Learn how to make Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice with this irresistibly delicious ultimate party classic recipe. Packed with vegetables, tender chicken, and bold Nigerian flavors, this step-by-step guide guarantees perfect results every time.
🌟 Introduction
If you are looking for a truly crowd-pleasing rice dish, Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice is the answer. This iconic party staple is vibrant, flavorful, and loaded with colourful vegetables and tender, seasoned chicken. Unlike Asian-style fried rice, Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice has its own distinct identity—bold seasoning, parboiled long-grain rice, and that signature smoky, savoury aroma.
From weddings and birthdays to Christmas celebrations and Sunday family dinners, Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice is one of the most beloved authentic Nigerian rice dishes. It pairs beautifully with jollof rice at parties and often steals the spotlight with its bright colours and irresistible taste.
In this detailed guide, you will learn how to make Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice step by step, with professional tips to achieve fluffy grains, perfectly seasoned chicken, and vibrant vegetables every single time.
Table of Contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this Chicken Fried Rice recipe will quickly become your go-to:
- 🍚 Perfectly Fluffy Grains – No soggy or mushy rice.
- 🍗 Juicy, Well-Seasoned Chicken – Packed with Nigerian flavours.
- 🌈 Vibrant Vegetables – Carrots, peas, sweet corn, and green beans.
- 🎉 Perfect For Parties – A staple for party fried rice Nigeria menus.
- ⏱️ Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe – Simple techniques, big results.
- 🥘 Highly Customizable – Adjust vegetables and protein to taste.
This version of Chicken Fried Rice balances texture, flavour, and presentation — the three pillars of excellent fried rice.
🥕 Ingredients Needed
To make authentic Naija Chicken Fried Rice, gather the following:
- 🍚 Long Grain Parboiled Rice – Essential for achieving separate, firm grains that don’t clump together.
- 🍗 Chicken (Bone-In or Boneless) – Seasoned, cooked, and diced for maximum flavour.
- 🥕 Carrots – Adds sweetness and bright orange colour.
- 🌽 Sweet Corn – For subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
- 🟢 Green Peas – Adds freshness and colour.
- 🟩 Green Beans – Thinly chopped for crispness.
- 🧅 Onions – Enhances depth and aroma.
- 🌶️ Scotch Bonnet Pepper – Optional, for a mild kick.
- 🧄 Garlic – Boosts savoury notes.
- 🧂 Curry Powder – Signature Nigerian fried rice flavour.
- 🧂 Thyme – Earthy aroma.
- 🧂 Chicken Stock – Used for parboiling rice to infuse flavour.
- 🧈 Butter or Oil – For sautéing and richness.
- 🧂 Salt & Seasoning Cubes – For balanced taste.
- 🥚 Eggs (Optional) – Lightly scrambled for added protein.

Every ingredient contributes to the bold character of Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice.
🍳 Equipment Needed
- 🍲 Large Pot (For Parboiling Rice)
- 🍳 Wide Frying Pan Or Wok
- 🔪 Sharp Knife
- 🧊 Chopping Board
- 🥄 Wooden Spoon Or Spatula
- 🥣 Mixing Bowl
- 🍗 Saucepan (For Cooking Chicken)

👩🍳 Step-By-Step Guide On How To Make Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice
🔥 Step 1: Season And Cook The Chicken
- Wash and season chicken with salt, thyme, curry powder, seasoning cubes, garlic, and onions.
- Add a little water and cook until tender.
- Reserve the chicken stock.
- Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
The stock will later flavour your Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice.
🍚 Step 2: Parboil The Rice
- Wash the long-grain parboiled rice thoroughly.
- Boil rice in seasoned chicken stock.
- Cook until about 70% done.
- Drain excess liquid immediately.
This prevents sogginess and ensures fluffy Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice.
🥕 Step 3: Stir-Fry The Vegetables
- Heat oil or butter in a large pan.
- Sauté onions until translucent.
- Add carrots, green beans, peas, and sweet corn.
- Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes on medium heat.
Vegetables should remain slightly crisp.
🍳 Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add diced chicken to the vegetables.
- Stir gently.
- Add parboiled rice.
- Sprinkle curry powder, thyme, and seasoning.
- Toss carefully to combine evenly.
Cook on low heat for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
🥚 Step 5: Optional Egg Addition
- Push rice aside.
- Scramble eggs separately in the same pan.
- Mix into the rice evenly.
Your Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice is now ready!

💡 Tips For A Perfect Result
To master Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice like a pro:
- 🍚 Use Only Long Grain Parboiled Rice – Avoid basmati or soft rice.
- 💧 Do Not Overcook During Parboiling – Rice should be firm.
- 🔥 Stir On Medium-Low Heat – High heat can burn vegetables.
- 🧂 Season Gradually – Avoid over-salting since stock already contains seasoning.
- 🥕 Dice Vegetables Uniformly – Ensures even cooking.
- 🍗 Use Chicken Stock Generously – This enhances the depth of flavour.
- 🥄 Avoid Over-Stirring – Prevents breaking rice grains.
These techniques elevate your Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice from average to restaurant-quality.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice pairs beautifully with:
- 🍗 Grilled Chicken
- 🥩 Fried Beef
- 🐟 Fried Plantain
- 🥗 Coleslaw
- 🌶️ Pepper Sauce
It is a top choice for party fried rice Nigeria menus and festive celebrations.
🔄 Variations
You can customize Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice with:
- 🦐 Shrimp Instead Of Chicken
- 🥩 Beef Strips
- 🌱 Vegetarian Version (No Meat)
- 🌶️ Extra Spicy Version
- 🍍 Pineapple Fried Rice Twist
Each variation maintains the essence of Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice while introducing unique flavour layers.
📊 Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
🔗 Source: FitNigerian – Nigerian Fried Rice↗
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV)* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 60g | 22% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Fiber | 4g | 14% |
| Sodium | 650mg | 28% |
Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
🩺 Health Benefits And Advice
Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice offers several benefits:
- 🍗 High-Quality Protein From Chicken – Supports muscle growth.
- 🥕 Vegetables Provide Fiber – Aids digestion.
- 🌽 Corn And Carrots Supply Antioxidants – Supports immune health.
- 🍚 Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates – Ideal for active lifestyles.
For a healthier version:
- Use brown rice.
- Reduce oil quantity.
- Increase the vegetable ratio.
- Use skinless chicken breast.
Moderation is key, especially for individuals monitoring sodium intake.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I Make Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice Ahead Of Time?
👉 Yes. Cook and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat with a splash of stock.
Q2. Why Is My Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice Mushy?
👉 Overcooking during parboiling or excessive water causes sogginess.
Q3. Can I Freeze Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice?
👉 Yes. Store in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
Q4. What Makes Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice Different From Asian Fried Rice?
👉 Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice uses curry, thyme, and parboiled rice for its distinct flavour profile.
Q5. Can I Use Fresh Vegetables Instead Of Frozen?
👉 Absolutely. Fresh vegetables enhance texture and flavour.
🏁 Final Thought
Now you know exactly how to make Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice that is irresistibly delicious, vibrant, and party-ready. With the right techniques—proper parboiling, seasoned chicken stock, and balanced stir-frying—you can consistently produce fluffy, flavorful Nigerian Chicken Fried Rice that rivals any event caterer’s version.
Whether you are preparing a weekday dinner or hosting a celebration, this ultimate easy chicken fried rice recipe will always deliver outstanding results.
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