Speedy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, my story with this dish started halfway around the world, in a bustling Bangkok street market. I was working in a tiny diner kitchen, learning from a cook named Mali who could turn simple rice and scraps of vegetables into a meal that made you stop mid-bite. She didn’t use recipes, only instinct, heat, and a big wok. That lesson stuck with me.
Years later, back home and often short on time, I began craving that same warmth and bold flavor. And so, this Speedy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe was born, a quick, satisfying dish made for weeknights, lazy Sundays, or impromptu lunches. It’s a family favorite at Fresh Leaf Rezepte and one of the most requested meals by friends dropping by. No fancy skills required. No long prep. Just honest ingredients, a hot pan, and a few smart moves.
Today I’m sharing that same recipe with you. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry family, this dish delivers every time. Serve it alongside something cozy like White Lasagna or enjoy it solo, it holds its own.
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Speedy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe: Quick, Flavorful & Family Friendly
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Speedy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe was inspired by a Bangkok street kitchen where bold flavor met simplicity. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights, lazy Sundays, or feeding surprise guests. No fancy skills, just heat, rice, and heart.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado or sesame oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably a day old)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but flavorful)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add your oil. When it’s shimmering, toss in the diced chicken. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the frozen veggies. Stir everything together and cook for 2–3 more minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
- Create space in the pan, pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble them gently. Once cooked, mix them into the chicken and veggies.
- Add in your cold rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Drizzle with soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir-fry everything together for 3–5 minutes until evenly coated and hot.
- Season with pepper, toss in the green onions, and give it one last stir. Serve hot.
Notes
Use day-old rice for the best texture. Prep all your ingredients ahead since stir-fries move quickly. Avoid over-saucing, start light and taste as you go. Add chili oil or sesame seeds on top for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients for the Best Speedy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
This recipe comes together with kitchen staples and a few fresh touches. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Speedy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe:
- 2 tablespoons avocado or sesame oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably a day old)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but flavorful)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Tip: Leftover rice from last night’s dinner is perfect here. If you’re making fresh rice, let it cool and dry out slightly so it doesn’t clump. You can also serve it with something refreshing like Mexican Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing for a balanced meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Ready in 25 Minutes!)
Let’s cook this Speedy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe together:
1. Heat the oil:
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add your oil. When it’s shimmering, toss in the diced chicken. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
2. Add aromatics:
Toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. If you’re prepping dinner while multitasking, try it with Quick Chicken Wrap Recipes ready on standby for variety.
3. Add vegetables:
Pour in the frozen veggies. Stir everything together and cook for 2–3 more minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
4. Push to the side and scramble the eggs:
Create space in the pan, pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble them gently. Once cooked, mix them into the chicken and veggies.
5. Add rice and sauces:
Add in your cold rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Drizzle with soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir-fry everything together for 3–5 minutes until evenly coated and hot.
6. Final touches:
Season with pepper, toss in the green onions, and give it one last stir.
That’s it, your Speedy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is ready to serve!
Tips for Success
Making perfect fried rice at home is simple when you follow these tips:
- Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and clumps easily. Cold, dry rice fries better.
- High heat matters: A hot pan gives your rice that slight crisp without overcooking the ingredients.
- Prep before you cook: Stir-fries move fast. Have everything chopped and ready before turning on the stove.
- Don’t over-sauce: You want flavor, not soggy rice. Start light—you can always add more later.
- Add a twist: Top your Speedy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe with toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil for extra kick.
Pair it with a lighter dish like Strawberry Nectarine Crisp if you’re serving a full meal.

Variations to Try
This Speedy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is wonderfully flexible. Try these easy twists to make it your own:
1. Gluten-Free Option:
Use gluten-free soy sauce and skip oyster sauce. Add a splash of tamari or coconut aminos for depth.
2. Vegetarian Version:
Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms. Keep the eggs or sub with scrambled silken tofu for a vegan meal.
3. Add-ins:
Throw in chopped pineapple, bell peppers, or even leftover roast vegetables.
4. Protein Boost:
Mix in shrimp, turkey, or chopped beef for variety. It works beautifully with leftovers from Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole too.
5. Kids’ Favorite:
Leave out black pepper, and cut the veggies smaller for a softer bite.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This fried rice stores like a dream, which makes it excellent for meal prep:
- Fridge: Store leftovers of the Speedy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Use a skillet with a splash of water to reheat, this keeps it moist. Avoid the microwave if possible.
- Freeze: Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
It’s a great make-ahead lunch, especially when paired with a small serving of Dense Bean Salad or soup.
Conclusion
With this Speedy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, you’ve got a flavorful, quick, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again, not just for how fast it is, but for how good it tastes.
From Mali’s sizzling wok to your kitchen, this is food that connects stories and seasons. So grab your skillet, turn up the heat, and make dinner simple, delicious, and memorable tonight.
How do I avoid soggy fried rice?
Use day-old rice and don’t overcrowd the pan. Keep the heat high and stir frequently.
Can I make it without eggs?
Yes! The eggs add texture and protein, but the recipe works fine without them. Add tofu or extra chicken instead.
What kind of rice works best?
Jasmine rice is ideal, but basmati or short-grain white rice also work. Avoid sticky rice for this recipe.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
Not at all. It adds umami, but soy sauce alone does the job. A touch of hoisin or a dash of rice vinegar can help too.
