Crispy Chicken Fried Rice

Crispy Chicken Fried Rice with Egg Roll Flavors is the ultimate fusion of two takeout favorites. This dish combines the savory goodness of ground chicken and crunchy vegetables with aromatic jasmine rice, creating a one-pan meal that delivers the nostalgic taste of an egg roll without the need for deep frying. It is a vibrant, satisfying, and dairy-free dinner that comes together quickly for any weeknight.

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This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients like shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and fresh ginger to build layers of flavor and texture. By cooking everything in a single skillet or wok, you capture all the juices and seasonings, ensuring every bite of rice is infused with savory depth.

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 (or tamari), 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1/2 tsp white 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

Prep ingredients easily by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, and serving dishes neatly during everyday cooking.

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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

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

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

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

Step 3: Aromatics

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

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

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

Step 5: Scramble Eggs

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

Step 6: Combine

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

Step 7: Season

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

Step 8: Finish

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

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use day-old jasmine rice. Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and can become mushy, whereas cold, dry rice grains separate easily and fry up with a better texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily substitute ground turkey or pork for the chicken if preferred. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled extra-firm tofu and replace the oyster sauce with a vegetarian oyster sauce or extra soy sauce.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish hot in bowls, topped with a drizzle of sriracha or sweet chili sauce for those who enjoy a bit of extra heat and sweetness.

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With its high protein content and abundance of vegetables, this Crispy Chicken Fried Rice with Egg Roll Flavors is a wholesome and flavorful meal that will satisfy the whole family. It is a fantastic way to enjoy the essence of traditional egg rolls in a fresh, deconstructed way.

Chop vegetables, slice meats, and prep ingredients easily for everyday cooking and homemade recipes.

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Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Why use cold, day-old rice?

Cold, day-old rice has less moisture content, which prevents the grains from becoming mushy during stir-frying. The drier rice achieves that signature restaurant-style texture where each grain separates and crisps slightly while absorbing the savory sauces.

→ Can I use freshly cooked rice?

Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and will result in a gummy, sticky texture. If you must use fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to dry it out before cooking.

→ What protein substitutions work well?

Ground turkey or pork make excellent alternatives to chicken. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled extra-firm tofu and replace oyster sauce with mushroom-based vegetarian sauce or additional soy sauce.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The base dish has mild heat from white pepper and optional chili flakes. The spice level is easily adjustable-add more chili flakes during cooking or serve with sriracha or sweet chili sauce for those who prefer extra heat.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the rice seems dry.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, snap peas, shelled edamame, or baby corn work wonderfully. Add heartier vegetables like peppers earlier with the carrots, and tender vegetables like snap peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking.