If you’re craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, let me introduce you to this Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice, all married together with savory soy sauce and a hint of sesame oil. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also wonderfully easy to whip up, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that feels special without any hassle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A bowl filled with fluffy white cooked rice, each grain separated and soft in texture, filling the bowl almost to the top. A wooden spoon is placed inside the rice on the right side, its smooth light brown color contrasting with the white rice. The bowl is white with a subtle texture, sitting on a white marbled surface. A dark grey cloth napkin with a slight crease lies beside the bowl, adding a soft fabric detail to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is essential to nail this Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

1 pound lean ground chicken: The star protein, providing tender, juicy bites without overwhelming the dish.
3 cups cooked long-grain rice (preferably day-old): Day-old rice is ideal for frying since it’s less sticky and more likely to crisp up nicely.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided): Needed for sautéing and achieving that golden fried texture.
1 medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and aroma when cooked.
2 carrots (peeled and diced): For a sweet crunch and bright orange color.
1 cup frozen peas: Brings a pop of green and subtle sweetness.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Gives the dish a flavorful punch with its fragrant aroma.
2 large eggs (lightly beaten): Adds creaminess and extra protein.
3 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty umami that ties everything together.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: For that nutty, toasty finish.
1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Delivers a gentle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
2 green onions (thinly sliced for garnish): Freshness and vibrant color for the finishing touch.

How to Make Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping your veggies and measuring out your seasonings. Trust me, having everything organized before you start cooking makes the whole process smooth and stress-free, especially when the skillet heats up and things start moving fast.

Step 2: 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 up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Keep turning it until it’s no longer pink and gets a slight golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in juiciness while adding great texture to your fried rice.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Push the cooked chicken to one side of the pan. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil if the pan looks dry. Toss in the diced onions and carrots, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften but still maintain a bit of crunch. This layering of texture makes each spoonful interesting and fresh.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Move the chicken and veggies to one side again, then pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the pan. Scramble them gently, stirring continuously for about 1 to 2 minutes until fully cooked. Mix the eggs evenly with the chicken and vegetables so every bite gets some silky egg goodness.

Step 5: Add the Rice

Now for the rice. Add the day-old rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry it all together for 3 to 4 minutes so the rice can soak up the flavors and develop a slight crispiness that makes this Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe stand out.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then add the frozen peas. Mix everything well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step not only seasons the dish perfectly but also ensures the peas are heated through without losing their vibrant color.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the white pepper evenly over the fried rice, then garnish with sliced green onions. These final touches elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, giving you a delightful aroma and that signature burst of freshness with each bite.

How to Serve Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

A close-up view of cooked fried rice with visible layers of light brown rice mixed with small pieces of orange carrot, green peas, yellow corn, and light beige chicken pieces scattered throughout. The texture shows each rice grain separate and coated with a slight sheen. The dish fills the frame, and in the background, a black spoon is slightly blurred, resting among the rice. The surface below has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Green onions are a classic garnish, adding a fresh crunch and bright flavor. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or drizzle a bit more sesame oil for an extra layer of nuttiness. A squeeze of lime on the side gives a tangy twist that brightens the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe shines on its own, but pairing it with a light cucumber salad or a simple miso soup can make the meal feel more complete and balanced. If you want a bigger feast, steamed dumplings or spring rolls make fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the fried rice in colorful bowls or even in hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun presentation. You can also top it with a fried egg or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added texture. Making it visually appealing makes the experience all the more memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days without losing much of its flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze the fried rice in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. It freezes nicely for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain quality.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the fried rice to prevent drying out and warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often until heated through. Alternatively, microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of long-grain rice?

While long-grain rice works best for its texture and ability to stay separate, white rice can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and preferably a day old to prevent clumping.

Is ground chicken a healthy choice for fried rice?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is lean, high in protein, and lower in fat compared to other meats, making it a great option for a healthier take on traditional fried rice.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely. Feel free to toss in bell peppers, corn, bean sprouts, or any veggies you love. Just adjust cooking times to keep everything crisp-tender.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of toasted peanut oil for a similar nutty flavor, although the taste will be slightly different.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by swapping the ground chicken for diced tofu or tempeh and using vegetable-based seasonings. Just cook the protein thoroughly before adding the rice and veggies.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is pure comfort on a plate – easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re new to cooking fried rice or looking for a new weeknight favorite, this dish is sure to impress. So, grab your wok, get your ingredients ready, and enjoy some warm, delicious fried rice tonight!