If you’re craving takeout-style fried rice but want a healthier, homemade alternative, this Better Than Takeout Fried Rice recipe is your answer. It combines the rich flavors of sesame oil, soy sauce, and tender chicken with a colorful mix of peas, carrots, and onions, all tossed together with fluffy rice. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility — you can easily adjust the seasoning to your taste and even add extra vegetables or protein options. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a gathering, this fried rice is guaranteed to satisfy. Skip the takeout and enjoy the flavors of your favorite restaurant dish right in the comfort of your kitchen. Plus, it’s made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This fried rice can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want a quick meal.
Customizable: Add extra veggies, swap out the chicken for shrimp or beef, or even make it vegetarian!
Flavorful: The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and the natural sweetness of peas and carrots gives this dish an irresistible taste.
Healthy and Fresh: Homemade means you control the ingredients, so you can make a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
Better Than Takeout: With fresh ingredients and a homemade touch, this fried rice beats any takeout version!

Ingredients

Vegetable oil
Soy sauce
Chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Sesame oil
Diced white onion
Thawed frozen peas and carrots
Cooked rice
Soy sauce (to taste)
Eggs (lightly beaten)
Sliced green onions (optional garnish)

Variations

Protein Options

Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian or different protein option.

Add More Veggies

You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the fried rice for extra flavor and texture.

Spicy Fried Rice

Add a bit of chili paste or sriracha to the fried rice if you like a little heat in your dishes.

Make It Vegetarian

Skip the chicken and add more veggies like broccoli or snow peas for a flavorful vegetarian fried rice.

Swap the Rice

For a healthier twist, try cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to cut down on carbs.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the sesame oil and diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 4

Add the peas and carrots to the pan and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs, cooking them until set.

Step 6

Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir to combine with the eggs and vegetables.

Step 7

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add soy sauce to taste. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is well coated with the soy sauce.

Step 8

Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Cold Rice: For best results, use leftover rice that’s been chilled overnight. Cold rice helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you have a lot of rice, work in batches to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Adjust the Soy Sauce: Start with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Use a Wok: If possible, use a wok to make this dish, as it allows for high-heat cooking and ensures even distribution of flavors.
Add Protein Last: When adding chicken or other proteins, make sure they are cooked through before adding them back to the rice, to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve

Serve this fried rice on its own as a hearty meal or pair it with other dishes like grilled meat, stir-fried vegetables, or a side of crispy spring rolls.
It also makes a great side dish to serve with Asian-inspired meals, such as teriyaki chicken or dumplings.
For an extra touch, garnish with additional sliced green onions or sesame seeds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze fried rice for up to 1–2 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it for a quick reheat.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used for a healthier option. It may require a bit more cooking time, but the flavor is just as delicious.

2. Can I make this fried rice without chicken?

Absolutely! You can use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken, or simply make it vegetarian by adding extra vegetables.

3. What type of rice is best for fried rice?

Day-old, chilled white rice works best for fried rice because it has less moisture and will fry up perfectly.

4. Can I make fried rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the fried rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

5. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.

6. How can I make the fried rice spicier?

Add some chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

7. Can I use a non-stick pan instead of a wok?

Yes, a non-stick pan works well, but a wok is preferred for its ability to distribute heat evenly and cook everything quickly.

8. Can I use frozen rice?

Yes, frozen rice can be used, but make sure to thaw it before using it in the recipe.

9. What if I don’t have sesame oil?

You can substitute sesame oil with another type of oil, like vegetable oil, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

10. Can I freeze fried rice?

Yes, fried rice can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Conclusion

Better Than Takeout Fried Rice is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that beats takeout any day. With simple ingredients like chicken, peas, carrots, and rice, this dish is a great way to enjoy all the comfort of your favorite restaurant fried rice in your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a customizable meal, this recipe is a winner. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish that saves time on both cooking and cleanup. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade fried rice!