Ground Chicken Fried Rice

The perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and rich umami flavor, this Ground Chicken Fried Rice is an ideal solution for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it offers a satisfying homemade alternative to takeout.

Day-old rice becomes the star here, soaking up the flavors of sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic. Ground chicken keeps the dish hearty yet lean, while veggies and scrambled eggs round out the meal beautifully. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to customize based on what’s in your fridge.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)

• 2 green onions, sliced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat sesame and vegetable oils in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and onion, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

3. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Pour beaten eggs into the other side, scramble until fully cooked.

5. Mix the eggs into the chicken. Add the frozen vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.

6. Add cooked rice to the skillet and stir well to combine with all ingredients.

7. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Ground Chicken Fried Rice: A Flavor-Packed, Quick, and Healthy Weeknight Dinner Option

Ground chicken fried rice is one of those humble dishes that manages to satisfy all the major requirements of a home-cooked meal: it’s quick, affordable, nourishing, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re craving something savory and comforting or looking for a clever way to repurpose leftover rice, this dish has got you covered.

In this post, we’ll dive into what makes this recipe special, its nutritional advantages, helpful cooking tips, variations you can try, and why ground chicken is a smart choice for modern home cooks. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prepper, or just someone who loves bold flavors, you’re about to fall in love with this one-pan wonder.

Why Ground Chicken Fried Rice is a Must-Try

One of the first things that makes this dish a kitchen hero is its simplicity. With a few staple ingredients; rice, ground chicken, eggs, frozen veggies, soy sauce you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t require fancy culinary skills or specialty ingredients yet tastes like something you’d order from your favorite Asian restaurant.

Plus, it’s a one-skillet meal, which means minimal cleanup. You sauté, scramble, mix, and cook everything in one pan or wok. If you’re someone who dreads doing dishes, this alone is reason enough to put this recipe on regular rotation.

The Healthier Takeout Alternative

Let’s be honest, we all love takeout. But ordering out frequently isn’t always budget-friendly or the healthiest option. That’s where homemade dishes like ground chicken fried rice come into play.

Using lean ground chicken instead of fattier cuts or processed meats keeps the dish lower in saturated fat while still offering high-quality protein. Additionally, since you’re in control of the ingredients, you can:

• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce.

• Boost fiber and nutrients with extra vegetables.

• Cut down on oil or choose healthier versions like sesame or avocado oil.

• Add whole grain rice for a more filling and fibrous option.

Homemade doesn’t just mean healthier, it also means fresher. The vegetables retain their color and crunch, the rice maintains its texture, and the chicken is tender, never dry.

What Kind of Rice Works Best?

Day-old rice is often the gold standard for any fried rice dish. Why? Because freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which makes it difficult to fry properly. A bowl of cold, leftover jasmine rice from the fridge gives the perfect texture, dry enough to get slightly crispy in the pan but still soft on the inside.

That said, if you don’t have leftover rice, you can absolutely still make this dish. Simply spread freshly cooked rice on a large tray and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to cool and dry it out a bit.

Best rice options for fried rice include:

• Jasmine rice (for fragrance and slightly sticky texture)

• Basmati rice (for a lighter, fluffier texture)

• Brown rice (for extra fiber and a nutty flavor)

• Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb twist)

Why Choose Ground Chicken?

Ground chicken is a game-changer for weeknight meals. It’s leaner than beef, more affordable than other proteins like shrimp or steak, and incredibly adaptable to different flavor profiles. In this fried rice, it absorbs all the rich umami of the soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil beautifully.

Benefits of using ground chicken:

• Quick to cook – ready in under 10 minutes.

• High in protein but lower in fat and calories.

• Mild flavor that pairs well with both bold and subtle seasonings.

• Great for batch cooking and meal prepping.

Moreover, ground chicken is an excellent base if you’re aiming to reduce red meat consumption. It’s also widely available in most supermarkets and holds up well in frozen storage, making it a practical pantry staple.

Ingredient Breakdown and Substitutions

Vegetables:
We used frozen mixed vegetables (usually peas, carrots, and corn), but feel free to use whatever is on hand; broccoli florets, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or spinach. This is an excellent fridge-clean-out meal.

Eggs:
Scrambled eggs add richness and extra protein. If you’re vegan or avoiding eggs, you can skip them or replace them with a tofu scramble.

Oyster Sauce and Fish Sauce:
These add depth and complexity to the flavor, but if you’re avoiding shellfish or keeping it vegetarian, you can use mushroom soy sauce or hoisin sauce instead.

Rice:
As mentioned, day-old jasmine rice is ideal, but substitutions like basmati, brown rice, or even quinoa can be used.

Soy Sauce:
For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos.

Creative Add-Ons and Variations

One of the best things about fried rice is how flexible it is. You can build it around what’s already in your fridge or freezer. Here are a few tasty variations:

• Spicy Chicken Fried Rice: Add sriracha or red chili flakes while cooking.

• Thai-Inspired Version: Add basil, a dash of lime juice, and fish sauce.

• Korean Twist: Top with a fried egg and drizzle with gochujang sauce.

• Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice: Toss in pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory combo.

• High-Protein Option: Add edamame or extra egg whites.

• Low-Carb Swap: Use cauliflower rice in place of white rice.

You can also double the batch and pack leftovers for lunch the next day, it reheats beautifully!

Tips for the Best Fried Rice Texture

1. Use cold, dry rice: Moist, freshly cooked rice becomes mushy in the skillet.

2. High heat is key: Get your skillet or wok hot before adding ingredients to get that slightly crispy texture on the rice.

3. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed so your ingredients fry rather than steam.

4. Add sauces toward the end: This prevents the rice from getting too wet or overcooked.

5. Toss frequently but gently: Keep everything moving so the ingredients cook evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Ground chicken fried rice is satisfying on its own, but you can round it out with a few sides if you’re serving a larger group. Consider:

• Asian cucumber salad

• Miso soup or egg drop soup

• Steamed dumplings or gyoza

• Spring rolls or egg rolls

• Kimchi or pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast

Meal Prep and Storage

This dish is ideal for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to revive the texture. You can also freeze fried rice for up to a month, just let it cool completely and seal it in a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

Ground Chicken Fried Rice is more than just a quick dinner, it’s a flavorful, flexible meal that fits into just about any lifestyle. Whether you’re focused on eating healthier, feeding picky kids, or simply getting dinner on the table fast, this dish is a weeknight warrior.

Its balanced combination of protein, carbs, and vegetables makes it a complete meal on its own. And the best part? It’s endlessly customizable based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

So, the next time you’re tempted to order takeout, remember that you can whip up this satisfying dish in the same amount of time (if not faster), all while controlling the ingredients and saving money.