Whenever I’m craving a flavorful meal that feels like comfort in a bowl, I always go back to my fried rice recipe chicken. It’s one of those dishes that never fails, simple enough for a busy weeknight but tasty enough to impress guests.
What I love most about it is how versatile it is; you can load it up with veggies, add a touch of spice, or keep it classic, and it still turns out delicious every single time.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how I make my chicken fried rice step by step, the ingredients of special fried rice, the secret to a good fried rice, plus share a few other tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way to make it taste just like your favorite restaurant version.
What is Chicken Fried Rice?
Chicken fried rice is one of those dishes that feels like a complete meal in just one bowl.
At its core, it’s a mix of fluffy rice stir-fried with tender pieces of chicken, colorful vegetables, and savory sauces that bring everything together.
What makes it special is how quick and adaptable it is, you can use whatever veggies you have on hand, add some spice if you like, or keep it simple and classic.
Although fried rice has its roots in Asian cuisine, it’s become a global favorite because it’s both comforting and practical.
For me, chicken fried rice strikes the right balance of hearty protein, wholesome veggies, and bold flavor, making it a go-to recipe I can whip up any time.
What are the ingredients for fried rice?
One of the reasons I love making fried rice is that it’s colorful, flavorful, and full of wholesome goodness.
The ingredients are easy to find, and you can always swap or add extras depending on what you have in your kitchen.
Here’s what you’ll need to put together this delicious fried rice recipe chicken:
Main Ingredients:
- Rice: preferably pre-cooked or day-old rice, so it doesn’t get soggy while frying.
- Groundnut oil: for that rich, nutty flavor and smooth stir-frying.
- Pepper: adds heat and a nice kick to the dish.
- Carrot: diced into small pieces for sweetness and crunch.
- Green beans: for freshness and texture.
- Green peas: little bursts of flavor and color.
- Spring onions: for that mild oniony freshness.
- Sweet corn: adds a touch of natural sweetness.
- Celery: brings an earthy crunch.
- Onion: finely chopped, to form the flavor base.
- Seasoning cube: to bring all the flavors together.
- Salt: just enough to taste.
- Curry powder: for that signature fried rice aroma and golden color.
- Rosemary: a fragrant herb that adds depth.
- Ginger & Garlic: fresh, minced, to give the dish that irresistible kick.
- Spices: any blend of your choice to add more personality to your fried rice.
Optional Ingredients (for extra flavor and variety):
- Cabbage: thinly sliced for crunch.
- Sausage: for a smoky, meaty twist.
- Liver or Kidney Beans: for richness and extra protein.
- Scrambled eggs: to give it that classic fried rice touch.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, you can make it as simple or as loaded as you want.
Personally, I like adding scrambled eggs and a bit of sausage when I want a fuller, heartier version.
How to Make Fried Rice with Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Now that we’ve gathered our colorful mix of ingredients, let’s get cooking. Making fried rice might look fancy, but trust me, it’s super easy once you break it down.
Here’s how I prepare my favorite fried rice recipe chicken at home:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
If you haven’t already, parboil your rice ahead of time and let it cool.
You can also soak it in hot for about 5-7mins then rinse it off and set it aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Cut your chicken into small bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, onion, thyme, seasoning cube, curry powder, garlic, ginger, and a little rosemary.
Heat some groundnut oil in a pan and stir-fry the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in onions, spring onions, and peppers first, let them sizzle until fragrant.
Next, add carrots, green beans, peas, sweet corn, and celery.
Stir-fry on high heat for a few minutes until the veggies are slightly tender but still crunchy.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Now it’s time to bring in the rice. Add your pre-cooked rice into the pot containing the base, stir fry and allow it to cook till it is done.
Sprinkle in curry powder, seasoning cubes, salt, and any extra spices you love.
Stir continuously so the flavors spread evenly and the rice doesn’t stick.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add your fried or cooked chicken back into the pot and mix it with the rice and veggies.
This is where everything comes together, the chicken soaks up the flavors of the rice, while the veggies add freshness and crunch.
You wouldn’t want to miss our peppered chicken recipe.
Step 6: Optional Toppings
For extra flavor, you can toss in scrambled eggs, fried sausage slices, or even some chopped liver.
Mix everything well and let it fry for a couple more minutes on medium-high heat.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your delicious fried rice recipe chicken is ready. Serve it hot as a complete meal or pair it with a side dish like grilled plantains, salad, or even a refreshing chilled drink.
Variations of Fried Rice Recipe
One of the best things about making a fried rice recipe chicken at home is how flexible it can be.
You don’t always have to stick to the classic style, you can play around with different flavors and ingredients depending on your mood or what you have in the kitchen.
Here are some fun variations you might want to try:
1. Spicy Chicken Fried Rice
If you love a little kick in your food, add more chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce while stir-frying.
This gives the rice a bold, fiery flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
2. Veggie-Packed Fried Rice
For a healthier twist, load up your rice with more vegetables. Think cabbage, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
It not only makes the dish colorful but also adds extra crunch and nutrients.
3. Egg and Chicken Fried Rice
Scrambled eggs are a classic addition to fried rice. They make the dish richer and more filling while blending seamlessly with the chicken and veggies.
4. Sausage or Seafood Mix
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add sliced sausages, shrimp, or prawns to your chicken fried rice for extra layers of flavor.
It’s a great way to turn a simple dinner into something more exciting.
5. Nigerian Party Style Fried Rice
In Nigeria, fried rice is often made extra vibrant with curry, liver chunks, and loads of vegetables.
If you want that festive taste, try this version for a crowd-pleasing dish.
No matter which variation you choose, the beauty of a fried rice recipe chicken is that it’s always delicious, whether you keep it simple or make it fancy with extra add-ins.
Conclusion and Serving Ideas of Homemade Fried Rice
There you have it, an easy yet delicious fried rice recipe chicken that you can whip up in your own kitchen. What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is.
You can keep it simple with just chicken and veggies, or you can jazz it up with eggs, sausages, or even seafood for a more indulgent version.
When it comes to serving, fried rice is always a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with grilled plantains, a fresh salad, or some spicy peppered chicken on the side if you’re hosting guests.
For a lighter option, you can enjoy it on its own as a wholesome, balanced meal.
At the end of the day, fried rice is not just food, it’s comfort in a bowl, a dish that brings people together and fills the table with flavor and color.
So the next time you’re thinking of making something quick, tasty, and satisfying, try this fried rice recipe chicken and enjoy every spoonful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Rice Recipe Chicken
What is the secret to a good fried rice?
The secret to making fried rice that turns out perfect every time is using less water and a little more oil.
When you cook your rice with too much water, it becomes soft and sticky, which makes stir-frying a challenge. Instead, keep the grains firm and separated.
Then, when frying, add just enough oil to coat the rice and give it that shiny, flavorful texture without being greasy.
What to put in fried rice to make it tasty?
To make your fried rice taste amazing, don’t just rely on plain water.
Use stock water instead, preferably chicken stock, since it adds a rich, savory flavor to the rice from the inside out.
While stir-frying, season with chicken-flavored cubes, curry powder, onions, and garlic.
These little additions elevate the dish and give your fried rice recipe chicken that irresistible, restaurant-style taste.
What are the ingredients of special fried rice?
Special fried rice usually includes a colorful mix of ginger, garlic, celery, bell peppers, onions, spring onions, and fresh pepper.
These ingredients, when sautéed together, create an aromatic base that flavors the entire dish.
Cooking your rice with stock water instead of plain water is another secret to making it stand out.
Once you combine these with curry, rosemary, and seasoning cubes, you’ll have a flavorful, vibrant version of fried rice that feels extra special.
