Spicy Chicken Fried Rice

If you’re craving a dish that brings together bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a quick, fuss-free cooking process, Spicy Chicken Fried Rice is exactly what you need. This recipe takes humble leftovers to a whole new level with the perfect blend of heat, savory chicken, and colorful vegetables—all tossed with fluffy jasmine rice. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a comforting and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Spicy Chicken Fried Rice is Worth Your Time

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-made fried rice dish, and this version stands out because of its punchy sriracha heat balanced with the mellow sweetness of mixed veggies and the rich umami of soy sauce. Using cooked jasmine rice makes the texture light and fluffy, avoiding the mushiness that can sometimes come with fried rice recipes. The diced chicken breast cooks quickly and stays tender, making this recipe a complete meal in one skillet.

Not only is this dish super customizable, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover rice or bits of vegetables you have in your fridge. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a practical, delicious choice that fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle. If you love dishes like Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Wraps that are full of flavor and quick to prepare, you’ll adore this spicy fried rice.

Ingredient Notes

• Cooked jasmine rice: Using day-old rice or rice that’s been cooled completely helps prevent clumping and gives a better fried rice texture.
• Chicken breast: Diced into bite-sized pieces, it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is perfect for frying without burning.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; yellow or white onions both work well.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for that punchy aroma that elevates the dish.
• Mixed vegetables: A colorful mix of carrots, peas, and corn adds texture, sweetness, and nutrition.
• Soy sauce: Provides salty umami flavor; low sodium works well if you want to control saltiness.
• Sriracha sauce: Adds the signature spicy kick—you can adjust the amount to your heat preference.
• Green onions: Freshly sliced, they add a mild oniony brightness and a pop of color at the end.
• Eggs: Beaten and scrambled into the rice for extra protein and richness.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning is key to balance all the flavors.

Appliances & Accessories

• Large skillet or wok: Essential for even cooking and tossing the ingredients together.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and flipping the rice without breaking it apart.
• Knife and cutting board: To dice the chicken and chop vegetables.
• Measuring spoons: To ensure the perfect balance of soy sauce and sriracha.

Cooking Spicy Chicken Fried Rice: The Process

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by dicing the chicken breast into small, even pieces. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Slice the green onions and set aside. Make sure your cooked jasmine rice is cold and separated to avoid clumps when frying.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until the pieces are browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Stir gently to scramble until fully cooked but still soft. Mix the eggs with the vegetables.

Step 5: Combine Rice, Chicken, and Sauces

Add the cold jasmine rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps as you toss everything together. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine. Pour in the soy sauce and sriracha sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat every grain of rice with flavor.

Step 6: Finish with Green Onions and Seasoning

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the sliced green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sriracha if you want more heat. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

For a little extra flair, serve alongside fragrant rice dishes like Jeera Rice Cumin Rice to complete your meal experience.

Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives

• Swap jasmine rice for cauliflower rice to cut down on carbs while keeping the texture similar.
• Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for extra healthy fats.
• Increase the amount of chicken and vegetables to bulk up the dish without adding carbs.
• Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a lower-sodium and soy-free option.

Watch Outs & How to Fix

• Rice is mushy: This often happens if the rice is freshly cooked or too wet. Use rice that’s been cooled for several hours or overnight in the fridge.
• Chicken is dry: Don’t overcook the chicken. Cook just until no longer pink and remove from heat promptly.
• Too spicy: Start with less sriracha and add gradually. You can also balance heat by adding a dash of honey or a splash of lime juice.
• Dish tastes bland: Make sure to season with enough soy sauce and salt. Freshly minced garlic and green onions also brighten the flavor.

Best Ways to Store

Store any leftover spicy chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave to prevent it from drying out. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reader Q&A

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works well, but because it’s denser and chewier, it might require a slightly longer cooking time. Make sure it’s cooked and cooled before frying.

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs add more moisture and flavor due to their higher fat content. Dice and cook them the same way you would with chicken breast.

What can I use instead of sriracha if I don’t like spicy food?

You can substitute sriracha with a mild chili sauce or simply omit it and add a little extra soy sauce or a splash of sesame oil for flavor without the heat.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables. Use a vegetarian soy sauce or tamari to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.

Try These Next

• Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Wraps – A fresh and flavorful way to enjoy chicken with a spicy-sweet kick.
• Jeera Rice Cumin Rice – A fragrant and simple rice dish that pairs beautifully with many meals.

Time to Try It

Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and know-how, it’s time to get cooking. This Spicy Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and satisfies every craving for savory, spicy, and hearty flavors. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or crafting a last-minute dinner, this dish won’t let you down. So grab your skillet, fire up the stove, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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