Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Brown Rice
Easy chicken fried rice is the best way to use up leftover rice. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times and learned the best way to get crispy, golden results. The perfect balance of flavors and textures. Try it with my roasted delicata squash salad for a complete meal. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Roasted Delicata Squash Salad and Easy Heart Oreo Balls.
Why This Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Brown Rice Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy texture that stays perfect
- Quick and easy weeknight meal
- Healthy with veggies and brown rice
- Tastes better than takeout
What You'll Need for Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Brown Rice
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Optional: 1/4 cup sliced almonds
📝 Ingredient Notes
- brown rice: Use cooled cooked rice for best texture.
- chicken breast: Use pre-cooked chicken for faster prep.
- mixed vegetables: Thaw frozen veggies before using.
- eggs: Scramble eggs separately for best results.
- green onions: Use white and light green parts for best flavor.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-stick wok — Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. → See on Amazon
- Oven-safe skillet — Great for searing and baking in one pan. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Brown Rice
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add the rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly crispy. Set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pan, add the chicken and cook until browned and nearly cooked through.
- Step 4: Add the vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Step 5: Push the rice to one side of the pan. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble.
- Step 6: Mix everything together. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Brown Rice
- Best technique: Use cooled rice for the crispiest texture.
- Common mistake and fix: Adding too much liquid makes the rice soggy. Use just enough to moisten.
- Seasoning tip: Add the soy sauce at the end to keep the rice from getting too salty.
- Cooking tip: A wok or large skillet works best for even cooking.
Storing & Reheating Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Brown Rice
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Prep and cook up to 2 days in advance.
Freezing Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Brown Rice
Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Add a splash of vinegar for extra flavor.
- Best substitution: Substitute tofu for chicken for a vegetarian version.
- Make-ahead: Cook and cool the rice ahead of time for faster prep.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a bigger batch.
- Troubleshooting: If the rice is too wet, cook it longer to evaporate moisture.
Want to level up this recipe?
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet — Durable and retains heat well for perfect searing. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Brown Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 green onions, sliced
Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add the rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly crispy. Set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pan, add the chicken and cook until browned and nearly cooked through.
- Step 4: Add the vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Step 5: Push the rice to one side of the pan. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble.
- Step 6: Mix everything together. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: Add a splash of vinegar for extra flavor.
- Best substitution: Substitute tofu for chicken for a vegetarian version.
- Make-ahead: Cook and cool the rice ahead of time for faster prep.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a bigger batch.
- Troubleshooting: If the rice is too wet, cook it longer to evaporate moisture.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Make ahead: Prep and cook up to 2 days in advance.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Brown Rice FAQs
Yes, you can cook and cool the rice up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container.
Using fresh rice instead of cooled rice can make the dish too wet. Always use cooled rice for the best texture.
Yes, but brown rice is healthier and holds up better in stir-fries.
Tamari or coconut aminos work well as substitutes for soy sauce.
Yes, you can cook the rice and chicken in the air fryer for a crispy texture. Adjust the time as needed.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Brown Rice and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
