If you are craving a comfort meal that is quick, flavorful, and packed with nutritious ingredients, then Chicken Fried Rice is your perfect go-to recipe. This easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, and savory natural sauces to create a dish bursting with mouthwatering flavors that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking to impress friends with a simple yet satisfying dish, this Chicken Fried Rice has everything you need for a delicious culinary experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days when time is tight.
Flavor-Packed: Smoky turkey bacon and fresh veggies add layers of irresistible taste.
Customizable: Easy to tailor with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have in the fridge.
Balanced Nutrition: Combines lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and wholesome grains.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking everything in a single skillet or wok.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that bring outstanding flavor, texture, and vibrant color to your plate. Each component plays a role in making your Chicken Fried Rice taste balanced and satisfying, whether it’s the smoky notes, fresh crunch, or savory depth from natural sauces.

Chicken breast: Tender, lean protein that absorbs the savory flavors beautifully.
Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky, crisp bite without overpowering the dish.
Fresh vegetables: Carrots, peas, bell peppers, and green onions bring freshness and color.
Cooked jasmine rice: The fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious flavors effortlessly.
Soy sauce (natural): Provides salty umami and depth in every bite.
Apple cider vinegar (natural): Adds subtle acidity to brighten the flavors.
Eggs: Lightly scrambled for extra creaminess and protein boost.
Sesame oil (natural): Offers a toasty aroma that seals the dish with flavor.
Garlic and ginger: Essential aromatics that create a fragrant base.

Variations for Chicken Fried Rice

One of the best things about Chicken Fried Rice is how easy it is to customize and make your own. Feel free to swap ingredients or adjust quantities to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what’s available in your kitchen.

Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken and smoked turkey bacon with extra firm tofu and mushrooms for a plant-based version.
Spicy upgrade: Add chopped fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes for a kick of heat.
Extra crunch: Toss in chopped water chestnuts or roasted cashews for added texture.
Different grains: Use brown rice or quinoa for an earthy, nutrient-dense alternative.
Herbaceous touch: Stir in fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley to brighten the dish at the end.

Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipes to Savor

How to Make Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Chop your smoked turkey bacon into small strips and finely dice or slice all your fresh vegetables so they cook evenly. Crack the eggs in a bowl and scramble lightly. Having everything ready before cooking ensures a smooth assembly line.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon

Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add the smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp, then combine it back with the chicken to mix the smoky flavor throughout.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Add another splash of sesame oil, then toss in minced garlic and ginger. Let these fragrant ingredients sizzle for 30 seconds before adding your chopped vegetables. Stir-fry everything for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp-tender and vibrant.

Step 4: Combine Rice and Egg

Next, add the cooked jasmine rice into the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Push the rice to one side and pour the lightly scrambled eggs on the other. Allow the eggs to set slightly before stirring everything together, coating the rice with the creamy egg texture.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Pour in soy sauce (natural) and a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural) to enhance umami and balance. Stir well and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes so every grain is evenly flavored and heated through. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and you’re ready to serve your delicious Chicken Fried Rice.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Fried Rice

Use day-old rice: This prevents clumping and creates that perfect fried rice texture.
Prep all ingredients first: Stir-frying happens fast, so everything needs to be ready at hand.
High heat cooking: Use high heat to achieve slight caramelization and keep the veggies crisp.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed, so everything fries evenly and flavors develop well.
Adjust seasoning last: Taste and tweak your soy sauce and vinegar at the end for perfect balance.

How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

Fresh chopped green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or finely chopped cilantro can add a burst of freshness and a touch of elegance to your Chicken Fried Rice. These little additions bring contrast and brighten every mouthful.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chicken Fried Rice with steamed dumplings, a light cucumber salad, or a bowl of miso soup for a full, delicious meal that satisfies every craving. The combination of flavors and textures will make your table feel like a restaurant experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Take it up a notch by serving Chicken Fried Rice in crispy lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun and colorful twist. This not only looks inviting but adds an exciting new way to enjoy this classic dish with added crunch and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, place any leftover Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or second dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze Chicken Fried Rice for up to 1 month by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the taste and texture when reheated later.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sesame oil to prevent drying out and refresh the flavors. Stir occasionally until hot all the way through, and you’ll have a meal just as delicious as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works wonderfully and adds a nuttier flavor and extra nutrients, though it may require longer cooking before making your fried rice.

Is smoked turkey bacon the best substitute for regular bacon?

Yes, smoked turkey bacon provides that smoky flavor and crispiness without overpowering the dish, making it a delicious complement to your Chicken Fried Rice.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

Add fresh chopped chili peppers, chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil while cooking to bring your preferred level of heat to the dish.

Can I make Chicken Fried Rice vegan?

For a vegan adaptation, leave out chicken and eggs, and swap in tofu or legumes along with plenty of veggies and natural sauces for flavor.

What is the secret to restaurant-style fried rice texture?

Using day-old rice and stirring quickly on high heat are key tricks to achieve the perfect combination of fluffy grains and slight caramelization that mimics restaurant quality.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Fried Rice is genuinely one of those all-time favorite dishes that combine convenience, flavor, and versatility in one skillet. Once you try this easy recipe with smoky turkey bacon and fresh veggies, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Give it a go your taste buds will thank you, and your dinner routine will never be boring again!

Chicken Fried Rice

Author: Samuel
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful comfort meal combining tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and savory natural sauces. This easy-to-make dish is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with a nutritious and satisfying one-pan recipe.

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Chop the smoked turkey bacon into small strips. Finely dice or slice all fresh vegetables to ensure even cooking. Crack the eggs into a bowl and scramble lightly. Having all ingredients ready before cooking will ensure a smooth workflow.
Cook the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add the smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp. Combine it back with the chicken to blend the smoky flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: Add a splash of sesame oil to the pan, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds to release their fragrance. Add the chopped carrots, peas, and bell peppers, stir-frying for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender and vibrant.
Combine Rice and Egg: Add the cooked jasmine rice into the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Push the rice to one side of the pan and pour the lightly scrambled eggs on the other side. Allow the eggs to set slightly before stirring everything together. This coats the rice with the creamy egg texture.
Season and Finish: Pour in the soy sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar (natural) to enhance umami and balance the flavors. Stir well and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the dish is heated through and evenly flavored. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Use day-old rice to prevent clumping and achieve the ideal fried rice texture.
Prepare and have all ingredients ready before starting to stir-fry, as cooking happens quickly.
Cook on high heat for slight caramelization and to keep vegetables crisp.
Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Adjust soy sauce and vinegar seasoning at the end to achieve perfect balance.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: chicken fried rice, quick dinner, easy recipe, one-pan meal, healthy fried rice, smoked turkey bacon, jasmine rice, stir-fry