The Ultimate Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Cooking better than takeout chicken fried rice at home can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Weekends often call for comfort food that satisfies deep cravings without complicated preparation.

Professional chefs know the secret lies in high-heat wok techniques and perfectly seasoned ingredients.

Fresh veggies and tender chicken chunks create a delightful harmony of flavors.

Restaurant-style results come from mastering simple yet strategic cooking methods.

Leftovers transform into a quick, delicious meal that beats any delivery option.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for those nights when convenience meets culinary magic.

Why Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice Is A Must-Try

• Conquer Quick Comfort Food: Dive into a restaurant-style dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout, letting you enjoy restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Skip multiple pots and pans with this streamlined recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a complete, satisfying meal using just a single skillet.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Adapt the recipe by swapping chicken with tofu, adding different vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Rescue Leftover Ingredients: Transform day-old rice and random refrigerator ingredients into a delicious, protein-packed meal that reduces food waste and saves money.

Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice Ingredient Guide

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that adds a delicious and satisfying element to the fried rice.
• Rice: Cooked white rice serves as the classic base for this classic Asian-inspired dish.
• Eggs: Scrambled eggs provide a rich, creamy texture and additional protein to the recipe.

• Onion, Peas, Carrots: A colorful mix of vegetables that adds sweetness, nutrition, and vibrant flavor to the fried rice.

• Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce: These key seasonings bring authentic Asian taste and depth to the entire dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

How To Cook Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Grab a medium skillet or wok and warm it over medium heat until it’s ready to sizzle.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggie Goodness

• Diced onions
• Peas
• Carrots

Cook these colorful veggies for 3-5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Whip Up Fluffy Eggs

Slide the veggies to one side of the skillet. Pour lightly beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble them with a spatula until they’re perfectly cooked and golden.

Step 4: Merge the Egg and Veggie Magic

Gently fold the scrambled eggs into the sautéed vegetables, creating a delicious base.

Step 5: Bring in the Protein and Grains

Add shredded chicken and cooked rice to the skillet. Mix everything together until each grain is coated with flavor.

Step 6: Splash of Umami Goodness

Drizzle soy sauce over the entire mixture. Stir thoroughly and taste. Add more soy sauce if you want an extra flavor punch.

Tips For Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice Success

• Reheat Rice Perfectly: Use day-old cold rice for the best texture and prevent soggy fried rice by ensuring grains are separated.
• Choose Right Oil: Sesame oil adds authentic flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable or peanut oil for similar results.
• Boost Protein Options: Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to create varied protein-packed versions of the dish.
• Control Sodium Levels: Use low-sodium soy sauce to manage salt intake without compromising the classic Asian flavor profile.
• Elevate Veggie Content: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or bean sprouts for increased nutrition and colorful presentation.

Tasty Ways To Change Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice

• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, using extra-firm varieties for best texture. Add mushrooms for umami depth.
• Spicy Korean-Style Fried Rice: Incorporate gochujang sauce, kimchi, and sprinkle with green onions for a fiery kick.
• Seafood Fusion Edition: Swap chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat, adding a dash of fish sauce for authentic maritime flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, keeping protein and vegetables intact for a lighter version.

What Pairs Well With Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice

• Select a Crisp White Wine: Riesling or Pinot Grigio complement the savory chicken and soy sauce flavors, cutting through the richness with their light, refreshing profiles.
• Match with Asian-Inspired Beer: Sapporo or Tsingtao provide a clean, smooth finish that balances the dish's salty and umami notes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Serve with Cooling Side Salad: Fresh cucumber and green onion salad with a light rice vinegar dressing offers a bright, tangy contrast to the warm, hearty fried rice.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or Thai basil on top to add a zesty, aromatic dimension that elevates the dish's complex flavor profile.

How To Store Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chicken fried rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for maximum 1 month. Prevent freezer burn by using shallow containers.
• Place refrigerated rice in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle few drops of water to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
• Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add small amount of oil or butter.

FAQs For Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works perfectly. Just ensure it’s cooked and cooled before adding to the skillet for the best texture and flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free. Check that all ingredients, especially soy sauce, are certified gluten-free.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or freshly cooked and shredded chicken breast are excellent options. Use whatever you have on hand or prefer.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables like mushrooms or edamame. Adjust seasonings to maintain the savory flavor profile.

Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the magic of homemade “Better than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice” that brings restaurant-quality comfort straight to your kitchen. Packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bold Asian-inspired flavors, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal that beats any delivery option.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken (cooked and shredded)
• 2 eggs (lightly beaten)

Grains and Vegetables:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters) cooked rice (preferably leftover or cooled)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) green onions (chopped)

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce (or more, to taste)

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Instructions

1. Warm a medium skillet or wok over medium heat, ensuring an even cooking surface for the ingredients.
2. Drizzle sesame oil into the heated pan, then introduce diced onions and mixed vegetables. Gently sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aromatic flavors.
3. Create a clear space in the skillet and pour the whisked eggs into the empty section. Rapidly scramble the eggs using a spatula, cooking them completely until they form soft, fluffy curds.
4. Integrate the scrambled eggs with the sautéed vegetables, creating a harmonious base for the fried rice.
5. Introduce shredded chicken and pre-cooked rice into the skillet, stirring continuously to distribute heat and blend all components evenly.
6. Enhance the mixture by drizzling soy sauce across the surface, thoroughly mixing to ensure each grain and morsel absorbs the savory seasoning. Adjust the sauce quantity to suit your taste preference.
7. Allow the ingredients to meld together for an additional 1-2 minutes, creating a cohesive and flavorful chicken fried rice dish ready to be served hot.

Notes

• Optimize oil temperature by ensuring your skillet is hot but not smoking to prevent burning ingredients and maintain authentic stir-fry texture.
• Use day-old cold rice for best results, as freshly cooked rice can become mushy and clump together during frying.
• Customize protein options by swapping chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to accommodate different dietary preferences and create variety.
• Consider adding a splash of oyster sauce or rice vinegar for deeper umami flavor and a more complex taste profile that elevates the traditional fried rice.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 376 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 630 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 93 mg