Gluten-free chicken fried rice utilizes leftover rotisserie chicken and frozen veggies for a speedy dinner that kids love. Made in no time at all to get dinner served quickly.
This chicken fried rice recipe is a complete meal ready to serve in under 20 minutes. Makes for a great dinner option any night of the week or a simple meal prep lunch idea. Skip the takeout and create this authentic dish right at home!
For more gluten-free Chinese-style takeout meals, check out Gluten Free Orange Chicken, Gluten Free Sesame Chicken and Pork Sausage Wonton Bites.
We will walk you through each step of the way to create this chicken fried rice recipe right at home. Included you will find ideas to customize this dish and steps on how to make rice from scratch. From vegetarian versions to ingredient swaps, it is possible to meet all you family’s preferences with this recipe!
For more family-friendly dinner meals, you’ll love our Crockpot Chicken and Rice, Gluten Free Chicken Pot Pie, Crockpot Irish Beef Stew, Pork Chop Sheet Pan Dinner, Teriyaki Glazed Chicken, and Baked Cod Fish Tacos. All quick and easy recipes that are gluten-free.
To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or use the printable recipe card below.
Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- measuring cups and spoons
- spatula
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil ✅
- 12 ounces frozen carrots and peas ✅
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cup rotisserie chicken, diced ✅
- 3 large eggs
- 3 cups cooked rice ✅
- 1/4 cup tamari
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips to help you make delicious gluten-free chicken fried rice:
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce: Regular soy sauce contains wheat, which is not gluten-free. Make sure to use a gluten-free alternative, such as tamari sauce or specifically labeled gluten-free soy sauce.
- Choose gluten-free rice: Opt for naturally gluten-free rice varieties like jasmine, basmati, or brown rice. Avoid using pre-packaged flavored rice mixes as they may contain gluten.
- Cook the rice in advance: For the best results, use cooled or day-old cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be moist and sticky, making it harder to achieve the desired texture in fried rice.
- Cook the chicken separately: Start by cooking the diced chicken separately from the rice. This allows you to properly brown the chicken and infuse it with flavor before combining it with the other ingredients.
- Watch out for hidden sources of gluten: Be cautious when adding additional ingredients to the fried rice. Some ingredients, such as oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or certain seasonings, may contain gluten. Check labels carefully or use gluten-free versions.
- Add vegetables for flavor and color: Along with the chicken, include diced onions, carrots, peas, or any other vegetables you prefer. They add texture, color, and nutrients to the dish.
- Season with caution: Gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce can be quite salty. Taste the dish as you season and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly. Remember that the soy sauce already provides a significant amount of flavor.
- Create a well in the center: When adding the beaten eggs to the fried rice, push the rice and vegetables to the sides of the pan, creating a well in the center. Pour the beaten eggs into the well and let them cook slightly before stirring them into the rest of the ingredients. This technique helps distribute the egg throughout the dish evenly.
- Garnish and serve hot: Once the fried rice is cooked to your liking, garnish it with freshly chopped green onions. Serve it hot and enjoy!
How To Make
Start by heating the sesame oil over high heat. Add the frozen veggies and the onions. Cook for about 1 minute then add the chicken, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes.
Mix It Up: add diced bell peppers, snow peas, snap peas, baby corn or water chestnuts to the sesame oil.
Cook the eggs
Make a circle in the middle of the meat and vegetable mixture and add the eggs. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the bottom of the eggs are set.
Use a spatula to break the egg apart. Continue cooking until eggs are cooked through. Gently stir into the vegetable mixture.
Add the rice and sauce
Add the rice and tamari to the wok and stir until combined. Serve hot with additional green onions if desired.
Substitution Ideas
This dish is very versitile and can be adjusted to fit what ingredients you have on hand. Here are some substitution suggestions for making fried rice:
- Rice Substitutes:
- Cauliflower rice: Replace the traditional rice with grated or processed cauliflower to make a low-carb or grain-free fried rice alternative.
- Quinoa: Cooked quinoa can be used as a gluten-free and protein-rich substitute for rice.
