Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (Better than takeout!)

This Chicken Fried Rice is easy to make at home and tastes just as good as take out, but is even better because you control the ingredients! 

I have to admit, I live for a positive dinner reaction. Moms, you know what I’m talking about, right? When your kids ask you what’s for dinner, and when you tell them, what comes next is the reaction. I live for the positive reactions:

“Yesss!”

“YUM!”

and sometimes I even get a big, “Thaaankkk youuuu!” with a hug.

This Chicken Fried Rice is one of those recipes that always gets a positive reaction by all. The whole family loves it. I love it for that reason and because it’s a super easy recipe. When those two elements come together, you know it’s a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Chicken Fried Rice

• Easy to meal prep. This is a great recipe for meal prep because once all the prep work is done, the recipe goes very quickly. It already calls for leftover rice so make a big batch of rice during your meal prep or for another meal. Most of the vegetables it calls for are frozen vegetables or canned, so that means minimal chopping is required. Cut the chicken and chop the onion ahead of time, and this will such a quick weeknight dinner.
• Better than takeout. If you think you have to go to Chinese restaurants to get the best fried rice, think again. You control the ingredients here, so you know you’re not getting a dinner made with inflammatory seed oils. Don’t worry, you can get authentic flavor with a few simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores.  You’ll want to keep them in your pantry so you can make this Chicken Fried Rice recipe often. I know once you make it a few times and get that positive dinner reaction, you’ll want it to be a part of your regular rotation.
• One pan meal. I love a meal where everything is cooked and served from one pan, don’t you?

Recipe Ingredients–What You Need

🥑2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is my fat of choice here, much preferred to canola oil or vegetable oil, both of which can be inflammatory.

🥚 3 Eggs

Eggs are a complete source of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. They’re also rich in choline, which supports brain health, and vitamin D for bone strength.

🧅 1 Onion

Onions are packed with antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which helps reduce inflammation and support heart health. They also contain prebiotics that nourish beneficial gut bacteria.

🍗 2–3 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs provide high-quality protein and iron while offering a richer flavor than chicken breasts. They also supply zinc and B vitamins that support metabolism and energy. Chicken breast can be substituted if that’s your preference.

🥕 1 (12-ounce) Bag Frozen Peas and Carrots

Peas add plant-based protein and fiber to support digestion, while carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and supports healthy vision and immune function.

🧄 4 Cloves Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, a compound shown to boost immune defense and lower blood pressure. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

🌽 1 (15-ounce) Can Corn Kernels

Corn offers a good source of fiber and essential nutrients like magnesium, folate, and vitamin C. It also contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health.

🌿 4 Green Onions

Green onions provide a mild onion flavor along with vitamins A, C, and K. They help boost immunity and support collagen production for healthy skin.

🥓 4 Slices Uncured Bacon

Uncured bacon adds savory flavor and some protein. Choosing uncured options reduces exposure to added nitrates and nitrites, which are commonly used in processed meats.

🍶 5 Tablespoons Mirin

Mirin is a slightly sweet Japanese cooking wine that adds depth and umami. While it contains small amounts of sugar, it enhances flavor without needing added salt.

🥢 6 Tablespoons Tamari or Regular Soy Sauce

Tamari provides the same umami flavor as soy sauce but is often gluten-free. Both offer a savory depth and contain small amounts of essential minerals like manganese.

🌰 2 Teaspoons Toasted Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is rich in antioxidants like sesamol and sesamin, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

🍚 3 Cups Cooked Rice

Rice serves as a complex carbohydrate that fuels the body with energy. Choosing brown or jasmine rice adds fiber and B vitamins for better blood sugar balance and digestion. Day-old rice works best here, so do your best to cook the rice ahead of time and refrigerate it before you’re ready to make this recipe. Use long-grain rice, either white rice or brown rice will work, or jasmine rice.

⚪️ Pinch of White Pepper

White pepper adds a subtle heat and earthy flavor while providing piperine, a natural compound that may enhance nutrient absorption and support digestion.

How to Make Chicken Fried Rice

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this easy dinner recipe. For the printable instructions, scroll to the recipe card below.

1. Trim excess fatty pieces off of the chicken thighs, then thinly slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside in a medium bowl.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients (5 tablespoons mirin, 6 tablespoons tamari, and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil). Put two teaspoons on the chicken in the separate bowl and stir to combine. Set both aside.

3. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and cook until just firm. Remove from pan.

4. In the same pan, add the additional tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat, and cook until the bacon is golden, about 2 minutes. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook another minute. Next, add the frozen peas and carrot and can of corn and cook another minute.

5. Add the chicken and cook about 2-3 minutes, until it turns from pink to white.

6. Next, add the rice and sauce and cook another 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in the egg and green onion and serve immediately!

7. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days.

I hope you love this Chicken Fried Rice recipe as much as we do! If you make this recipe, or any Happy Healthy Mama recipe, I would LOVE to see it! Please take a pic and share it on Instagram or Facebook and tag me @happyhealthymama ? Also, if you try it, would you mind rating the recipe? It’s VERY helpful for me and other readers if the recipes have ratings and reviews. I appreciate you!

A few other quick and easy recipes with Asian-inspired flavors you might love are Egg Roll in a Bowl, Chicken and Broccoli, Instant Pot Asian Noodle Bowls, and Vegan Asian Noodle Bowls.