Ground Chicken Fried Rice

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner that the whole family will love, then you’ve come to the right place! This Ground Chicken Fried Rice is a gem of a recipe that not only comes together in just 20 minutes but also packs a punch of flavor. It’s one of those meals that feels like a comforting hug, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Plus, it’s an awesome way to use up leftover rice and get in those veggies!

What I adore about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving a crowd, this dish can easily be adjusted to fit your needs. Trust me, once you whip this up, it will become a regular fixture in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for those hectic evenings when time is short.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love fried rice! This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies, you can feel good about serving this meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Using ground chicken and day-old rice makes this dish light on your wallet while still being delicious!
• Meal Prep Hero: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have on hand! This recipe comes together effortlessly with just a few fresh items and pantry staples.

For the Fried Rice

• 1 pound lean ground chicken
• 3 cups cooked long-grain rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 green onions (thinly sliced for garnish)

Variations

One of the best parts about this Ground Chicken Fried Rice is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on what you have in your kitchen or your personal taste. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Replace ground chicken with ground turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrients.
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha for a kick of heat!
• Switch the grains: Try using quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for something different.

How to Make Ground Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before we dive into cooking, let’s prep our ingredients! Chop your veggies and measure out all your seasonings. Having everything ready to go makes the cooking process smooth and efficient. Trust me; it saves time later!

Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground chicken. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. You’ll want to aim for no pink spots while achieving a slight browning—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Cooking it well enhances its flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Now that your chicken is cooked through, push it to one side of the pan. If needed, add another tablespoon of oil to the empty side, then toss in the diced onions and carrots. Cook these beauties for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly. This step adds sweetness and flavor from the onions that blends beautifully into the dish.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Next, create some space by pushing everything to one side again. Pour those lightly beaten eggs into the other side and scramble them continuously until cooked through—about 1-2 minutes. Mixing them in later ensures every bite has that delicious eggy goodness.

Step 5: Add the Rice

It’s time for our star ingredient! Throw in your day-old rice and break up any clumps as you stir-fry everything together with chicken, veggies, and eggs for about 3-4 minutes. This allows each grain to soak up all those fantastic flavors while getting slightly crispy—a texture dream!

Step 6: Season and Finish

Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil next! Don’t forget to add those frozen peas too; stir everything together well. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through—this final mix melds all those wonderful tastes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Before serving up your masterpiece, sprinkle white pepper over your fried rice and garnish with sliced green onions. This final touch adds freshness and color—perfect for impressing family or friends!

Now sit back, serve yourself a generous portion of this delightful Ground Chicken Fried Rice, and enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Chicken Fried Rice

Making Ground Chicken Fried Rice can be a breeze with a few helpful tips to elevate your dish and streamline the cooking process. Here are some pro tips to keep in mind!

• Use day-old rice: Day-old rice is less sticky and has a firmer texture, making it perfect for stir-frying. Freshly cooked rice can clump together and won’t achieve the desired fried rice consistency.
• Prep ahead: Chop all your vegetables and measure out your sauces before you start cooking. This not only saves time but ensures that everything cooks evenly and quickly without any last-minute scrambling.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your wok or skillet is too crowded, the ingredients will steam instead of fry, leading to mushy rice. Cook in batches if necessary to get that beautiful stir-fried texture.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to tweak the soy sauce and sesame oil amounts according to your preference. This allows you to create a flavor profile that suits your taste.
• Add fresh herbs or citrus at the end: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving can brighten up the dish and add an extra layer of flavor.

How to Serve Ground Chicken Fried Rice

Ground Chicken Fried Rice is not only delicious but also visually appealing when presented well. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Sliced green onions: These add a fresh crunch and vibrant color that enhances the overall presentation.
• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds provides a nutty aroma and adds visual interest.
• Chili flakes or sriracha: For those who enjoy a kick, these add heat and complement the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Crispy spring rolls: These bite-sized delights pair perfectly with fried rice, offering a crunchy contrast that balances the dish’s textures.
• Asian cucumber salad: Refreshing and tangy, this salad serves as a light counterpoint to the hearty fried rice, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Steamed broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and is an excellent way to incorporate more veggies into your meal.
• Miso soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the flavors of fried rice while providing comforting warmth, perfect for any dinner setting.

With these serving suggestions and tips, your Ground Chicken Fried Rice will impress everyone at the table! Enjoy this quick and satisfying meal with friends or family any night of the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Chicken Fried Rice recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal throughout the week. You can make a big batch and store it for quick lunches or dinners on busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the fried rice to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the fried rice cool completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• For best results, use within 1-2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen fried rice in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this Ground Chicken Fried Rice recipe:

Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice for Ground Chicken Fried Rice?

Using day-old rice is preferred as it’s drier and helps achieve that perfect stir-fry texture. However, if you only have fresh rice available, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry out slightly before using.

What can I substitute if I don’t have soy sauce for Ground Chicken Fried Rice?

You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative. Both options provide a similar savory flavor without compromising the taste of your fried rice.

Can I add more vegetables to my Ground Chicken Fried Rice?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in any veggies you love or have on hand, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. Just ensure they are chopped evenly for consistent cooking.

Is this Ground Chicken Fried Rice suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe stores well and is ideal for meal prep. You can easily make large batches and portion them out for quick meals throughout the week.

How can I make my Ground Chicken Fried Rice spicier?

To add some heat, you can include crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Ground Chicken Fried Rice recipe as delightful as I do! It’s not just a quick dinner option; it’s an opportunity to get creative with flavors and ingredients while preparing something nutritious for yourself and your loved ones. Enjoy making this dish and savor every bite. Happy cooking!