Fried rice is one of those comforting, versatile dishes that can be whipped up quickly and customized endlessly. Our Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, creating a colorful and nutritious meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Whether you’re looking to use up leftover rice or want a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. The savory soy sauce-based seasoning, combined with the slight crunch of fresh veggies and the juicy chicken, makes every bite a delight.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables without sacrificing taste.
With easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, this fried rice recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Serve it as is or pair with your favorite Asian-inspired sides for a complete meal.
Ready to master your new go-to fried rice? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to make—perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want a wholesome meal.
The recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand, making it budget-friendly and accessible.
It’s also highly adaptable. Love more veggies?
Feel free to add peas, corn, or bell peppers. Want to boost protein?
Double the chicken or toss in some scrambled eggs. The dish is naturally gluten-free if you opt for tamari instead of soy sauce, catering to different dietary needs.
Best of all, it’s packed with flavor thanks to the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami notes. The chicken stays juicy, and the veggies retain a satisfying crunch, creating a delightful texture contrast.
This recipe is both comforting and nourishing—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old for best texture)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Bowl for beating eggs
- Serving plates or bowls
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Dice the chicken breast, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the green onions. If you haven’t cooked your rice yet, do so ahead of time and let it cool completely. Day-old rice works best to avoid mushiness.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the eggs: Push the onion and garlic mixture to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs on the other side and scramble gently until just set. Mix the eggs with the onion and garlic.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through but still crisp.
- Combine rice and chicken: Add the cooked rice and chicken back to the skillet. Break up any clumps of rice with your spatula. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Season your fried rice: Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce over the rice mixture. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil on top and mix through.
- Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately: Scoop your delicious chicken and veggie fried rice onto plates or bowls and enjoy it piping hot!
Tips & Variations
Use leftover rice that’s been refrigerated overnight for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky.
Vegetable swaps: Feel free to swap or add any of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, or corn. Just adjust cooking times so everything stays crisp-tender.
Protein alternatives: Instead of chicken, you can use shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef for a different twist. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra veggies or scrambled eggs.
Make it spicy: Add a dash of chili flakes or a spoonful of Sriracha to the soy sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Rice alternatives: Brown rice or cauliflower rice can be used for a healthier or lower-carb option. Just note that cooking times and texture may vary slightly.
For more vegetable-packed dishes, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or explore quick and tasty ideas in Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 25 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sodium | 700 mg (varies with soy sauce) |
Serving Suggestions
This chicken and veggie fried rice makes a perfect stand-alone meal, but it can also be paired with other dishes for a fuller spread. Consider serving it alongside a crisp Asian cucumber salad or some steamed dumplings for an authentic touch.
For those who love a little crunch, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts. A side of hot and sour soup or a light miso soup can balance the meal nicely.
If you want to keep it simple yet elegant, steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy with garlic complements the fried rice beautifully.
Conclusion
Our Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and packed with nutrients thanks to the lean chicken and colorful vegetables.
This recipe is extremely flexible, making it ideal for using leftovers or tailoring to your personal tastes.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this fried rice hits all the right notes: savory, hearty, and full of texture. Plus, its simplicity invites plenty of creativity, so you can make it your own every time.
Don’t forget to explore our other recipes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for more culinary inspiration!
📖 Recipe Card: Chicken and Veggie Fried Rice
Description: A quick and flavorful fried rice dish loaded with tender chicken and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Push chicken to the side, add beaten eggs, scramble until cooked, then mix with chicken.
- Add remaining vegetable oil, onion, garlic, and peas and carrots; sauté until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil; cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and mix in sliced green onions before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 400 kcal | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 40 g
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