Copycat Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

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If you adore Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice but have ever wondered how to recreate that magic at home, you’re in the right place. This recipe is not just simple but incredibly satisfying.

How to make Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice

Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice is (or was) a frozen meal sold by Trader Joe’s — basically a convenient chicken fried rice entrée you heat up at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1 cup mixed vegetables, frozen or fresh
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated or minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten (traditional for fried rice)
• 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil, for cooking
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make sure your rice is cold and clump-free. Gently fluff it with a fork beforehand.
2. Dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces if not already prepped.
3. Heat 1 tsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
4. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until set. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, heat the remaining vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
6. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green onions, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
7. Toss your cooked chicken into the skillet and stir for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
8. Add your mixed vegetables and cook until tender but still crisp (about 5 minutes).
9. Push the chicken and vegetables to one side of the pan.
10. Add the cold rice to the empty side and stir-fry it, breaking apart clumps as needed.
11. Pour soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce over the rice. Mix everything until evenly coated with the rice, chicken, and vegetables.
12. Stir the scrambled eggs back into the pan and toss everything until fully combined and heated through.
13. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add extra soy sauce or sesame oil if desired.
14. Plate your homemade fried rice hot and garnish with extra chopped green onions for a pop of flavor and color!

Tips for Making Perfect Fried Rice

• Use Cold Rice: Day-old rice kept in the refrigerator is best for fried rice. Freshly cooked rice can be overly moist and sticky.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large skillet or wok to give your ingredients space to fry and develop flavor.
• Customize: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even bacon! You can also add other veggies, such as broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms, for variety.
• Keep Ingredients Prepped: Fried rice cooks quickly, so have all your ingredients ready to go before you start cooking.
• Season Gradually: Start with lighter amounts of soy sauce and sesame oil, then adjust to your taste before serving.

What to serve with

Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice (or the homemade version!) is flavorful and satisfying as a standalone dish, but pairing it with complementary sides or appetizers can elevate your mealtime and make it feel more complete.

1. Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls

• Crispy and delicious, egg rolls or spring rolls pair well with fried rice. Their flaky exterior and flavorful filling complement the stir-fried flavors perfectly.
• You can try frozen varieties from Trader Joe’s, or make your own with vegetable, chicken, or shrimp fillings. Serve with dipping sauces such as sweet chilli, soy sauce, or hoisin.

2. Potstickers (Dumplings)

• Trader Joe’s frozen potstickers (such as chicken or veggie varieties) are always a crowd favorite. Their soft, chewy texture and savory filling work beautifully alongside fried rice.
• Pan-fry them until the bottoms are crispy, and serve with soy sauce or a tangy vinegar dipping sauce.

3. Miso Soup

• A warm bowl of miso soup is a great light side dish to complement fried rice. The comforting, umami-packed broth balances the rich and salty flavors of Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice.
• Add tofu, seaweed, and green onions for extra texture.

Ingredients Substitutes

There are plenty of substitutes you can use without sacrificing flavor. The beauty of Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice is its versatility, so you can easily adapt it to your preferences.

Rice Substitutes

The base of Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice is, of course, rice, but there’s room for creativity if you’re looking for alternative options.

• Brown Rice: A healthier whole-grain option, it provides more nutrients and fibre compared to white rice. It’s slightly nuttier in flavor but works just as well.
• Cauliflower Rice (Low-carb or keto alternative): Perfect for those on low-carb diets, cauliflower rice mimics the texture of traditional rice while cutting calories.
• Quinoa (High-protein option): Quinoa is another nutritious substitute that adds a subtle nutty flavor and a fluffy texture.
• Farro or Barley: For a chewy and nutty alternative, farro or barley can be used. They work best when cooked until slightly al dente.
• Frozen Trader Joe’s “Fried Rice Starter” Mix (Shortcut option): Trader Joe’s sells frozen rice as part of their fried rice starter kits—it includes pre-seasoned rice, veggies, and seasoning for a quick option.