- Protein Substitutes:
- Tofu: Crumbled or diced tofu can be used as a vegetarian or vegan protein option instead of chicken. Make sure to choose a gluten-free tofu brand if necessary.
- Shrimp: Swap chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Ensure the shrimp is cooked separately and added to the fried rice towards the end to prevent overcooking.
- Beef or Pork: If you prefer red meat, thinly sliced beef or pork can be used instead of chicken. Cook the meat first before adding it to the fried rice.
- Vegetable Substitutions:
- Broccoli: Replace or add broccoli florets to the fried rice for added texture and nutrients.
- Bell peppers: Colorful bell peppers are a great addition and provide a crunchy texture to the dish.
- Zucchini: Grated or diced zucchini can be used as a substitute or addition to the vegetables in the fried rice.
- Snap peas: Swap frozen peas with snap peas for a crispy and fresh alternative.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Add a small handful of frozen vegetables and chicken at a time to the hot oil to prevent the oil from splattering out of the skillet.
- Crack the egg in small bowl then pour into the skillet. This way if a shell accidentally falls into the bowl, you can scoop it out before adding to the hot skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every recipe for fried rice is going to be gluten-free, making it extremely important to read labels on store bought products and ask questions at restaurants for takeout. Committed to creating celiac-safe recipes, we use a gluten-free tamari to create our version.
In a pot, add 1 cup of long grain white rice and 2 cups of water then bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer for 10-12 minutes then remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. It is best to let the rice cool before adding to the wok to prevent it from sticking together.
Absolutely, omit the chicken or swap with tofu for a vegetarian fried rice.
Yes, ground beef or pork are both delicious substitutes for chicken.
No worries, you can still create this recipe! Cooked chicken thighs, chicken breasts or tenderloins can be chopped or shredded and added.
This dish can be prepped and stored in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave in increments until hot.
Making up to 8 servings per batch, my family will enjoy this meal for dinner then pack in lunchboxes the next day. My daughter has also reheated leftovers as an after-school snack. This recipe can be enjoyed at any time of the day!
More Gluten Free Chicken Recipes
- Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
- Air Fryer Italian Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs
- Buffalo Chicken Breast Recipe
- Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Chicken On A Stick
- Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Wings
- How To Bake Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts
- Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
- Gluten Free Orange Chicken
- Baked Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Gluten-Free Chicken Fried Rice
Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil ✅
- 12 ounces frozen carrots and peas ✅
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cup rotisserie chicken, diced ✅
- 3 large eggs
- 3 cups cooked rice ✅
- 1/4 cup tamari
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- ⭐️Saute the vegetables and chicken. Heat the sesame oil over high heat. Add the frozen veggies and the onions. Cook for about 1 minute then add the chicken, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes.1 tablespoon sesame oil, 12 ounces frozen carrots and peas, 3 green onions, sliced, 2 cup rotisserie chicken, diced, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- ⭐️Cook the eggs. Make a circle in the middle of the meat and vegetable mixture and add the eggs. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the bottom of the eggs are set. Use a spatula to break the egg apart. Continue cooking until eggs are cooked through. Gently stir into the vegetable mixture.3 large eggs
- ⭐️Add the rice and sauce. Add the rice and tamari to the wok and stir until combined. Serve hot with additional green onions if desired.3 cups cooked rice, 1/4 cup tamari
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Add diced bell peppers, snow peas, snap peas, baby corn or water chestnuts to the sesame oil.
- Make vegetarian by omitting the chicken or swapping with tofu.
- Use ground beef or pork as a substitute for chicken.
- Add chopped or shredded chicken breasts, chicken thighs or tenderloins as an alternative to rotisserie chicken.
How To Make Rice
In a pot, add 1 cup of long grain white rice and 2 cups of water then bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer for 10-12 minutes then remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. It is best to let the rice cool before adding to the wok to prevent it from sticking together. CCK Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination. The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.Nutrition
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Pam says
This looks delicious. Chicken fried rice is one of my husband’s favorites. I’ll be featuring this post today at Thursday Favorite Things (starting at 10:00 a.m. Central Time.) 🙂