Crispy Chicken Fried Rice

A vibrant, satisfying fusion of egg roll and fried rice: savory minced chicken, crispy vegetables, and aromatic rice tossed together for a one-pan meal that brings all the flavors of an egg roll—no frying needed.

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This dish is the ultimate solution for when you're craving takeout but want something wholesome and home-cooked. The combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and crunchy cabbage perfectly mimics the classic appetizer filling, while the jasmine rice makes it a complete, filling meal.

Ingredients

• Proteins: 500 g (1.1 lbs) ground chicken, 2 large eggs
• Vegetables: 3 cups green cabbage (thinly sliced), 1 cup carrots (julienned or shredded), 1 cup bean sprouts (optional), 4 green onions (sliced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp fresh ginger (minced)
• Rice: 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, cold (preferably day-old)
• Sauces & Seasonings: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1/2 tsp white pepper or black pepper, 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional), 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• Cooking Oils: 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• Garnish: 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, extra sliced green onions

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare all ingredients before cooking: slice vegetables, mince garlic and ginger, and have rice ready.

Step 2

Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken; cook, breaking up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes). Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Add bean sprouts, if using, and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 5

Push vegetables to the side of the pan. Crack eggs into the empty space; scramble until just set, then mix into the vegetables.

Step 6

Add cold rice and return cooked chicken to the pan. Stir everything together, breaking up any clumps of rice.

Step 7

Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili flakes. Toss everything well to combine and heat through, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture and will become mushy in the pan. If you must use fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet and let it air-dry for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey or pork. To make this recipe vegetarian, use crumbled firm tofu instead of chicken and swap the oyster sauce for a vegetarian mushroom-based oyster sauce or extra tamari.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this fried rice in deep bowls and offer extra sriracha or a side of sweet chili sauce for those who enjoy a bit of spice. It pairs beautifully with a simple side of steamed edamame or a crisp cucumber salad.

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Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a healthy alternative to your favorite takeout, this Crispy Chicken Fried Rice with Egg Roll Flavors provides a satisfying, flavor-packed experience every time.

Recipe FAQs

→ Why use cold, day-old rice for fried rice?

Cold rice from the previous day has less moisture, which allows it to fry up crispy and prevents the grains from sticking together. Freshly cooked hot rice tends to become gummy when stir-fried.

→ Can I use other proteins instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, pork, or even crumbled tofu work well as substitutes. Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the protein you choose.

→ What vegetables work best in this dish?

Green cabbage and carrots are classic choices that provide crunch and sweetness. You can also add bean sprouts, snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy depending on what you have available.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be. Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure your oyster sauce is labeled gluten-free. The base ingredients of rice, vegetables, and chicken are naturally gluten-free.

→ How spicy is this dish?

As written, it's mildly spiced with just a hint of chili flakes. Adjust the heat by adding more chili flakes or serving with sriracha on the side for those who prefer extra kick.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes. Replace the ground chicken with crumbled firm tofu and use vegetarian oyster sauce (or omit it entirely). The vegetables and seasonings provide plenty of flavor on their own.