Pasta & Grains

Gluten Free Chicken Fried Rice

Name: Gluten Free Chicken Fried Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless; 2 cups (400g) cooked white and brown rice, mixed; 1 cup (120g) frozen peas and carrots; 2 tablespoons (30g) gluten-free soy sauce; 1 tablespoon (15g) olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon (5g) grated ginger; 1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt; 1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepper; 2 green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh cilantro

By Wesley Kingsley · June 19, 2026 · Pasta & Grains

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made gluten-free chicken fried rice in my own kitchen. It was a revelation - the combination of tender chicken, flavorful rice, and savory spices all came together in a dish that was not only delicious but also safe for me to eat. As someone who has had to navigate the challenges of gluten-free cooking, I've learned that it's all about making smart swaps and using good technique.

One of the keys to making great gluten-free chicken fried rice is to use the right type of rice. I prefer to use a combination of white and brown rice, which provides a nice balance of texture and flavor. I also add in some frozen peas and carrots, which add a burst of color and sweetness to the dish.

Another important aspect of gluten-free cooking is to be mindful of cross-contamination. This means being careful not to mix gluten-free ingredients with gluten-containing ingredients, and making sure to clean and sanitize any utensils or surfaces that may have come into contact with gluten. It's a bit of extra work, but it's worth it to ensure that your food is safe to eat.

This recipe for gluten-free chicken fried rice is a staple in my household, and I'm excited to share it with you. It's easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for a quick and easy meal any time of day. So let's get started!

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a great place to begin. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to your tastes, and it's perfect for using up leftover ingredients. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of gluten-free chicken fried rice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a versatile dish that can be customized to your tastes
It's perfect for using up leftover ingredients
It's a great option for a quick and easy meal any time of day
It's gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity
It's a delicious and flavorful dish that's sure to become a staple in your household

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great gluten-free chicken fried rice is to use the right combination of ingredients and to cook them using the right techniques. First, it's all about the rice - using a combination of white and brown rice provides a nice balance of texture and flavor. Then, it's about adding in the right mix of spices and seasonings to give the dish depth and complexity.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of gluten-free soy sauce. This is a crucial ingredient in traditional chicken fried rice, but it's often made with gluten. By using a gluten-free version, we can ensure that the dish is safe for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.

Finally, it's all about the cooking technique. By cooking the rice and chicken separately and then combining them, we can ensure that each component is cooked to perfection. And by using a wok or large skillet, we can quickly and easily stir-fry the ingredients together to create a delicious and flavorful dish.

Overall, this recipe for gluten-free chicken fried rice is a winner because it's easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for a quick and easy meal any time of day. So whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a great place to begin.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making gluten-free chicken fried rice, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a combination of white and brown rice, chicken breast or thighs, frozen peas and carrots, gluten-free soy sauce, and a few other pantry staples. Be sure to choose a gluten-free soy sauce that is made with high-quality ingredients and has a rich, savory flavor.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for ingredients is to read labels carefully. Make sure that all of the ingredients you choose are gluten-free, and be aware of any potential cross-contamination risks.

1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinlessI prefer to use chicken breast for this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2 cups (400g) cooked white and brown rice, mixedI like to use a combination of white and brown rice for this recipe, as it provides a nice balance of texture and flavor. You can also use leftover rice if you have it on hand.
1 cup (120g) frozen peas and carrotsFrozen peas and carrots add a burst of color and sweetness to the dish, and they're easy to find in most supermarkets.
2 tablespoons (30g) gluten-free soy sauceGluten-free soy sauce is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, as it provides a rich, savory flavor that's essential to the dish. Be sure to choose a high-quality brand that is made with gluten-free ingredients.
1 tablespoon (15g) olive oilOlive oil is a healthy and flavorful choice for cooking, and it works well in this recipe. You can also use other oils, such as coconut or avocado oil, if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the dish, and it's easy to find in most supermarkets. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer.
1 teaspoon (5g) grated gingerGinger adds a warm, spicy flavor to the dish, and it's easy to find in most supermarkets. You can also use ground ginger if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon (2g) saltSalt is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, as it helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Be sure to use a high-quality salt that is free from additives and preservatives.
1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice kick to the dish, and it's easy to find in most supermarkets. You can also use white pepper if you prefer.
2 green onions, choppedGreen onions add a fresh, oniony flavor to the dish, and they're easy to find in most supermarkets. You can also use scallions or shallots if you prefer.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh cilantroCilantro adds a fresh, herbal flavor to the dish, and it's easy to find in most supermarkets. You can also use parsley or basil if you prefer.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Chicken Fried Rice

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsStirring spoon

How to Make Gluten Free Chicken Fried Rice

1
Heat 1 tablespoon (15g) of olive oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it reaches 165 F (74 C), about 5-7 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
3
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15g) of olive oil to the skillet.
4
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5
Add the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they are tender-crisp.
6
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a stirring spoon. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
7
Add the gluten-free soy sauce, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the rice is well coated with the sauce.
8
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the rice and sauce.
9
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the rice is crispy and golden brown.
10
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped green onions and cilantro. Serve the gluten-free chicken fried rice hot, garnished with additional green onions and cilantro if desired.
11
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips

Use leftover rice to make this recipe, as it will be drier and easier to stir-fry.
Add other ingredients to the dish, such as diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms, to make it more flavorful and nutritious.
Use a high-quality gluten-free soy sauce that is made with gluten-free ingredients and has a rich, savory flavor.
Don't overcook the chicken or the rice, as this can make the dish dry and tough.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices to make the dish more flavorful and interesting.
Use a large heavy skillet or wok to make this recipe, as this will allow you to cook the ingredients quickly and evenly.
Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own favorite ingredients to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using gluten-containing soy sauce, which can make the dish unsafe for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
Overcooking the chicken or the rice, which can make the dish dry and tough.
Not using leftover rice, which can make the dish more difficult to stir-fry.
Not letting the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving, which can make the flavors seem disjointed and unbalanced.
Not using a high-quality gluten-free soy sauce, which can make the dish lack flavor and depth.
Not experimenting with different seasonings and spices, which can make the dish seem boring and uninteresting.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms to the dish, to make it more flavorful and nutritious.
Use different seasonings and spices, such as curry powder or smoked paprika, to make the dish more interesting and complex.
Add cooked shrimp or scrambled eggs to the dish, to make it more protein-rich and filling.
Use different types of rice, such as jasmine or basmati, to make the dish more flavorful and aromatic.
Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the dish, to make it more fresh and vibrant.
Use a different type of protein, such as beef or pork, to make the dish more hearty and satisfying.
Add a splash of citrus juice, such as lemon or lime, to the dish, to make it more bright and refreshing.

What to Serve With Gluten Free Chicken Fried Rice

This gluten-free chicken fried rice is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it as a main course, accompanied by a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad. You can also serve it as a side dish, alongside a grilled chicken breast or a pan-seared salmon fillet.

One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is with a fried egg on top, which adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish. You can also serve it with a side of gluten-free soy sauce, which allows each person to customize the flavor to their taste.

Steamed vegetablesGreen saladGrilled chicken breastPan-seared salmon filletFried eggGluten-free soy sauce

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This gluten-free chicken fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply cool the dish to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. To freeze it, cool the dish to room temperature and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.

To reheat the dish, simply microwave it for 1-2 minutes, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat. You can also add a splash of water or gluten-free soy sauce to the dish, to make it more moist and flavorful.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for meal prep or batch cooking. Simply cook the dish according to the recipe, and then store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to eat it.

When reheating the dish, be sure to stir it frequently and add a splash of water or gluten-free soy sauce as needed, to make it more moist and flavorful. You can also add other ingredients to the dish, such as diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms, to make it more flavorful and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice is best for gluten-free chicken fried rice?

A combination of white and brown rice is best for gluten-free chicken fried rice, as it provides a nice balance of texture and flavor.

Can I use leftover rice to make this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover rice to make this recipe. In fact, it's recommended, as leftover rice is drier and easier to stir-fry.

What is the best type of gluten-free soy sauce to use in this recipe?

A high-quality gluten-free soy sauce that is made with gluten-free ingredients and has a rich, savory flavor is best for this recipe.

Can I add other ingredients to the dish, such as diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the dish to make it more flavorful and nutritious. Simply stir-fry them in with the rice and chicken, and season to taste.

How do I store and reheat the dish?

The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes, or heat in a skillet over medium heat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the dish according to the recipe, and then store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to eat it.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. It uses gluten-free soy sauce and does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I use a different type of protein, such as beef or pork?

Yes, you can use a different type of protein in this recipe. Simply substitute the chicken with your preferred protein, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

The Full Recipe

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