If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the taste of restaurant-style fried rice in your own kitchen, this Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect balance of flavors — tender chicken, juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice tossed together in a fragrant soy sauce blend.
This dish is a classic favorite around the world because it’s quick, affordable, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a lunchbox meal, or a family-style dinner to impress guests, this fried rice hits all the right notes — savory, satisfying, and full of texture.
🍚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless fried rice recipes out there, but this one stands out for all the right reasons. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your weekly menu:
✅ 1. Quick and Easy to Make
This entire dish comes together in under 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you still want something wholesome and delicious.
✅ 2. Balanced and Nutritious
It’s packed with protein from chicken and shrimp, fiber from veggies, and complex carbs from rice — a perfect one-pan meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
✅ 3. Budget-Friendly
No expensive ingredients or hard-to-find sauces — everything is simple, pantry-friendly, and affordable.
✅ 4. Customizable
You can easily adjust the ingredients to match what you have on hand. Swap vegetables, use different proteins, or even make it vegetarian — it’s endlessly flexible.
✅ 5. Restaurant Flavor at Home
With a few cooking secrets, you’ll achieve that authentic “wok-fried” flavor without leaving your kitchen.
🍤 Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice begins with choosing the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 cup (peeled and deveined) | Medium or large size, fresh or frozen |
| Chicken breast | 1 cup (diced) | Boneless, skinless preferred |
| Cooked rice | 2 cups | Day-old rice gives the best texture |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons | Use low-sodium for a healthier version |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon | Or sesame oil for a nutty aroma |
| Eggs | 2 | Lightly beaten |
| Mixed vegetables | 1 cup | Peas, carrots, and corn work perfectly |
| Green onions | 2 stalks (chopped) | Adds freshness and color |
| Garlic | 2 cloves (minced) | Optional but recommended |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Adjust per preference |
🍳 How to Make Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice – Step by Step
Follow these simple steps for foolproof fried rice that tastes just like your favorite takeout:
🔹 Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, ensure everything is ready. Fried rice cooks fast, so having your ingredients chopped, measured, and within reach is key.
- Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes.
- Peel and devein shrimp (if not prepped).
- Beat the eggs in a small bowl.
- Chop your vegetables and green onions.
💡 Pro Tip: If using frozen shrimp or vegetables, thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
🔹 Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat half of your oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
🔹 Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes or until they turn pink and slightly curled. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
🔹 Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Add a drizzle of oil, then pour in the beaten eggs. Stir continuously to scramble them until just set. Move them to one side of the pan or transfer to a plate.
🔹 Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add your mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and tender.
🔹 Step 6: Add Rice and Combine Everything
Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan. Stir and break up any clumps with a spatula. Pour in the soy sauce and mix thoroughly until the rice absorbs the flavor.
Return the chicken, shrimp, and scrambled eggs to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes until hot and evenly combined.
🔹 Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions over the fried rice for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve hot and enjoy your homemade shrimp and chicken fried rice with your favorite sauce or side dish.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This fried rice is a meal on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience with these delicious pairings:
- 🥢 Asian Side Dishes: Spring rolls, miso soup, or steamed dumplings.
- 🥗 Light Salads: Cucumber salad, sesame slaw, or kimchi.
- 🍹 Drinks: Iced green tea, lemonade, or a light lager.
- 🍰 Dessert Ideas: Coconut pudding or mango ice cream for a refreshing finish.
🧠 Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
Want to take your fried rice from good to great? Here are expert-level tips:
- Use Day-Old Rice: Fresh rice is too moist and will become mushy. Refrigerated rice has the perfect dry texture for frying.
- Hot Wok, Fast Cooking: High heat gives the rice that smoky, “restaurant-style” flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if needed; overcrowding steams the rice.
- Add Soy Sauce Gradually: Start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed to prevent overpowering saltiness.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add oyster sauce, chili oil, or a dash of sesame seeds for variety.
🧊 Storage and Leftovers
One of the best things about fried rice is how well it stores and reheats.
🕒 Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil to refresh the texture.
❄️ Freezing
- You can freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
💡 Tip: Always cool the rice before refrigerating or freezing to prevent sogginess.
🥄 Variations and Substitutions
Make this recipe your own! Here are a few fun twists:
🍗 Protein Swaps
- Beef Fried Rice: Substitute chicken with thinly sliced beef strips.
- Vegetarian Fried Rice: Skip the meat and add tofu, tempeh, or edamame.
- Turkey or Pork Version: Use lean ground meat for a hearty meal.
🥕 Veggie Additions
Try adding:
- Broccoli florets
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Bean sprouts
🌾 Rice Options
- Brown Rice: For a whole-grain version.
- Jasmine Rice: Light and aromatic.
- Cauliflower Rice: Low-carb and keto-friendly alternative.
⚖️ Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
This makes it a balanced, high-protein meal that supports both energy and fullness throughout the day.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make fried rice without eggs?
Yes! Simply omit the eggs or replace them with scrambled tofu for a vegan-friendly option.
2. How do I keep fried rice from turning soggy?
Use cold, day-old rice and high heat. Never add water or too much sauce while cooking.
3. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. It’s a great shortcut that saves cooking time while adding extra flavor.
4. What’s the best oil for fried rice?
Vegetable oil, canola, or sesame oil works best due to their high smoke points.
5. How can I add more flavor?
Try adding garlic, ginger, or a splash of oyster sauce for a richer taste.
🌟 Expert Cooking Secrets
Here’s how professional chefs make their fried rice irresistible:
- Wok Hei Effect: The smoky aroma achieved by stir-frying quickly over high heat.
- Butter Boost: Adding a small knob of butter at the end enhances flavor.
- Balance of Texture: A perfect fried rice should have soft rice grains, tender proteins, and crisp veggies — not mushy.
🍱 Ideal Occasions to Serve Fried Rice
This dish isn’t just for weeknights! It fits beautifully in many settings:
- 🏠 Family dinners
- 🧳 Meal prep for work or school
- 🎉 Potluck parties
- 🌆 Weekend comfort food
- 🥡 Leftover transformations (great for using extra rice or chicken)
🔥 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best cooks slip up sometimes! Here’s what to avoid:
- Using freshly cooked rice – It clumps and becomes mushy.
- Low heat cooking – Rice steams instead of frying.
- Too much soy sauce – Overpowers flavor and darkens rice too much.
- Skipping prep work – Fried rice cooks fast; everything should be ready beforehand.
- Crowding the pan – Cook in batches for the perfect stir-fry texture.
🌿 Make It Healthier
Want a lighter version? Try these tweaks:
- Use brown rice instead of white rice.
- Replace soy sauce with tamari or liquid aminos (lower sodium).
- Add extra vegetables for more fiber and volume.
- Cook with olive oil spray instead of full tablespoons of oil.
🧩 Fun Facts About Fried Rice
- Fried rice originated in China’s Sui Dynasty (around the 6th century) as a way to use up leftover rice.
- Almost every Asian country has its own version — from Japanese Yakimeshi to Thai Khao Pad.
- Traditional Chinese chefs say the perfect fried rice must “sing” — meaning it should make a light sizzling sound as it cooks.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice recipe isn’t just another meal — it’s comfort food at its finest. Each bite brings together the savory richness of soy sauce, the sweetness of shrimp, and the satisfying tenderness of chicken, all bound by fluffy, golden rice.
