Homemade Chicken Fried Rice

This Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a homemade version of a takeout classic, with fresh ginger, crunchy cashews and spicy sriracha giving it a little attitude.

This Easy Chicken Fried Rice Recipe rivals takeout

When it comes to homemade chicken fried rice, you can stick to a classic version, which is undeniably delicious. But once you’ve mastered that, let’s go ahead and jazz it up a little bit.

We’re not going crazy here. We’re just adding a few simple things like crunchy cashews, a squirt of spicy sriracha and some zesty fresh ginger.

This homemade alternative to takeout is bursting with flavor, and whether you’re a seasoned home chef or new to cooking, it will turn out perfectly with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Ingredients

• oil – for sauteeing the eggs, chicken and vegetables. Vegetable or canola oil is best, due to it’s high smoke point.
• eggs – a bit of scrambled egg is a welcome protein and texture in any great chicken fried rice recipe.
• chicken – Any cut of chicken that you like will work here! Boneless skinless thighs, breast, or tenderloins are all great choices. Tenderloins hold up well to high heat, and will stay tender even if they get a bit overcooked, so that’s what I’ve used in the recipe you see in this post.
• onions – both white onions and green onions are used in our recipe for the most flavor and visual appeal.
• garlic – adds a pungent, savory flavor.
• ginger – provides a warm and slightly spicy flavor.
• peas and carrots – buy a frozen bag of these mixed veggies for maximum ease.
• roasted cashews – offers a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• rice – cooked, day-old white rice will work best for fried rice (see the blue Home Chef Tips box below for pointers on this).
• soy sauce – adds a savory umami flavor and seasons the dish with no additional salt required.
• oyster sauce – adds a rich, savory and slightly sweet flavor.
• sriracha – provides a kick of heat without being overpowering. You can use more or less, depending on how spicy you like it.
• rice vinegar – adds tang that balances the sweetness and saltiness of the other ingredients.
• sesame oil – this seasoning oil adds a nutty, rich flavor.

How to make the Best Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

1. MAKE SAUCE. In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, sriracha and sesame oil.

2. SCRAMBLE EGGS. Scramble eggs in a bit of oil in a large saute pan or wok. When the eggs are done, transfer them to a plate.

3. CHICKEN. Add a bit more oil to the pan and saute the chicken until it is cooked through, then add it to the plate with the eggs.

4. VEGGIES. Add the white onion to the pan and cook until softened, then add the garlic, ginger and peas and carrots. Cook briefly until garlic and ginger are fragrant.

5. RICE AND CASHEWS. Add the rice and cashews to the pan and cook until the rice starts to crisp up, but don’t stir it too often.

6. FINISH. Add the eggs, chicken, green onion, and the sauce to the rice in the skillet and cook until everything is heated through and combined.

6. TASTE AND ADJUST. Taste and add more soy sauce if more seasoning is needed. Then, let rest in the pan, off the heat, 2 minutes before serving, as this helps the crisped rice release from the skillet for easier serving. Serve topped with extra chopped cashews.

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Easy variations

• PROTEIN SWAP – Don’t have chicken? No problem! Simply leave it out, or swap in shrimp, beef or tofu.
• SWITCH UP THE VEGGIES – Edamame, frozen corn, snow peas, broccoli florets, cabbage, bok choy, and mushrooms are all great in chicken fried rice.
• DIFFERENT RICE – Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist on this dish.

What to serve with Easy Chicken Fried Rice

This easy chicken fried rice recipe can be a meal in itself, but it also pairs really well with other dishes to make a larger meal. Some of my favorite pairings include:

• Shrimp Wonton Soup
• Homemade Egg Rolls
• Spicy Orange Chicken
• Ground Beef Stir Fry
• Miso Zucchini

How to store this Recipe for Chicken Fried Rice

Any leftover homemade chicken fried rice should be cooled to room temperature and then transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Can you freeze Chicken Fried Rice?

Yes, you can freeze chicken fried rice. Allow the rice to cool completely, and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Transfer to the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Homemade Chicken Fried Rice

To reheat easy chicken fried rice, microwave until heated through. Or, reheat on the stovetop by adding a bit of oil to a skillet and heating the rice over medium heat until it’s warm.