The Tastiest Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Ever Made

Quick and satisfying ground chicken fried rice becomes your go-to weeknight meal in just 20 minutes.

Fragrant jasmine rice pairs perfectly with lean protein and colorful vegetables.

Kitchen shortcuts make this dish incredibly simple to whip up.

Crispy edges and savory seasonings create a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Busy cooks appreciate how fast this meal comes together without compromising flavor.

Weeknight dinners never looked this delicious or easy.

You can master this recipe and impress everyone around the table with minimal effort.

Chicken Fried Rice Side Pairings

• Savor Complementary Flavor Combos: Elevate Your Fried Rice Experience
• Crisp Asian Slaw Sidekick: Prepare a tangy cabbage slaw with rice vinegar, julienned carrots, and a hint of ginger to cut through the richness of the fried rice.
• Refreshing Beverage Pairing: Serve a cold Japanese Asahi beer or a crisp green tea to balance the savory notes and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Zesty Citrus Kick: Squeeze fresh lime wedges over the dish or add a small side of citrus-infused ponzu sauce to brighten the overall flavor profile and add a tangy dimension.
• Cooling Cucumber Accompaniment: Whip up a quick cucumber salad with sesame seeds and light rice vinegar dressing to provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm fried rice.

Chicken Fried Rice Styles to Explore

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative that cuts down on calories and adds extra nutrients.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground chicken with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat alternatives to create a completely vegetarian fried rice that's packed with protein.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the meal.
• Spicy Korean-Inspired Remix: Add gochujang or sriracha sauce for a bold, spicy kick that transforms the classic fried rice into a fiery Korean-style dish with extra depth of flavor.

FAQs

• Why use day-old rice for fried rice?

Day-old rice is drier and less sticky, which prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy. Freshly cooked rice contains more moisture and can make your dish clumpy and soggy.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or pork work great as substitutes. You can also make this recipe vegetarian by using tofu or simply omitting the meat altogether.

• How do I prevent my rice from sticking to the pan?

Use a non-stick wok or skillet, and make sure it’s hot before adding ingredients. Stir frequently and use enough oil to coat the pan. Spreading the rice evenly helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so you’ll need to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free. Always check your ingredient labels to be sure.

Why Ground Chicken Fried Rice is a Go-To

• Ground chicken fried rice delivers delicious satisfaction in minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a speedy solution.
• Swap ingredients like proteins or vegetables to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible and adaptable to your pantry contents.
• Kids and adults alike will love the tasty combination of tender ground chicken, fluffy eggs, and perfectly seasoned rice that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Packed with lean protein from ground chicken, colorful vegetables, and wholesome rice, this dish offers a balanced meal that fuels your body with essential nutrients.

Ingredients for Chicken Fried Rice

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main body of the dish.

Eggs: Adds richness and extra protein to the fried rice.

• Onions, Carrots: Classic aromatic and sweet vegetables for flavor base.
• Frozen Peas: Adds color and sweet vegetable touch.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish with sharp onion flavor.

• Day-Old Rice: Best texture for achieving perfect fried rice.

• Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil: Provides deep umami and authentic Asian flavor.
• White Pepper: Adds subtle heat and traditional seasoning.

• Cooking Oil: Helps prevent sticking and enables even cooking.

Cook Chicken Fried Rice in Minutes

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Zone

Clear your kitchen counter and gather all cooking tools like wok, wooden spoon, cutting board, and knife.

Make sure your workspace is clean and organized for smooth cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken

Heat oil in a large wok over medium-high heat.

Add ground chicken and break it into small pieces while cooking.

Stir continuously until the meat turns golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 3: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

• Onions
• Carrots

Move cooked chicken to one side of the wok.

Add fresh oil and toss in diced vegetables.

Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly tender and release their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Create Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

Push chicken and vegetables to the side.

Pour beaten eggs into the empty space.

Gently scramble eggs using quick circular motions until they’re soft and fully cooked.

Mix eggs with chicken and vegetables.

Step 5: Transform Rice into Golden Delight

Add day-old rice to the wok.

Break apart any clumps and stir-fry everything together.

Keep mixing to ensure each rice grain gets coated with delicious flavors.

Step 6: Enhance with Savory Seasonings

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Frozen peas

Pour seasonings over the rice mixture.

Stir thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Cook for additional 2-3 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld together.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Garnish

Sprinkle white pepper and scatter chopped green onions on top.

Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-quality fried rice straight from your kitchen.

Chicken Fried Rice Cooking Advice

• Use day-old rice for perfect texture and prevent soggy results.
• Scramble eggs separately in a clear space to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Let rice sit undisturbed for short moments during stir-frying to create delicious golden-brown edges.
• Adjust spiciness by adding sriracha, chili flakes, or hot sauce according to personal preference.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, reheating with a splash of extra soy sauce to refresh flavors.

Reheat Chicken Fried Rice the Right Way

• Transfer leftover fried rice to an airtight container and seal tightly. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Pack cooled fried rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid storing eggs or fresh vegetables for longer freezing.
• Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add refrigerated rice, break up clumps, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly. This method helps restore the original crispy texture and revives flavors.

Easy Ground Chicken Fried Rice (20 Minutes) Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ground chicken fried rice delivers a quick, flavor-packed Asian-inspired meal that combines lean protein with aromatic vegetables and savory seasonings. Speedy kitchen magic happens when you toss together this simple, satisfying dish that promises delicious comfort in less than half an hour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground chicken
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 green onions (thinly sliced, for garnish)

Grains and Seasonings:

• 3 cups cooked long-grain rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

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Instructions

1. Assemble all chopped ingredients and measured seasonings to streamline the cooking workflow, ensuring a seamless culinary experience.
2. Warm a large wok over medium-high heat with oil, then introduce ground chicken. Methodically fragment the meat while cooking until it transforms from pink to golden-brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Relocate the cooked chicken to one side of the pan, then add additional oil if necessary. Introduce diced onions and carrots, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
4. Create a clearing in the pan and pour lightly beaten eggs into the empty space. Continuously agitate the eggs, transforming them into fluffy scrambled pieces within 1-2 minutes.
5. Integrate the scrambled eggs with the chicken and vegetable mixture, then incorporate day-old rice. Disintegrate any rice clusters and vigorously stir-fry the combination for 3-4 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and develop a crisp texture.
6. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil across the mixture, then fold in frozen peas. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, periodically stirring to ensure uniform heating and flavor distribution.
7. Conclude by sprinkling white pepper over the dish and garnishing with freshly sliced green onions, creating a vibrant and aromatic ground chicken fried rice ready for serving.

Notes

• Choose day-old rice for the best texture and to prevent soggy fried rice, as freshly cooked rice contains more moisture and can make the dish mushy.
• Swap ground chicken with tofu or plant-based protein crumbles to create a vegetarian version that maintains a similar protein profile and texture.
• Customize heat levels by adding sriracha, chili flakes, or gochujang sauce during the seasoning stage for those who enjoy spicier Asian-inspired dishes.
• Prep ingredients beforehand and use high heat to achieve that authentic wok-style crispy fried rice with slightly caramelized edges, ensuring quick and even cooking.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg