Most days, you’ll find me covered in a light dusting of flour, the sweet scent of vanilla and sugar clinging to my apron. Running Sweet Magnolia, my home bakery here in Asheville, is a dream come true, a continuation of those first magical moments in my grandma’s kitchen. But after a long day of kneading sourdough and piping buttercream, the last thing I want is a complicated dinner.
That’s where this simple, soul-satisfying Ground Chicken Fried Rice comes in. It’s my go-to weeknight savior. This isn’t a fancy dish from my pastry school days; it’s a throwback to the practical, delicious meals my grandma would whip up.
She believed that good food should be accessible, and this easy ground chicken fried rice is exactly that. It’s a humble, one-pan wonder that brings the whole family to the table. In less than 30 minutes, I can transform a few simple ingredients into a flavorful, comforting meal.
This Ground Chicken Fried Rice recipe is more than just food; it’s a breath of fresh air after a busy day, proving that a fantastic dinner doesn’t need to be fussy. Making fried rice with ground chicken is my secret to a stress-free evening.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Chicken Fried Rice
This recipe has a permanent spot in my dinner rotation for so many reasons. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug. First and foremost, this is an incredibly quick and easy meal.
On nights when I’m short on time, this easy ground chicken fried rice is ready in under 30 minutes. Secondly, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice; in fact, day-old rice is the secret ingredient for the perfect texture! It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, using simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have.
Moreover, this Ground Chicken Fried Rice is a complete meal in one pan, combining protein, carbs, and veggies. This means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book. Finally, it’s completely customizable.
You can swap the veggies or add a little spice to make it your own. You will absolutely fall in love with this ground chicken fried rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Chicken Fried Rice uses straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients. The magic is in how they come together to create such a flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high-heat oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 4 cups cooked and chilled day-old long-grain white rice (like jasmine or basmati)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about this ground chicken fried rice is its versatility. You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Protein: If you don’t have ground chicken, ground turkey, ground beef, or even crumbled firm tofu work wonderfully. For a seafood twist, try small, peeled shrimp.
- Vegetables: Feel free to clean out your veggie drawer! Diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, corn, edamame, or chopped mushrooms are all fantastic additions to this Ground Chicken Fried Rice. Just add them with the carrots and onions.
- Rice: While day-old long-grain white rice is best, you can use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist. Just make sure it’s cooked and completely cooled first.
- Spice it Up: For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also add some finely diced jalapeño with the garlic and ginger. This spicy fried rice recipe with ground chicken is a family favorite.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect bowl of Ground Chicken Fried Rice every single time. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: First, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Next, add the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil to the same skillet. Add the diced onion and carrots, and cook until the onion is translucent and the carrots are slightly tender, about 4-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side. Scramble them until just cooked, then mix them into the vegetables.
- Combine and Fry the Rice: Now, add the chilled, cooked rice, the cooked ground chicken, and the frozen peas to the skillet. Use your spatula to break up any large clumps of rice. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly. Making an amazing ground chicken fried rice depends on this step!
- Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Pour the sauce mixture over the rice. Stir everything continuously to coat the rice and ingredients evenly. Continue to cook your ground chicken fried rice for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, stir in the sliced green onions. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve your delicious ground chicken fried rice immediately, hot from the pan.
Pro Tips for Success
To elevate your dish from good to great, here are a few of my tried-and-true tips for making the best ground chicken fried rice.
- Use Cold, Day-Old Rice: This is the most important tip! Fresh, warm rice contains too much moisture and will result in a mushy fried rice. Chilled, day-old rice is drier and separates easily, giving you that perfect restaurant-quality texture. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and pop it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to cool and dry out. Check out my guide for Perfect Fluffy White Rice to get started.
- High Heat is Your Friend: A hot wok or skillet is crucial for achieving that signature “wok hei” flavor. High heat toasts the rice grains and prevents them from steaming. Work quickly once you start cooking!
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in two batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature, causing the ingredients to steam instead of fry. This is essential for a perfect ground chicken fried rice.
- Prep Everything First: This cooking process, also known as “mise en place,” is a lifesaver. Because stir-frying is so fast, you won’t have time to chop veggies or measure sauces once you start. Have everything ready to go next to your stove. This will ensure your delicious ground chicken fried rice comes together flawlessly.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This ground chicken fried rice makes for fantastic leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly to maintain its flavor and texture.
- Storage: Allow the fried rice to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat leftover ground chicken fried rice is in a skillet. Heat a little oil over medium-high heat, add the rice, and stir-fry until it’s heated through, about 3-5 minutes. You can add a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems a bit dry. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered, microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through, but the skillet method yields a much better texture.
What to Serve With This Recipe
While this Ground Chicken Fried Rice is a satisfying meal all on its own, you can easily pair it with a few simple sides to create a more complete feast. I love serving my ground chicken fried rice with a light and refreshing side dish to balance the savory flavors. A simple Asian Cucumber Salad offers a cool, crisp contrast.
Steamed edamame sprinkled with a little sea salt is another effortless and healthy option. For something a bit more substantial, try pairing it with some homemade Simple Spring Rolls or a bowl of comforting egg drop soup.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice for this ground chicken fried rice?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Fresh rice is very moist and will lead to a sticky, somewhat mushy texture. For the best results, you really need to use rice that has had time to dry out. If you’re in a pinch, cook the rice, spread it on a baking sheet, and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least an hour or in the freezer for 20 minutes before using.
How do I keep my Ground Chicken Fried Rice from getting soggy?
There are three main culprits for soggy fried rice: using fresh rice, overcrowding the pan, and using too much sauce. Be sure to use cold, day-old rice, cook in a very hot pan, and don’t use more than two batches if you’re making a large amount. Finally, add the sauce at the very end and only use enough to coat the ingredients.
Is this ground chicken fried rice recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can easily be made gluten-free! The only ingredient that typically contains gluten is soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, simply swap the low-sodium soy sauce for an equal amount of certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
How can I make my ground chicken fried rice spicier?
Adding some heat is easy! You can add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or gochujang to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the rice. Another great option is to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely diced fresh chili (like a serrano or Thai chili) when you sauté the garlic and ginger.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
This information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. This calculation is for one of six servings of this Ground Chicken Fried Rice.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 455 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 590 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Ground Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A simple and soul-satisfying Ground Chicken Fried Rice that serves as a go-to weeknight savior. This humble, one-pan wonder transforms a few simple ingredients into a flavorful, comforting meal in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect stress-free dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high-heat oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 4 cups cooked and chilled day-old long-grain white rice (like jasmine or basmati)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside
- Add the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil to the same skillet. Add the diced onion and carrots, and cook until the onion is translucent and the carrots are slightly tender, about 4-5 minutes
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side. Scramble them until just cooked, then mix them into the vegetables
- Add the chilled cooked rice, the cooked ground chicken, and the frozen peas to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any large clumps of rice and stir-fry everything together for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Pour the sauce mixture over the rice. Stir continuously to coat everything evenly and cook for another 2 minutes
- Stir in the sliced green onions. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately
Notes
For the best texture, use cold, day-old rice. If you only have fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to cool and dry out before cooking.
Ensure your skillet or wok is very hot before adding ingredients. High heat is crucial for stir-frying and prevents the ingredients from steaming.
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with an equal amount of certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or corn along with the carrots and onions.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 137 mg