Chicken Substitutes

Out of chicken or looking to swap it out for a vegetarian or different protein option? Here are some great alternatives:

• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (Quick and convenient): If you don’t want to cook chicken from scratch, store-bought rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe.
• Cooked Tofu (Vegetarian option): Firm tofu cubes or crumbled tofu create a high-protein vegetarian substitute.
• Shrimp (Seafood option): Succulent shrimp is a great swap and adds freshness to the dish. Cook them separately until pink and toss them into the rice at the end.
• Pork or Bacon: For a smoky or richer taste, diced pork or crumbled bacon works wonderfully in fried rice.
• Soy Curls or Seitan (Vegetarian and vegan options): Soy curls are great for their meaty texture, while seitan delivers hearty, chewy bites that mimic chicken.
• Eggplant or Mushrooms (Plant-based option): Diced eggplant or mushrooms add an earthy, savoury flavour that complements the rice beautifully.

Vegetable Substitutes

Don’t have the classic peas, carrots, or corn? No problem—try out these substitutes to add color and nutrition to your fried rice.

• Broccoli Florets: Chop them into small pieces for quick cooking—adds crunch and nutrition.
• Bell Peppers: Sweet or spicy bell peppers bring color and a slightly smoky sweetness to the dish.
• Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Thinly sliced or diced zucchini can be quickly sautéed and mixed into fried rice for added texture.
• Snow Peas or Snap Peas: These crunchy greens are vibrant additions that also provide a boost of freshness.
• Asparagus: Diced asparagus spears add a unique, mild flavour and crunch.
• Shelled Edamame (Protein-packed option): Edamame not only adds vibrant green color to the dish but also boosts its protein content.
• Spinach or Kale: Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end for a healthy, leafy option.

Egg Substitutes

Want to skip eggs due to allergies, dietary preferences, or simply because you’re out? Here are alternatives:

• Silken Tofu (Vegan egg substitute): Crumble silken tofu as it cooks for a soft, egg-like texture.
• Black Salt (Kala Namak): If you want a distinct egg-like flavor in vegan recipes, black salt adds the sulfuric kick that mimics eggs.
• Chickpea Flour Scramble (Plant-based option): Make an egg-like scramble using chickpea flour, water, and seasoning.
• Omit Eggs Completely: Fried rice is still flavorful and satisfying without eggs—just amp up the seasoning or veggies.

Seasoning Substitutes

• Tamari (Gluten-Free Soy Sauce): If you need a gluten-free substitute but love the signature soy sauce flavor, tamari is a great option.
• Coconut Aminos (Low-sodium and soy-free alternative): Made from fermented coconut sap, coconut aminos is a slightly sweeter soy sauce substitute.
• Liquid Aminos: Bragg’s Liquid Aminos is another soy alternative that mimics soy sauce’s flavor with added nutrients.
• Hoisin Sauce (Sweet umami flavor): If you’re out of oyster sauce, hoisin can be a good substitute, adding a sweet, sticky flavour boost to the dish.
• Fish Sauce (Adds depth): A few drops of fish sauce can elevate the umami flavor, though it has a stronger aroma.
• Light Vinegar or Lime Juice: If you want a punch of acidity, add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice in place of soy sauce for balance.

Cooking Oil Substitutes

• Olive Oil: Use olive oil for sautéing if you’re out of vegetable or sesame oil. However, keep in mind that it adds a slightly fruitier taste.
• Avocado Oil: A neutral-flavoured option high in healthy fats, perfect for high-heat cooking.
• Butter (Comfort cooking): For a richer flavor, use butter. It’s not traditional but adds a delicious depth.
• Vegetable Broth (Oil-free option): If avoiding oils, sauté your aromatics in a splash of vegetable broth instead.

Final Thoughts

This homemade spin on Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice is not only simple but incredibly versatile. 

More Trader Joe’s Recipes:

• Homemade Trader Joe’s Soyaki Recipe