Looking for a quick, flavorful meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious? This Chicken and Bacon Fried Rice delivers! With smoky bacon, tender chicken, fluffy eggs, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s a one-pan dish that’s packed with flavor and ideal for busy weeknights. Whether you’re using up leftovers or craving a restaurant-style favorite at home, this dish is sure to satisfy every craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor-Packed: Smoky bacon, savory soy sauce, and sesame oil create a rich, mouthwatering dish.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this fried rice is a perfect one-pan solution for busy nights.
Versatile: Use leftover rice and chicken, or customize with your favorite vegetables and proteins.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of bacon and chicken makes it a surefire hit for both kids and adults.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Key Ingredients
Bacon Grease (or Oil): Bacon grease adds a smoky richness to the dish. If unavailable, use neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs provide a creamy, protein-packed component that pairs perfectly with the seasoned rice.
Cold Cooked Rice: Using cold, day-old rice ensures the grains stay separate and don’t turn mushy during cooking.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor without overpowering the dish with salt.
Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil gives the dish a nutty, aromatic finish that’s signature to fried rice recipes.
Cooked Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces, makes this dish quick and hearty. Rotisserie chicken works great!
Crumbled Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty kick to the dish, taking it to the next level.
Frozen Peas: Frozen peas add a pop of color and subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
Green Onions: Sliced green onions add freshness and a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon of bacon grease or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet.
Let the eggs cook without stirring until they begin to set, then gently scramble them until fully cooked.
Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of bacon grease or oil and heat over medium-high heat.
Break the cold rice into small chunks and add it to the skillet.
Stir to coat the rice with oil and cook until the rice is heated through, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine.
Cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring the rice is evenly coated and heated.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and frozen peas to the skillet. Stir well to mix the ingredients evenly.
Allow the mixture to cook until the chicken and peas are heated through.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Green Onions
Gently fold the cooked eggs and sliced green onions into the rice mixture. Stir carefully to distribute them evenly.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and taste. Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful chicken and bacon fried rice!
Serving Suggestions
On Its Own: Serve this fried rice as a complete, hearty meal—it’s filling and satisfying on its own.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp cucumber or Asian-style slaw for a lighter side.
As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled shrimp, steak, or teriyaki chicken for a more elaborate spread.
Topped with Sauce: Drizzle with sriracha or hoisin sauce for added flavor.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to restore moisture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freeze: Fried rice freezes well! Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe bags, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or sriracha for heat.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and bacon; load up on veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Seafood Twist: Swap chicken for shrimp or add crab meat for a seafood version.
Pineapple Fried Rice: Toss in diced pineapple for a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory bacon and chicken.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Bacon Fried Rice is the ultimate fusion of hearty, comforting flavors with an easy, one-pan preparation. From the smoky bacon to the tender chicken and perfectly seasoned rice, every bite is a burst of deliciousness. Whether you’re repurposing leftovers or starting from scratch, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave your family asking for seconds!
Chicken and Bacon Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp bacon grease or oil of your choice, divided
- 3 eggs beaten
- 5 cups cold cooked rice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 3 cups cooked chicken cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2/3 cup frozen peas
- 3 green onions sliced thin
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of bacon grease or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and let them cook undisturbed until they begin to set. Gently scramble until fully cooked, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining bacon grease or oil and heat over medium-high. Break the cold rice into chunks and add it to the skillet. Stir to coat with oil and cook until heated through.
- Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring the rice is evenly coated.
- Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and frozen peas to the skillet. Stir well and cook until the chicken and peas are heated through.
- Gently fold the cooked eggs and sliced green onions into the rice mixture. Stir carefully to distribute evenly.
- Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful fried rice!
