Eggs contribute extra protein and healthy fats, making this fried rice filling without heavy sauces.
RECIPE
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Quick Chicken Fried Rice (20 Minutes)
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Quick one-pan chicken fried rice loaded with veggies and scrambled eggs, ready in 20 minutes for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil (I’ve used olive oil too)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and diced carrots blend
- 3 green onions (trimmed and sliced into thin rounds)
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 3 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 3 to 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- salt and pepper (optional and to taste)
Instructions
- To a large non-stick skillet or wok, add the oils, chicken, and cook over medium-high heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, flipping intermittently so all sides cook evenly. Cooking time will vary based on thickness of chicken breasts and sizes of pieces.
- Remove chicken with a slotted spoon (allow oils and cooking juices from chicken to remain in skillet) and place chicken on a plate; set aside.
- Add the peas, carrots, optional corn, green onions, and cook for about 2 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften, stir intermittently.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stir intermittently. Tip – If you like the flavor of ginger, add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or freshly grated ginger along with the garlic.
- Push vegetables to one side of the skillet, add the eggs to the other side, and cook to scramble, stirring as necessary.
- Add the chicken back in, add the rice, evenly drizzle with soy sauce, and stir to combine, making sure toss and flip the rice so it evenly absorbs the soy sauce. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until chicken and rice are through. Taste, check for seasoning balance, and if desired add the optional salt and pepper to taste, and serve. Flavoring Tips- If the rice is dry, add more soy sauce as desired or until the rice is nicely coated and flavored since rice varies in how dry it is. Cold rice will absorb more soy sauce than freshly made rice. If you want it to have a slight spiciness, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fried
- Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 355 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 458 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
Ingredients and Substitutions
Base Components
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons canola, vegetable, or olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and diced carrots blend
- 3 green onions (trimmed and sliced thin)
- 2-3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
Essential Additions
- 3 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 3-4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- Optional: salt and pepper to taste
Smart Swaps
Don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredients based on preference or dietary needs. Swap chicken for shrimp or steak cubes if desired. Use fresh chopped veggies instead of frozen when seasonal produce shines. Cauliflower rice creates a low-carb alternative while keeping the dish substantial.
How to Make Quick Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat both oils in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until all sides turn golden brown and the interior no longer looks pink. Remove chicken to a plate using a slotted spoon, leaving cooking juices behind.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add peas, carrots, and green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until they start softening. Add minced garlic (and optional grated ginger if you enjoy its zesty punch) and cook another 60 seconds while continually stirring to prevent burning.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Push all vegetables to one side of your pan. Pour beaten eggs into the empty space. Let them set slightly before scrambling with a spatula until fluffy but still moist – they’ll finish cooking when combined later.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add rice and drizzle soy sauce evenly across the surface. Toss everything together for 2 minutes, letting the rice absorb the sauce while heating through completely. Taste test and optionally add salt and pepper if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use cold leftover rice for best texture – fresh steamed rice makes mushier fried rice
- Chop ingredients uniformly for even cooking
- Don’t skimp on oil – it creates that authentic fried rice mouthfeel
- Prep everything before heating the pan – steps move fast once cooking begins
Flavor Variations
Customize this blueprint recipe with exciting twists. Swap proteins using leftover pulled meats like the Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Beef for depth. Add pineapple chunks and cashews for tropical sweetness. Boost heat with Sriracha drizzle or chili garlic paste. Mix in bean sprouts, water chestnuts, or baby corn for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this hearty chicken fried rice alone for speedy dinners or pair it with complementary sides for fuller spreads. Creamy soups like egg drop or hot-sour soup contrast beautifully with the rice’s savory notes. Crispy appetizers such as these Loaded 7-Layer Taco Dip Cups turn dinner into a festive occasion. For lighter meals, serve alongside simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon water to restore moisture.
Freezing Tips
Freeze fully cooled fried rice in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a skillet or microwave until steaming hot throughout.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 355 kcal | 14 g | 34 g | 22 g | 3 g | 0.3 g | 458 mg |
FAQs About Chicken Fried Rice
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the chicken and add cubed tofu, extra eggs, or chickpeas instead for plant-based protein power.
Why does restaurant fried rice taste different?
Commercial kitchens use extremely high heat from specialized wok burners that give fast-seared flavor. Your home version tastes lighter while keeping ingredients wholesome.
My fried rice turned mushy. How do I fix it?
Fresh rice contains more moisture – always use day-old rice chilled overnight for perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
This lightning-fast chicken fried rice proves weeknight dinners don’t need compromises between speed, nutrition, and crave-worthy flavors. With smart prep and flexible ingredient swaps, this single-skillet wonder becomes your secret weapon against takeout temptation. Try it tonight and discover how simple ingredients create extraordinary meals when combined with confidence!
