Cauliflower Chicken Fried Rice
Craving takeout fried rice without a heavy bowl? This cauliflower chicken fried rice brings the garlic, sesame, savory sauce, tender chicken, and soft scrambled egg, then swaps in cauliflower rice for a lighter weeknight dinner. It is fast, meal-prep friendly, and built for the nights when the kitchen needs to move at sprint speed.
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 15 minutes
- Bake: Not applicable
- Chill: None
- Rest: None
- Total: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 5 cups riced cauliflower
- 3 eggs
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 green onions
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
Prep the Components
- Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into small, even pieces. Smaller pieces cook quickly and distribute throughout the finished bowl.
- Eggs: Crack the eggs into a small bowl and beat until the whites and yolks are combined.
- Garlic and onions: Mince the garlic. Slice the green onions and keep the white and green portions separate because they cook at different times.
- Cauliflower rice: Fresh or frozen works. If using frozen cauliflower rice, use it without thawing first.
How to Make Cauliflower Chicken Fried Rice
- Cook the eggs. Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add beaten eggs and stir gently until softly scrambled. Transfer them to a plate.
- Cook the chicken. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add diced chicken in an even layer and cook until browned and cooked through. Transfer to the egg plate.
- Build the aromatic base. Lower the heat slightly. Add garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Cook the cauliflower. Add cauliflower rice and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, tossing often so excess moisture can cook away and the cauliflower becomes tender.
- Combine. Return the chicken and eggs to the wok. Drizzle in coconut aminos and sesame oil. Toss until everything is evenly coated and glossy.
- Finish and assemble. Remove from heat. Fold in the green onion tops and serve immediately.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Soggy cauliflower rice: Do not thaw frozen cauliflower first, and keep the pan hot enough for moisture to evaporate.
- Dry chicken: Cut the pieces evenly and cook just until safely done.
- Rubbery eggs: Scramble them gently and remove them while still soft. They finish heating when returned to the pan.
- Flat flavor: Add the coconut aminos and sesame oil at the end so their flavor stays noticeable.
- Burnt garlic: Lower the heat before adding it and stir constantly for the short cooking time.
Substitutions
- Use tamari in place of coconut aminos if preferred.
- Skip the eggs and add pan-fried diced tofu if you need an egg-free bowl.
- Use another neutral high-heat oil in place of the listed neutral oil.
- Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast if you prefer dark meat.
Storage and Reheating
Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil for the best texture. Individual portions can be frozen for up to 1 month and reheated thoroughly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?
Yes. Add it straight from frozen rather than thawing first. This helps prevent excess water from making the fried rice soggy.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes. Divide the finished rice into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Can I use soy sauce?
The recipe uses coconut aminos. Tamari is the existing alternative. If using soy sauce instead, choose according to your dietary needs and preferred salt level.
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Plan Your Weeknight Meals
Use Recipes by Budget, What Should I Make?, or 7 Dinners From One Grocery Trip to build a practical grocery plan. For another rice-based dinner, try Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice or One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Rice Bowls.
