Easy 5-Ingredient Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners
A quick and easy chicken fried rice recipe using just five simple ingredients, ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, eggs, soy sauce, and green onions for a delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
- Optional: splash of sesame oil
- Optional: freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Slice the green onions thinly. Have your cooked rice ready (day-old rice is best, but freshly cooked and cooled works too).
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once shimmering, add the diced chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly golden on the edges. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then pour in the beaten eggs. Stir gently, cooking until just set but still moist (about 1-2 minutes). Remove eggs and set aside with the chicken.
- Add a splash more oil to the pan and toss in the cooked rice. Use your spatula to break up any clumps and spread the rice evenly over the pan. Let it sit, undisturbed, for about 1 minute to get a slight crisp. Then stir and repeat a couple of times.
- Return the chicken and eggs to the pan with the rice. Pour over the soy sauce evenly. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the rice warm through.
- Stir in the sliced green onions right at the end for freshness and a pop of color.
- Transfer to plates and enjoy immediately while steaming hot.
Notes
Use day-old rice to prevent mushiness and achieve authentic fried rice texture. Cook chicken separately to avoid steaming and ensure a nice sear. Keep the pan hot but not smoking. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed. Fold eggs gently to keep them soft and moist. Add soy sauce after combining all ingredients to avoid uneven coloring and flavor. Optional additions include a splash of sesame oil, black pepper, or vegetables like peas and carrots.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (half of t
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: chicken fried rice, easy fried rice, quick dinner, 5-ingredient recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food, simple fried rice