• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Dinner at the Zoo

  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • One Pot Meals
  • Slow Cooker
  • Asian Food

Home » Asian Food » Thai Fried Rice with Chicken

Published: September 1, 2019 Last Modified: September 1, 2019 By Sara 17 Comments

Thai Fried Rice with Chicken

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Thai Fried Rice Recipe | Chicken Fried Rice #rice #chicken #friedrice #thaifood #stirfry #dinner #dinneratthezoo

This Thai fried rice is loaded with chicken, egg and vegetables, all stir fried together in a savory sauce. A copy of the take out favorite that can be made at home in less than 30 minutes!

I often make my favorite Thai restaurant dishes at home such as Thai cucumber salad, peanut noodles, and this simple yet satisfying chicken fried rice.

A plate of Thai fried rice garnished with cucumbers and tomatoes.

I happen to love Thai food, especially Thai fried rice. It’s got such a unique flavor and can contain so many great ingredients from shrimp to pineapple and everything in between. My version is loaded with crispy bites of chicken, carrots, scrambled eggs and fresh herbs. It’s the perfect side dish or main course that can be on the table in 30 minutes!

How do you make Thai fried rice?

Thai fried rice is surprisingly easy to make. First coat some chicken breast slices in cornstarch, salt and pepper and cook them in a pan. Remove the chicken and cook your veggies in the same pan. Next use the pan to cook up a layer of scrambled eggs.  Add the chicken and veggies to the pan with some cooked rice. Stir in some flavor with a little soy sauce, fish sauce and sugar and mix it all together. Serve the rice with sliced green onions on top, and garnish with sliced cucumber and tomato.

Thai Fried Rice Recipe | Chicken Fried Rice #rice #chicken #friedrice #thaifood #stirfry #dinner #dinneratthezoo Thai Fried Rice Recipe | Chicken Fried Rice #rice #chicken #friedrice #thaifood #stirfry #dinner #dinneratthezoo

Scrambled eggs and mixed vegetables in a pan.

Tips for fried rice

  • The best way to thinly slice chicken breasts is to freeze the chicken for about 30 minutes. The firm cold chicken is much easier to slice into small pieces.
  • Fried rice works best with cold rice, so this is the perfect way to re-purpose leftover rice. With cold rice, the grains are all separated and firm, and you’ll get a better texture than you would with fresh cooked rice. Fried rice made with just-cooked rice will be softer and won’t have those crispy little bits.
  • For a creamier fried rice, partially cook the eggs so that they are a little runny when you add the rice, chicken and veggies. The egg will bind with the rice and continue to cook with the rest of the dish.
  • Short on time? Use a bag of frozen vegetables to save on some prep time. I’ve seen this rice made with peas and carrots, or also a frozen medley of corn, carrots, green beans and peas.

Thinly sliced cooked chicken with carrots and scrambled eggs.

Fried rice variations

  • Thai Basil Fried Rice: You can make this popular variation on Thai fried rice by adding 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce to the dish and when the rice finishes cooking, take it off the heat and quickly add a 2 cups of sweet Thai basil leaves. Stir in the basil and the leaves will wilt in the hot rice and be ready to eat.
  • Pineapple Fried Rice: I have a great recipe for pineapple fried rice. The sweetness of pineapple brings out a lot of flavor in the fried rice.
  • Protein: Try cooked shrimp or cubed tofu instead of chicken. You can also use thinly sliced flank steak.
  • Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the mix such as broccoli, green beans, corn, bell peppers or tomatoes.

Cooked white rice with thinly sliced chicken, eggs and vegetables.

What is the difference between Chinese fried rice and Thai fried rice?

Thai fried rice and Chinese fried rice are very similar dishes featuring protein, egg, rice and veggies. The major differences is that Thai fried rice is flavored with fish sauce, and the main flavoring agent in Chinese fried rice is soy sauce. Chinese fried rice also often contains more vegetables.

Thai fried rice in a skillet with chicken and mixed vegetables.

The next time you’re in the mood for take out, whip up a batch of this fried rice instead of picking up the phone for take out. You won’t regret it!

More recipes you’ll enjoy

  • Chicken Lettuce Wraps
  • Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry
  • Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
  • Pepper Steak Stir Fry
  • Firecracker Chicken
  • Sesame Shrimp
A plate of Thai fried rice garnished with cucumbers and tomatoes.
Print Pin
5 from 13 votes

Thai Fried Rice

This Thai fried rice is loaded with chicken, egg and vegetables, all stir fried together in a savory sauce. A copy of the take out favorite that can be made at home in less than 30 minutes!
Course Main
Cuisine Asian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 330kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons vegetable oil divided use
  • 3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup carrots peeled, quartered and sliced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 3 cups cooked white rice long grain works best
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup green onions sliced
  • sliced cucumbers, cilantro leaves and tomato wedges for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Place the chicken in a bowl with the corn starch and toss to coat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Place the chicken in a single layer in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until chicken is browned and cooked through. You may need to work in batches.
  • Remove the chicken from the pan and cover with foil to keep warm.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the pan, along with the onion and carrots. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until veggies are softened.
  • Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Remove the vegetables from the pan, then cover with foil to keep warm.
  • Pour the remaining teaspoon of oil into the pan; add the eggs and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up with a spatula, until the eggs are scrambled and cooked through. Season the eggs with salt and pepper.
  • Add the rice, chicken, and reserved cooked veggies to the pan. Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce and sugar, and mix gently until everything is thoroughly combined and warmed through, 3-4 minutes.
  • Sprinkle green onions over the top of the rice mixture, then serve. Garnish with cilantro leaves, sliced cucumber and tomatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 296mg | Sodium: 1460mg | Potassium: 266mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2855IU | Vitamin C: 7.1mg | Calcium: 165mg | Iron: 2.9mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Filed Under: Asian Food, Dinner, Side Dishes

FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

    ​
    ​

    Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

    « Chicken Stew Recipe
    Sweet Potato Fries (Baked or Fried!) »

    Comments

    1. Critter says

      February 5, 2022 at 3:45 pm

      5 stars
      Wowsers!!!!! AMAZING flavor! I just made this Thai Fried Rice and am blown away by how fantastic it is. The crispy chicken pieces are especially delightful. Thank you for creating this recipe, Sara!!!

      Reply
    2. jamie says

      April 12, 2021 at 6:15 pm

      Does this taste super ” fishy” with the fish sauce? I am not HUGE on fishy taste …. Thanks 🙂

      Reply
      • Sara says

        April 13, 2021 at 3:30 pm

        No it doesn’t have a fishy flavor!

        Reply
    3. Bea says

      May 18, 2020 at 4:43 pm

      5 stars
      Made this instead of take out and we were very happy! it was easy to follow the directions.

      Reply
    4. Carol Rawert Trainer says

      April 22, 2020 at 10:53 am

      This is how I have always made it. Except I don’t coat the chicken before I sauteed it. Liven in Bangkok for 3 years. This is authentic..also had believe it or not rice fried with catsup and raisins. Kids loved it

      Reply
    5. Sari says

      April 6, 2020 at 7:54 pm

      Great recipe, I added 1 1/2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce with the fish sauce and soy sauce.

      Reply
      • Sari says

        April 6, 2020 at 8:53 pm

        5 stars
        Sorry; Forgot to rate this recipe, and it was homemade sweet chili sauce from scratch

        Reply
    6. Laura Reese says

      September 5, 2019 at 6:57 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for this amazing recipe.

      Reply
    7. Lauren says

      September 4, 2019 at 6:03 am

      5 stars
      I a so excited to make this for my family! It looks incredible!

      Reply
    8. Aimee Shugarman says

      September 4, 2019 at 5:16 am

      5 stars
      Next time I need to double this recipe. It was so delicious!

      Reply
    9. Billy says

      September 4, 2019 at 4:05 am

      5 stars
      Such an awesome easy to make delicious recipe perfect for weeknights. We are big fans!

      Reply
    10. Julia Frey says

      September 4, 2019 at 3:01 am

      5 stars
      What a lovely new flavour to add to a fried rice recipe. My family loves it!

      Reply
    11. Luci says

      September 2, 2019 at 10:39 pm

      5 stars
      Yes, please. I will have to make this soon. Fried rice is one of my favorite Asian dishes.

      Reply
    12. Adriana says

      September 2, 2019 at 9:43 pm

      5 stars
      What a lovely idea to use leftovers I enjoy fried rice a lot, and I need to try this version at home. Thanks for the inspiration.

      Reply
    13. Natalie says

      September 2, 2019 at 9:27 pm

      5 stars
      I love Thai fried rice! Looks so delicious and I love how easy it is to make. Perfect for dinner ♥

      Reply
    14. Veena Azmanov says

      September 2, 2019 at 8:50 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing dish for an awesome dinner. I love everything to making this yummy fried rice. My kids to love it.

      Reply
    15. Dahn @savorthebest says

      September 2, 2019 at 8:45 pm

      5 stars
      I love fried rice and it seems like we always order it when we go to a Thai restaurant. So much better when you can make it at home.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More

    Grilling Recipes

    A plate of grilled scallops garnished with parsley and lemon.

    Grilled Scallops with Lemon and Herbs

    Grilled shrimp skewers with lemon wedges and parsley.

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled lamb chops on a plate garnished with parsley and lemon.

    Grilled Lamb Chops

    Sliced grilled flank steak on a platter.

    Grilled Flank Steak

    A jar of BBQ rub made with brown sugar and a variety of spices.

    BBQ Rub Recipe

    Steaks grilled, sitting in a pan of steak marinade and topped with butter.

    The BEST Steak Marinade

    More Posts from this Category

    Featured Recipes

    A pan of pasta with ground beef, onion, pasta shells, cheddar cheese and bacon.

    Cheeseburger Pasta

    Beef and broccoli stir fry in a pan.

    Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

    Slow cooker salisbury steak with mushroom gravy and onions.

    Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

    A spoon serving up a portion of hamburger casserole made with pasta and melted cheese.

    Hamburger Casserole

    FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

    Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

      ​
      ​

      Categories

      Sites I am featured In
      PRIVACY POLICY ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT © Sara Welch and Dinner at the Zoo® LLC, 2015-2022.
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • RSS
      • Twitter
      • About Me
      • Contact Me
      • All Recipes
      • Dinner
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
      • One Pot Meals
      • Slow Cooker
      • Asian Food