If you are craving a dish that combines speedy preparation, savory flavors, and comforting textures, this Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. It blends tender ground chicken with fragrant jasmine rice, fresh vegetables, and a perfect balance of soy and oyster sauces for a meal that feels just like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful packed lunch, this recipe is a winner that brings family and friends running to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is what makes this Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a key role, from the fresh veggies adding crunch and color to the sauces layering in umami and depth. Let’s take a peek at what you’ll need to make this dish a success in your kitchen.
- Cooked jasmine rice: Using chilled rice keeps the grains firm and separate for perfect fried rice texture.
- Ground chicken: Lean and tender, it cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral oil that ensures everything fries evenly without overpowering flavors.
- Medium onion: Adds natural sweetness and a soft bite to the dish.
- Garlic cloves: Provide aromatic depth and a hint of zest.
- Frozen peas and carrots: Bring a pop of color and subtle sweetness while keeping prep easy.
- Eggs: Essential for that classic fried rice feel, adding richness and protein.
- Soy sauce: Infuses the dish with savory saltiness and umami.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a luscious, slightly sweet depth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Sesame oil: A splash elevates the dish with its fragrant nuttiness.
- Green onions: Sprinkled on top for freshness and a gentle onion crunch.
- Salt and pepper: Simple but crucial for seasoning to taste.
How to Make Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Chicken
Start by heating one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. It should turn golden and cook through in about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t forget to season it lightly with salt and pepper here, then remove it from the pan and set aside—this prevents overcooking and keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, pour in the remaining vegetable oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them around until the onion turns translucent and the garlic releases its mouthwatering fragrance. This step builds an aromatic base that sets the tone for the entire dish.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add your peas and carrots next. Stir-fry these for about two minutes so they become tender yet still keep their pleasant bite and vibrant color. The contrast in texture adds a playful element to every mouthful.
Step 4: Cook the Eggs
Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space. Let the eggs set just slightly before stirring gently to scramble until fully cooked. This technique ensures soft, fluffy eggs that blend nicely with the other ingredients.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Vegetables, and Eggs
Return the browned ground chicken to the pan, mixing it evenly with the eggs and vegetables. The harmony of these elements brings richness and layers of texture to the dish.
Step 6: Add Rice and Sauces
Now, it’s time to introduce the star ingredient—your chilled jasmine rice. Break up any clumps with a spatula and stir everything together well. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a teaspoon of sesame oil for that signature aroma. Keep stir-frying for about 3 to 4 minutes until every grain is perfectly coated, heated through, and bursting with flavor.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Green Onions
Taste your creation and adjust salt or soy sauce if necessary for balance. Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top and give the fried rice one last toss. The fresh green onions add that lovely pop of color and brightness at the end.
How to Serve Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation and extra flavor, garnish your fried rice with toasted sesame seeds, a few sprigs of cilantro, or thinly sliced red chili if you like a bit of heat. These touches transform a humble dish into something truly special.
Side Dishes
This Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with light and crisp side dishes like a simple cucumber salad, steamed bok choy, or a crunchy Asian slaw. These sides bring brightness and balance to the savory richness of the fried rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the fried rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a tropical flair, or twist it into a lettuce wrap for a fun handheld meal. You can also sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or drizzle a little chili oil on top to customize each plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It freezes nicely for up to one month. Just make sure to cool the rice completely before freezing to maintain flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the rice. Microwaving works too, but stirring occasionally helps prevent dryness or clumping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice is ideal for its fragrance and texture, you can use long-grain white rice or even brown rice if you prefer a healthier option. Just ensure the rice is cooked and chilled beforehand.
Is ground chicken healthier than other meats for fried rice?
Ground chicken tends to be leaner than ground pork or beef, which makes this recipe a lighter and healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Can I substitute the oyster sauce with something else?
If you don’t have oyster sauce or want a vegetarian version, mushroom sauce or a bit more soy sauce can work as good substitutes, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
The key is to use chilled, day-old rice rather than freshly cooked rice. Cold rice grains separate more easily and fry better, giving you that characteristic fried rice texture.
Can I add other vegetables or protein to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to customize by adding bell peppers, bean sprouts, or even swapping ground chicken for diced tofu or shrimp. This recipe is wonderfully versatile.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals for when I want something comforting, quick, and absolutely delicious. Its balance of flavors, textures, and colors makes it a true crowd-pleaser that invites creativity at every turn. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy and rewarding homemade fried rice can be.
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Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and quick Ground Chicken Fried Rice recipe combining tender ground chicken, chilled jasmine rice, mixed vegetables, and savory sauces. Perfect for a simple yet satisfying weeknight dinner, this stir-fried dish comes together in about 30 minutes and offers a delicious balance of protein, veggies, and aromatic seasonings.
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 the Pan: 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 pan and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan, then add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the thawed peas and carrots and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until tender but still vibrant.
- Cook Eggs: Push vegetables to one side of the pan and pour beaten eggs onto the other side. Let eggs set slightly, then scramble until fully cooked.
- Combine Chicken and Eggs: Return the cooked ground chicken to the pan and mix it thoroughly with the vegetables and scrambled eggs.
- Add Rice: Add chilled jasmine rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula, and stir everything together thoroughly.
- Add Sauces: Pour soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the rice is heated through and coated evenly with the sauces.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the fried rice and season with additional salt or soy sauce if needed for desired flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the fried rice, toss gently, and serve hot.
Notes
- Using chilled cooked rice helps prevent clumping and yields better fried rice texture.
- Feel free to substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork if preferred.
- Oyster sauce can be omitted for a vegetarian variation; add more soy sauce instead.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of fish sauce or a sprinkle of white pepper.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure ingredients fry evenly.
