This Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Yum Yum Sauce is bursting with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes! Made with simple ingredients and leftover rice, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner. Serve it on its own or pair it with your favorite Asian-inspired dishes for a better-than-takeout meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Rice
Inspired by the fried rice from my favorite hibachi restaurant, this homemade version hits all the right notes—tender chicken, crispy veggies, fluffy rice, and that irresistible buttery finish. Top it off with creamy, tangy yum yum sauce for a match made in comfort food heaven.
⭐ Featured Review
“Great recipe & easy to make! Thank you for this as it will be a new go-to on my weeknight meals!” – Sara Driggers
What Is Yum Yum Sauce?
Yum Yum sauce is a creamy, slightly sweet condiment often served at hibachi restaurants. Made with mayo, ketchup, and a few pantry staples, it’s the perfect drizzle for fried rice, grilled meats, or veggies. And yes—you can whip it up in just minutes!
The Secret to Authentic Fried Rice Flavor
What makes this recipe taste like restaurant-style fried rice? Butter.
Adding a bit of butter at the end (a trick I learned from my local hibachi chef) gives the rice a rich, savory depth that truly sets this dish apart.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy chicken fried rice:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil) – For sautéing the veggies.
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup frozen peas – No need to thaw.
- 2 eggs – Lightly beaten and scrambled in the pan.
- 3 cups cooked white rice – Cold, day-old rice works best.
- 2 cups cooked chicken – Shredded or diced. Great for leftovers!
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce – We use low-sodium.
- 1 tablespoon butter – Stirred in at the end for the signature hibachi flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Best Rice for Fried Rice
The key to perfect fried rice is using cold, cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and turns mushy in the pan. Day-old rice is ideal, but if you’re in a pinch:
- Spread warm rice on a baking sheet.
- Pop it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to chill quickly.
You can use white rice, brown rice, or even try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Recipe Variations
Mix things up with these ideas:
- Swap the protein – Try shrimp, bacon, pork, or tofu.
- Add more vegetables – Snap peas, broccoli, mushrooms, or baby corn are great additions.
- Make it vegetarian – Skip the chicken and load up on veggies.
- Use different rice – Brown rice, jasmine, or even quinoa work well.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice
Step-by-step instructions:
- Cook the veggies: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add diced onions and carrots. Sauté until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the peas.
- Scramble the eggs: Push veggies to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs on the other side and scramble until fully cooked. Mix into the veggies.
- Add rice and chicken: Stir in the cooked rice and chicken. Toss everything together until heated through.
- Season: Add soy sauce and stir to combine. Then add butter and mix until melted and evenly distributed.
- Finish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with yum yum sauce on the side.
Pro Tips for the Best Fried Rice
- Always use cold rice – It fries up better and won’t get sticky.
- High heat = better texture – It helps brown the rice slightly and creates that signature “fried” finish.
- No need to thaw frozen peas – Just toss them in straight from the freezer.
Serving Suggestions
This fried rice is perfect on its own or as part of a takeout-style dinner at home. Pair it with:
- Orange Chicken
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Beef & Broccoli
- Crab Rangoon
- Egg Rolls
And of course, don’t forget a generous drizzle of yum yum sauce!
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Let the rice cool completely, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a little oil or microwave until hot.
More Easy Takeout Recipes
- Easy Orange Chicken (4 Ingredients)
- Cashew Chicken
- Bourbon Chicken
- Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
- Easy Beef Stir Fry
Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Yum Yum Sauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 612 per serving
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 cups cooked white rice (cold)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and carrots until softened.
- Stir in peas.
- Push veggies to one side; scramble eggs on the other side until cooked. Mix together.
- Add rice and chicken. Stir well.
- Pour in soy sauce; mix to combine.
- Add butter and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with yum yum sauce.