Name: Chicken Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into ½-inch (13-mm) pieces; 3 large eggs; Salt (total ⅝ teaspoon split across steps); White pepper (about ¼ teaspoon + a pinch); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon light or dark brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1½ tablespoons finely chopped ginger (from a 2-inch/5-cm piece); 2 shallots, thinly sliced; 2 scallions, cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) pieces; 1½ to 2 cups bite-sized vegetables (cooked long beans, broccoli, carrots, peas, green beans, shredded cabbage or bean sprouts); ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric; 4 cups cooked jasmine rice; Vegetable oil (about 5 tablespoons total for cooking); Fried eggs; Fried shallots; 1 long red chili pepper, thinly sliced

Jump to Recipe·4 from 36 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to bring the vibrant taste of Indonesian street food right into your kitchen, the Chicken Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish is a joyful celebration of flavors—fragrant jasmine rice, tender chicken, aromatic garlic and shallots, all harmonized with the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy notes. It’s quick to whip up, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to become a beloved go-to for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds several glass bowls arranged neatly. On the left, a medium white bowl is filled with layers of green peas, orange carrot cubes, shredded purple cabbage, and shredded light green cabbage. To the right of it are smaller glass bowls with dark brown soy sauce, thinly sliced light pink shallots, chopped light green spring onions, and minced pale yellow garlic. Below, separate small bowls contain three brown eggs, pale yellow cooking oil in a small pitcher, thin slices of light yellow garlic, and a mix of brown and white powders, possibly spices. On the upper right, a large glass bowl with white fluffy rice sits next to another large glass bowl containing a pile of small pale pink meat pieces. The whole scene is bright and clear, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Chicken Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) Recipe comes from using simple but incredibly impactful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish pop off the plate.

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, perfect for absorbing the spices and sauces.
Salt and white pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them.
3 large eggs: Provides richness and a soft texture when scrambled into the rice.
Vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying everything evenly without sticking.
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Adds a fragrant aroma that forms the flavor base.
1½ tablespoons finely chopped ginger: Gives a fresh, warm zing balancing the savory elements.
2 shallots, thinly sliced: Sweet and delicate, they caramelize beautifully during cooking.
2 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
1½ to 2 cups bite-sized vegetables: Use cooked or quick-cooking veggies like long beans, broccoli, carrots, peas, cabbage, or bean sprouts for crunch and nutrition.
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric: Gives the rice a gorgeous golden hue and mild earthiness.
4 cups cooked jasmine rice: The foundation of the dish; day-old rice works best to keep it fluffy.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Delivers a deep umami kick and salty balance.
1 tablespoon fish sauce: Intensifies the savory profile with authentic Southeast Asian flair.
1 tablespoon light or dark brown sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
Fried eggs (optional): The ultimate topping to elevate your nasi goreng experience.
Fried shallots: Provide an irresistible crispy garnish.
1 long red chili pepper, thinly sliced: For that beautiful pop of heat and color, adjustable to your spice preference.

How to Make Chicken Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and white pepper—this simple step seasons your protein right from the start, so every bite is full of flavor. Using chicken thighs here ensures the meat stays juicy and tender as it cooks.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

Next, whisk your eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper and scramble them in hot oil until just set. This method locks in their softness and makes sure the eggs blend beautifully when added back into the rice later.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Now heat some oil over high heat and sear the chicken until it is cooked through, which usually takes around 5 to 6 minutes if using thighs. Letting the chicken get a little color here adds extra depth and texture to your final dish.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Add more oil to the pan and cook your garlic, ginger, and shallots until fragrant, which releases their wonderful aromas and forms the heart of your nasi goreng’s incredible flavor. Toss in the scallions, vegetables, and turmeric, cooking just long enough to soften and infuse the dish with vibrant color and crunch.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Rice with Sauces

Finally, add the cooked jasmine rice, soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar, stirring energetically to combine and break up any clumps. Return the chicken and eggs to the pan and cook everything together until warmed through and perfectly combined. This step melds all the flavors harmoniously while keeping the rice fluffy.

How to Serve Chicken Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) Recipe

Inside a black frying pan with a silver handle, there is a mix of food layers. The bottom layer is made of shredded green and purple cabbage with some small carrot pieces, adding a mix of green, purple, and orange colors. On top of this, there is a large pile of white steamed rice, covering much of the vegetables underneath. Over the rice, there is a sprinkle of light brown sugar and some dark brown sauce, lightly spread unevenly. The pan is sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beautiful thing about Chicken Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) Recipe is how open it is to your personal touch! Top with a fried egg for that luscious yolk pull or sprinkle with crispy fried shallots for texture. A few slices of fresh red chili add an exciting heat and visual appeal that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

Serve your nasi goreng alongside simple accompaniments like fresh cucumber slices, pickled vegetables, or a light salad to balance the richness of the fried rice. These refreshing sides brighten the plate and add textural contrast that keeps the meal lively and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the nasi goreng inside a carved pineapple bowl or molded into neat little domes on each plate—it’s an eye-catching way to impress guests or make weeknight dinners feel extra special. Pair with traditional Indonesian condiments like sambal chili paste to up the spice factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Chicken Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) Recipe reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to three days. The flavors deepen even more after resting, making your next meal just as delicious.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dish on a busy day, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Nasi goreng freezes well for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, preserving its signature taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftover nasi goreng gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through to maintain that perfectly fluffy rice texture. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep it tasting like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine but tends to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on cooking time to ensure juicy results in your Chicken Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) Recipe.

What if I don’t have jasmine rice?

While jasmine rice is traditional for its fragrance and texture, you can substitute with other long-grain rice varieties. Just make sure your rice is cooked and cooled beforehand for the best fried rice consistency.

Is Chicken Nasi Goreng spicy?

The base recipe is mildly spicy due to the optional chili garnish, but you can easily adjust the heat. Add more chili or sambal if you love spice, or leave it out altogether for a milder dish.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian alternative. Your Chicken Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) Recipe stays flavorful and satisfying.

How important is using day-old rice?

Day-old rice is best because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps keep the fried rice fluffy rather than mushy. If using fresh rice, spread it out to cool before cooking to reduce moisture.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comforting, bold flavors of the Chicken Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) Recipe to brighten up your mealtime. It’s approachable, flexible, and downright delicious—a winning combination that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab those ingredients, bring this incredible dish to life, and enjoy a little culinary adventure in your own kitchen!