If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal to whip up on any night, look no further than this Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. It’s a beautiful balance of tender ground chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, vibrant vegetables, and savory sauces, all coming together in one skillet to create a dish that feels both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to, showcasing just how delicious simple ingredients can be when cooked with a little love and care.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, making this dish so satisfying. From the fragrant jasmine rice to the crisp vegetables and the rich umami-packed sauces, everything is essential for that perfect balance.
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably chilled): Using chilled rice prevents clumping and gives you that ideal fried rice texture.
- 1 lb ground chicken: A lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully and cooks quickly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for sautéing and helps everything cook evenly.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic zest that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed: Offers vibrant color and a sweet crunch.
- 2 eggs, beaten: Adds richness and a lovely, soft texture among the rice grains.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty backbone that enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Contributes a subtle sweetness and umami depth.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Gives a fragrant, nutty finish.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Freshness and brightness sprinkled at the end.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfectly season the dish.
How to Make Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown the ground chicken
Warm one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground chicken. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s thoroughly browned and no longer pink, about five to seven minutes. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Once done, transfer the chicken to a bowl and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté onions and garlic
In the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until the onion turns translucent and those wonderful garlic aromas fill your kitchen. This soft base is what sets the stage for all the other flavors to come.
Step 3: Cook the peas and carrots
Add your thawed peas and carrots to the pan, stirring them around for a couple of minutes until they’re just tender. Retaining a slight bite in the veggies keeps the dish lively and fresh.
Step 4: Scramble the eggs
Push the veggies to one side, then pour the beaten eggs into the empty space in the pan. Let the eggs set for a moment before gently scrambling until fully cooked. This layering technique makes sure the eggs stay fluffy and separate, adding a lovely textural contrast to the rice.
Step 5: Combine chicken, vegetables, and eggs
Return the browned ground chicken to the pan, folding it into the mix of veggies and scrambled eggs. This is where the dish starts to come together, with each component mingling harmoniously.
Step 6: Add the chilled jasmine rice
Scatter the chilled rice across the pan, carefully breaking up any clumps as you stir. The goal is for every grain of rice to be coated without getting mushy. This step is crucial for that authentic fried rice texture we all love.
Step 7: Season with sauces
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, then stir-fry everything for three to four minutes. This allows the rice and chicken to soak up the rich, savory flavors and ensures that the dish is evenly coated and piping hot.
Step 8: Final seasoning and garnish
Taste your creation and adjust seasonings as needed—sometimes a splash more soy sauce or a sprinkle of salt makes all the difference. Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top and give the mixture one last quick toss before serving straight from the skillet.
How to Serve Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To really bring this dish to life, consider fresh garnishes like extra chopped green onions, a handful of toasted sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of sriracha for a touch of heat. These small touches add personality and a pop of flavor that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is hearty enough on its own, but pairing it with simple sides like steamed dumplings, a crisp cucumber salad, or lightly stir-fried bok choy can create a well-rounded, satisfying meal that feels truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the fried rice in individual lettuce cups for a light, hand-held meal. Alternatively, pack it into bell pepper halves or serve it topped with crispy wonton strips for an elevated dinner presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay delicious and safe to eat for up to three days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish even longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag. While freezing might soften the texture slightly, it’s still a wonderful way to hold onto those big flavors for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your fried rice in a skillet over medium heat to revive that fresh-from-the-wok texture. Adding a splash of water or broth and stirring occasionally helps keep the rice moist and fluffy. Microwaving works too in a pinch, but be sure to cover the dish to trap steam.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
While jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrant aroma and perfect texture, you can use long-grain white rice or even brown rice. Just make sure the rice is cooked and well chilled to avoid mushiness.
Is ground chicken the only meat suitable for this dish?
Not at all! Ground pork, turkey, or even finely chopped cooked shrimp can be delicious alternatives. Each brings its own twist to the flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground chicken with tofu crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms, and replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce or mushroom soy sauce to keep that umami punch.
Why do I need to use chilled rice?
Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky when stir-fried. Chilled rice dries out slightly and firms up, resulting in a better texture that separates nicely and absorbs sauces well.
What can I add to make this recipe spicier?
If you love a kick, try adding chopped fresh chilies, a dash of chili oil, or serving it with hot sauce on the side. Even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes goes a long way to heat things up.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is one of those magical dishes that manages to be quick, easy, and seriously delicious all at once. From the moment you saute the garlic to the satisfying bite of soy-sauced rice and tender chicken, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—happy cooking, my friend!
Print
Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and quick Ground Chicken Fried Rice recipe that combines tender ground chicken, vegetables, and chilled jasmine rice stir-fried with savory soy and oyster sauces for a delicious one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably chilled)
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the hot pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil followed by the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Add thawed peas and carrots to the pan and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until just tender.
- Cook Eggs: Push the vegetables to one side and pour beaten eggs into the other. Allow eggs to set slightly, then scramble gently until fully cooked.
- Combine Chicken and Veggies: Return the cooked ground chicken to the pan, mixing it with the vegetables and scrambled eggs.
- Add Rice: Add chilled jasmine rice, breaking up clumps with a spatula, and stir everything together until well combined.
- Season and Stir-fry: Pour soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until heated through and evenly coated with sauces.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or soy sauce as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the fried rice, toss gently, and serve hot.
Notes
- Using chilled jasmine rice prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy and helps achieve a better texture.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of white pepper.
- Make sure to thaw the frozen peas and carrots beforehand for even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to your taste preferences.
