This Easy Griddle Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious mix of tender chicken, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, all cooked together on a griddle for extra flavor. It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy nights!
When I make this, I love to add my favorite toppings, like a sprinkle of green onions. It’s so fun to cook on the griddle too—who doesn’t love a little sizzle in the kitchen? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Day-old rice is best because it’s drier and won’t get mushy. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray to cool, which helps reduce the moisture.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the go-to, but you can substitute with diced thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Frozen mixed veggies are super convenient, but fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work well too. Just remember to chop them small for even cooking.
Sauces: Soy sauce adds that umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos as a substitute. The oyster sauce adds depth, but you can skip it if you’re vegan or don’t have it on hand.
How Can I Make the Perfect Fried Rice on a Griddle?
Using a griddle can elevate your fried rice game by providing a larger cooking surface. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Ensure your griddle is hot enough before adding ingredients. This helps everything cook quickly and prevents sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the griddle! Cook the chicken and veggies in batches if necessary. This way, you get that nice sear.
- Let the rice sit undisturbed for a minute before stirring. This way, it can crisp up a bit without turning into a mushy pile.
- Use a spatula to fold and mix ingredients rather than stirring vigorously. This keeps them from breaking apart.
Easy Griddle Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Rice: 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into small pieces
- Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- Vegetables: 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- Eggs: 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- Flavors: 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Sauces: 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For garnish: 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes for prep and 15-20 minutes for cooking, making a total of around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil on the griddle over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully cooked and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same spot on the griddle, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes. This will bring wonderful flavor to your fried rice!
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the onion and garlic to one side of the griddle and pour the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked, then combine them with the sautéed onions and garlic.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Now, toss in the frozen mixed vegetables to the griddle and cook them until they are warmed through, about 3 minutes. You want them colorful and vibrant!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked rice and the chicken back to the griddle. Stir everything well to mix the ingredients evenly, making sure to break up any clumps of rice.
6. Flavor the Rice:
Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over the rice mixture. Stir-fry all together for another 3-4 minutes. Allow the rice to get slightly crispy in some areas for that authentic fried rice texture!
7. Final Touch:
Drizzle sesame oil over the fried rice, give it one last taste, and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the fried rice from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, homemade griddle chicken fried rice!
Enjoy your tasty, easy griddle chicken fried rice! 🍚🥢
FAQ for Easy Griddle Chicken Fried Rice
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice Instead of Day-Old Rice?
While day-old rice is ideal due to its drier texture, you can use freshly cooked rice. Just make sure to spread it out on a tray to cool and dry for a bit to prevent it from becoming mushy in the dish!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to This Recipe?
You can definitely customize your fried rice! Feel free to add fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just make sure to chop them small so they cook evenly alongside the other ingredients.
Can I Make This Meal Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this vegetarian or vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and omit the eggs. You can also replace soy sauce with a vegan alternative if desired.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist if needed.
