Pasta & Grains

Chicken And Mushroom Fried Rice

Name: Chicken And Mushroom Fried Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 2 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced; 2 cups cooked rice, day-old; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1 tsp gluten-free soy sauce; 1 tsp oyster sauce (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

By Maren Sinclair · June 19, 2026 · Pasta & Grains

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made chicken and mushroom fried rice in my small kitchen. It was a game-changer for me, as it combined the flavors I loved with the ease of a one-pot dish. As someone who had to adapt to a gluten-free diet, I was thrilled to find that this recipe could be easily made gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor.

Over the years, I've perfected this recipe, and it's become a staple in my household. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part is that it's incredibly versatile, so you can customize it to your taste preferences.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of chicken, mushrooms, and rice, along with some essential spices and seasonings. We'll also be using a gluten-free soy sauce to ensure that the dish is safe for those with gluten intolerance.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's a great way to use up leftover rice. If you have leftover rice from a previous meal, you can simply use it in this recipe. This not only reduces food waste but also saves you time and money.

In the following sections, we'll dive into the details of the recipe, including the ingredients, equipment, and steps needed to make it. We'll also discuss some tips and variations to help you customize the recipe to your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to use up leftover rice and reduce food waste.
The dish is gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten intolerance.
It's a versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste preferences.
It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great chicken and mushroom fried rice is to use the right combination of ingredients and to cook them in the right order. First, we need to cook the chicken and mushrooms separately to ensure that they're tender and flavorful. Then, we need to add the rice and stir-fry everything together.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of gluten-free soy sauce. This not only makes the dish safe for those with gluten intolerance but also adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.

In terms of technique, it's essential to use the right amount of oil and to stir-fry the ingredients quickly over high heat. This helps to prevent the ingredients from becoming greasy or soggy and ensures that they're cooked evenly.

Finally, the type of rice used is also crucial. We recommend using day-old rice, as it's drier and easier to stir-fry than freshly cooked rice. This helps to prevent the rice from becoming mushy or sticky.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making chicken and mushroom fried rice, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of chicken, mushrooms, rice, and essential spices and seasonings. We'll also be using gluten-free soy sauce to ensure that the dish is safe for those with gluten intolerance.

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this recipe:

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessWe recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe, as they're easier to cook and more tender than bone-in chicken. You can also use chicken breast if you prefer, but the thighs will give you more flavor and texture.
2 cups mixed mushrooms, slicedWe like to use a combination of mushrooms for this recipe, including button, cremini, and shiitake. This gives the dish a variety of textures and flavors, and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
2 cups cooked rice, day-oldDay-old rice is essential for making great fried rice, as it's drier and easier to stir-fry than freshly cooked rice. If you don't have day-old rice, you can try cooking fresh rice and then letting it cool and dry out for a few hours before using it.
2 tbsp vegetable oilWe recommend using a neutral-tasting oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, for this recipe. This helps to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy or overpowering.
1 small onion, dicedThe onion adds a sweet, caramelized flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the savory flavors of the chicken and mushrooms. You can also use shallots or scallions if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a essential ingredient in many Asian dishes, and it adds a rich, savory flavor to this recipe. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, but we recommend using at least 2 cloves for the best flavor.
1 tsp grated gingerThe ginger adds a warm, spicy flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the onion and the savory flavors of the chicken and mushrooms. You can adjust the amount of ginger to your taste, but we recommend using at least 1 tsp for the best flavor.
1 tsp gluten-free soy sauceWe recommend using a high-quality, gluten-free soy sauce for this recipe, as it adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the other ingredients. You can also use tamari or coconut aminos if you prefer.
1 tsp oyster sauce (optional)The oyster sauce adds a rich, umami flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the other ingredients. You can omit it if you don't have it or prefer not to use it, but it does add a depth of flavor to the recipe.
Salt and pepper to tasteWe recommend using a combination of salt and pepper to season the dish, as it helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and adds depth to the overall flavor profile. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste, but we recommend using at least a pinch of each for the best flavor.

Ingredients for Chicken And Mushroom Fried Rice

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerSpatula

How to Make Chicken And Mushroom Fried Rice

1
Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2
Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they're tender and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.
5
Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cook until they're browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
6
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be 165 F (74 C).
7
Add the cooked rice to the skillet or wok and stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
8
Add the gluten-free soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), salt, and pepper, and stir-fry everything together for another minute.
9
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
10
Transfer the chicken and mushroom fried rice to a serving platter and garnish with sliced scallions or chopped fresh herbs (if desired).
11
Rest the dish for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips

Use day-old rice for the best results, as it's drier and easier to stir-fry than freshly cooked rice.
Don't overcook the chicken or mushrooms, as they can become tough and dry.
Adjust the amount of gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) to your taste, as they can be quite salty.
Add other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or chopped snow peas, to the dish if you like.
Use a variety of mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcrowd the skillet or wok, as this can prevent the ingredients from cooking evenly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using freshly cooked rice, which can be too moist and sticky for fried rice.
Overcooking the chicken or mushrooms, which can make them tough and dry.
Not using enough oil, which can cause the ingredients to stick to the skillet or wok.
Not stirring the ingredients enough, which can cause them to burn or become unevenly cooked.
Not adjusting the seasoning to taste, which can result in a dish that's too salty or bland.
Not resting the dish before serving, which can cause the flavors to become muted and the texture to become soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced bell peppers or chopped snow peas to the dish for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, for a variation on the recipe.
Add other ingredients, such as chopped fresh herbs or grated carrots, to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, for a variation on the recipe.
Add a fried egg on top of the dish for a breakfast or brunch variation.
Use gluten-free stir-fry sauce instead of gluten-free soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or sriracha.

What to Serve With Chicken And Mushroom Fried Rice

This chicken and mushroom fried rice is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it as a main course, or as a side dish to complement other Asian-inspired dishes. It's also a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Some ideas for serving this dish include:

Serve with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots.Serve with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls.Serve with a salad, such as a simple green salad or a more substantial grain salad.Serve with a bowl of soup, such as wonton soup or egg drop soup.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

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

When reheating the dish, you can simply microwave it or stir-fry it in a skillet or wok with a little bit of oil. You can also add some fresh ingredients, such as chopped scallions or grated carrots, to the dish when reheating it for extra flavor and nutrition.

Here are some tips for reheating the dish:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice is best for fried rice?

Day-old rice is best for fried rice, as it's drier and easier to stir-fry than freshly cooked rice.

Can I use other types of protein in this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time and method as needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, as it uses gluten-free soy sauce and doesn't include any other gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or chopped snow peas, to this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time and method as needed.

How do I store and reheat this dish?

You can store this dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave it or stir-fry it in a skillet or wok with a little bit of oil.

What are some variations on this recipe?

You can add diced bell peppers or chopped snow peas to the dish for extra flavor and texture. You can also use different types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, or add other ingredients, such as chopped fresh herbs or grated carrots.

Is this recipe easy to make?

Yes, this recipe is easy to make, as it requires minimal ingredients and can be cooked in about 20-25 minutes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just reheat it when you're ready to serve.

The Full Recipe

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