Easy Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe with Rice Vinegar and Red Onion
Looking for an easy homemade chicken fried rice recipe that’s packed with flavor and comes together in no time? Whether you’re using leftover rice or starting from scratch, this chicken fried rice is the perfect quick dinner idea. It’s full of bold, savory flavors thanks to soy sauce, a splash of tangy rice vinegar, and the sweetness of sautéed red onions. Tender, juicy pieces of chicken make it a complete and satisfying meal, all cooked in one pan. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a takeout-style dish at home — simple, delicious, and restaurant-worthy.
This recipe is a simplified version of my video below.
Why This Fried Rice Recipe Works
- Cold, day-old rice to prevent clumping.
- Stir-frying in stages to protect texture.
- Proper seasoning — now elevated with just a bit more soy sauce and vinegar.
- High-heat cooking for that smoky, irresistible finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this fried rice to life:
- Cooked rice – 3 cups (≈600 g), day-old and cold
- Eggs – 2 whole eggs
- Chicken breast (optional) – 200–250 g, thinly sliced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger – 15–20 g, grated
- Carrot – 1 medium, diced
- Red onion – ½ small, finely diced
- Peas – 80–100 g, frozen or fresh
- Green onions – 4–6 stalks, whites and greens separated
- Soy sauce – 3–4 tbsp, to taste
- Rice wine vinegar – 1½ tbsp
- Peanut or vegetable oil – 2–3 tbsp, for frying
- Sesame oil – 1 tsp, for finishing
- Salt and white pepper – to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare All Ingredients
Dice the red onion and carrot. Mince garlic and ginger. Slice green onions and separate white/green parts. If using chicken, slice thinly. Cold rice is crucial — make sure it’s at least a day old for best texture.
2. Heat the Wok
Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a wok or deep frying pan and heat over high until the oil begins to shimmer.
If you love quick rice-based dishes, you should also try our Easy Mongolian Beef or Chicken Chow Mein for weeknight takeout-style meals. For more crispy and saucy options, check out this Crispy General Tso’s Chicken or our fan-favorite Honey Garlic Fried Chicken.
3. Scramble the Eggs
Lightly beat the eggs and pour them into the wok. Stir quickly to scramble, then transfer them to a bowl once just cooked.
4. Cook Chicken (If Using)
Add a bit more oil. Stir-fry the chicken until cooked through, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
5. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Add garlic, ginger, and red onion to the pan. Stir-fry until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the diced carrots and cook for 2 minutes. Add peas and cook another minute.
6. Add Rice and Seasonings
Add the cold rice, breaking up clumps with your spatula. Mix thoroughly with the aromatics and vegetables.
Return eggs and chicken. Drizzle in 3–4 tbsp soy sauce and 1½ tbsp rice wine vinegar, stirring constantly to coat every grain.
Add the white part of the green onions. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
7. Finish and Serve
Remove from heat. Drizzle with sesame oil, toss, and finish with the green onion tops. Serve hot.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fried Rice
- Use day-old rice to ensure the best texture.
- The extra soy sauce boosts umami and helps with color and depth.
- A little more vinegar brings brightness that lifts the richness of the eggs and oil.
- Keep your ingredients prepped and ready — stir-frying happens fast.
Substitutions and Variations
| Ingredient | Substitute Ideas |
| Red onion | Shallot, yellow onion, or omit |
| Rice wine vinegar | White wine vinegar, lemon juice (start with 1 tbsp) |
| Chicken breast | Shrimp, pork, tofu, or no protein |
| Peas | Corn, diced bell peppers |
| Soy sauce | Tamari, coconut aminos (for GF option) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a wok?
Yes! A large skillet or sauté pan will work. Just ensure it heats evenly and use high heat.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the chicken and optionally add tofu or just keep it egg-and-veg based.
What if I don’t have rice wine vinegar?
You can substitute with white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or fresh lemon juice. Start with 1 tbsp and add more to taste.
What to Serve with Fried Rice
- Gyoza or dumplings
- Steamed bok choy with garlic
- Cucumber salad with sesame dressing
- Sweet chili shrimp skewers
More Quick and Flavorful Dinners to Try
- Easy Mongolian Beef — sweet, savory, and ready in 25 minutes.
- Easy Chicken Chow Mein — full of veggies, noodles, and Asian-inspired flavor.
- Crispy General Tso’s Chicken — sweet, spicy, and restaurant-worthy.
- Crispy Honey Garlic Fried Chicken — gluten-free and packed with flavor.
- Homemade Chicken Nuggets — perfect for kids and grown-ups alike.
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Easy Homemade Chicken Fried Rice Recipe with Rice Vinegar and Red Onion
Ingredients
- 600 g day-old rice
- 2 eggs
- 200 –250 g chicken breast optional
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 15 g ginger grated
- 1 medium carrot diced
- ½ small red onion diced
- 100 g peas
- 4 –6 green onions white/green parts separated
- 3 –4 tbsp soy sauce
- 1½ tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 –3 tbsp oil peanut or vegetable
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and white pepper
Instructions
- Scramble eggs, set aside.
- Cook chicken if using, set aside.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, red onion. Add carrot, then peas.
- Add rice, mix well.
- Return eggs and chicken. Add soy sauce and vinegar, stir in white scallions.
- Finish with sesame oil and green tops. Serve hot.
Video
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a wok?
Yes! A large skillet or sauté pan will work. Just ensure it heats evenly and use high heat.Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the chicken and optionally add tofu or just keep it egg-and-veg based.What if I don’t have rice wine vinegar?
You can substitute with white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or fresh lemon juice. Start with 1 tbsp and add more to taste.What to Serve with Fried Rice
- Gyoza or dumplings
- Steamed bok choy with garlic
- Cucumber salad with sesame dressing
- Sweet chili shrimp skewers
