If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that bursts with flavor and comfort, this Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is the perfect choice. It takes humble pantry staples and transforms them into a deliciously colorful dish packed with tender ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice, all brought together with savory soy and toasted sesame oils. Whether you want a fuss-free weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing lunch, this recipe delivers every time, with a wonderful balance of textures and tastes that will make it your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is so approachable because the ingredients are simple yet essential for building that classic fried rice flavor and texture. Each element plays a role—from the lean ground chicken adding hearty protein to the day-old rice providing the perfect base that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 1 pound lean ground chicken: Adds mild, tender protein that cooks quickly and soaks up all the flavors.
- 3 cups cooked long-grain rice: Best if day-old, to ensure the grains stay separate and don’t get mushy.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Divided use for cooking meat and vegetables without sticking.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Provides sweetness and depth to build the flavor base.
- 2 carrots (peeled and diced): Adds crunch and bright color to the dish.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Quick-cooking and vibrant, they bring a pop of freshness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Essential aromatic that enhances every bite.
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten): Creamy and soft, folded in to add richness and texture.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a subtle toasted nuttiness that elevates the flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Gives a gentle heat without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced): For garnish that adds brightness and a fresh bite.
How to Make Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before turning on the stove, take a moment to dice the onion and carrots, mince the garlic, and slice the green onions. Measure out your soy sauce, oils, and eggs. This preparation step is a game-changer because having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking flow and keeps the timing just right.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to continue stirring until the chicken is no longer pink and starts turning a lovely, light brown—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This browning adds both flavor and texture that’s essential for a satisfying fried rice.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Push the cooked chicken to one side of your pan to create space. If the pan looks dry, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the empty area. Toss in the diced onions and carrots, stirring frequently. Cook these just until they begin to soften—roughly 2 to 3 minutes—so they keep a nice bit of bite and color without getting soggy.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Create an open space in your pan by pushing the chicken and veggies aside. Pour the lightly beaten eggs into that space and scramble them by stirring continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until they’re fully cooked. Then, fold the fluffy eggs back into the rest of the ingredients. The eggs add a velvety richness that perfectly balances the savory chicken and crisp veggies.
Step 5: Add the Rice
Now it’s time for the star of the show. Add your day-old cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula to ensure every grain is separate. Stir-fry the rice with the chicken, vegetables, and eggs for about 3 to 4 minutes. This not only warms up the rice but also helps it soak up all those beautiful flavors while developing a slight, irresistible crispness.
Step 6: Season and Finish
Pour in the soy sauce and drizzle the sesame oil evenly over the rice mixture. Toss in the frozen peas and give everything a good stir to combine. Let it cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the peas heat through and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling a touch of white pepper for gentle heat and a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions on top. These garnishes add just the right contrast of flavor and make your Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe look as fantastic as it tastes.
How to Serve Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are classic, but feel free to get creative with some toasted sesame seeds or even a small drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick. A wedge of lime on the side adds a zesty brightness that complements the savory notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe is wonderfully versatile on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, simple sides like steamed broccoli, roasted snap peas, or a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad work beautifully. They bring freshness and balance to the hearty fried rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or lettuce cups. It’s a vibrant and impressive way to elevate the dish for guests or family dinners. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil on top to add a layer of herbal aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days when you want delicious, hassle-free food.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Just make sure to cool the rice completely before freezing. It will last for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer without losing its flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave your frozen or refrigerated fried rice, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir halfway through to warm evenly. Alternatively, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, which helps maintain the rice’s texture and revives that lovely crispy edge.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
While long-grain rice is ideal for its light texture, you can use jasmine or basmati rice as well. The key is to use rice that is cooked and preferably chilled overnight so it fries nicely without sticking together.
Is ground chicken healthier than other meats for fried rice?
Ground chicken is typically leaner than beef or pork, making it a great option if you’re looking for a lighter version of fried rice without sacrificing protein or flavor.
Can I substitute the ground chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or shrimp work wonderfully too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked through but remains juicy.
What if I don’t have sesame oil?
While sesame oil adds a signature nutty flavor, you can substitute with a mild olive oil or leave it out. You might consider adding a few drops of toasted sesame seeds for some of that aroma if you have them on hand.
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, corn, bean sprouts, or mushrooms to customize your fried rice and boost the nutrition and color of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite for so many reasons—it’s flavorful, quick to assemble, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, it’s a recipe that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table. I hope you give it a try soon and discover your own favorite twists to make it uniquely yours!
Print
Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and easy Ground Chicken Fried Rice recipe that combines lean ground chicken, vegetables, and day-old rice stir-fried with flavorful soy and sesame oils. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Rice
- 1 pound lean ground chicken
- 3 cups cooked long-grain rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced, for garnish)
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Chop your vegetables finely, mince the garlic, and have your seasonings and ingredients measured out for a smooth cooking process.
- Cook the ground chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and break it apart with a wooden spoon, stirring as it cooks until no longer pink and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the vegetables: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the pan. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil if needed to the empty side, then add diced onions and carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften, stirring occasionally.
- Scramble the eggs: Make room by pushing chicken and veggies aside. Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the empty side, scramble continuously for 1-2 minutes until fully cooked. Mix the scrambled eggs thoroughly into the chicken and vegetables.
- Add the rice: Add the day-old cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry everything together for 3-4 minutes so the rice absorbs flavors and gets slightly crisp.
- Season and finish: Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, add frozen peas, and stir everything well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the white pepper over the fried rice and garnish with thinly sliced green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- Using day-old rice helps prevent clumping and achieves better texture.
- You can swap ground chicken with ground turkey or pork if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of oyster sauce or a pinch of chili flakes while seasoning.
- Make sure to keep your pan hot to get a nice sear and slight crisp on the rice.
- Adjust saltiness by modifying the amount of soy sauce to your taste.
