Craving the ultimate takeout experience right in your kitchen? This incredible Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice recipe is your answer! Forget waiting for delivery or settling for less – with tender chicken, succulent shrimp, perfectly fluffy rice, and a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, this dish is a complete meal that truly satisfies. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed creation that you’ll find surprisingly easy and quick to whip up, making it an instant favorite for your weekly dinner rotation. Get ready to elevate your home cooking and impress your family with a meal that’s genuinely better than any restaurant version.
This delightful fried rice brings together a symphony of textures and bold flavors, proving that big taste doesn’t require a big effort. It’s an ingenious way to transform simple ingredients, or even last night’s leftovers, into a spectacular meal ideal for any busy weeknight. Imagine perfectly seasoned rice, juicy pieces of chicken, plump shrimp, and crisp-tender vegetables, all cooked in one skillet. If you happen to have a batch of pre-cooked rice – whether it’s Blackstone fried rice or Instant Pot basmati rice – on hand, you’re just minutes away from a homemade dinner that will undoubtedly surpass your favorite takeout.
Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice Video Tutorial
Watch this comprehensive video tutorial to see exactly how to prepare this delicious shrimp and chicken fried rice step-by-step. From prepping your ingredients to mastering the perfect stir-fry technique, this video will guide you through creating a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Fried Rice with Chicken and Shrimp
- Effortless & Exceptionally Flavorful: This shrimp and chicken fried rice comes together in approximately 30 minutes, making it an incredibly fast and convenient dinner option that never compromises on taste. It’s the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you crave a homemade meal without the lengthy cooking process.
- A Symphony of Textures and Tastes: Every forkful offers a delightful blend of textures – from the tender chicken and juicy shrimp to the crisp, colorful vegetables and fluffy, savory rice. Cooked at high heat, the ingredients retain their vibrant qualities, absorbing all the rich, umami flavors of the sauce.
- Ideal for Meal Prepping: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its excellent versatility for meal prepping. The fried rice stores beautifully in the refrigerator for several days, providing convenient, delicious lunches or quick-heat dinners throughout the week. You can cook a larger batch once and enjoy its fresh taste for days.
- Healthier Than Takeout: By preparing this dish at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose fresh, high-quality components and adjust sodium levels to your preference. It’s a more nutritious alternative to traditional takeout, without sacrificing any of the satisfying flavors.
- Highly Customizable: This recipe serves as a fantastic base, easily adaptable to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Swap out vegetables, try different proteins, or adjust seasonings to create a unique dish every time.
Looking for more incredible shrimp recipes to add to your repertoire? Be sure to explore our delicious Blackstone hibachi shrimp and our comforting garlic butter noodles with shrimp.
Essential Ingredients and Clever Substitutions
Crafting the perfect shrimp and chicken fried rice starts with understanding your ingredients and knowing how to make smart substitutions. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt the recipe to your taste or what’s available:
- Oil: A high smoke point oil is crucial for achieving that characteristic fried rice sizzle. Sesame oil is highly recommended for its rich, nutty aroma that instantly transports you to your favorite Asian restaurant. Alternatively, avocado oil offers a neutral flavor profile, while vegetable oil is a reliable, budget-friendly option.
- Vegetables: The beauty of fried rice lies in its versatility. We love a colorful mix of broccoli florets, yellow squash, zucchini, slivered carrots, mushrooms, and snap peas, but don’t limit yourself! Feel free to incorporate bell peppers, corn, green beans, or even edamame. For ultimate convenience, a bag of frozen mixed vegetables can be a lifesaver on a busy night – just make sure to thaw them slightly before adding.
- Chicken: For tender, quick-cooking protein, chicken tenderloins or thinly sliced chicken breasts are excellent choices. Cut them into uniform strips for even cooking. If you’re really pressed for time, shredded rotisserie chicken can be added towards the end of cooking, simply to heat through and absorb flavors. For a richer flavor profile, consider boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Shrimp: Opt for peeled and deveined shrimp to save on prep time. Both medium and large shrimp work wonderfully; just adjust your cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through without becoming rubbery. Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them!
- Rice: The secret to truly great fried rice is day-old white rice. The grains are drier and firmer, preventing them from clumping and allowing them to get that slightly crispy texture when stir-fried. Freshly cooked rice can work if spread out to cool and chill for 1-2 hours beforehand. Basmati, jasmine, or any long-grain white rice will yield excellent results.
- Soy Sauce: This is a foundational flavor. Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce depending on your dietary needs. For a gluten-free or soy-free alternative, coconut aminos are a fantastic substitute, offering a similar umami depth with a touch of sweetness.
- Butter: A touch of butter adds richness and helps the rice achieve a beautiful golden hue. Ghee can be used for a nuttier flavor, or choose a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Eggs: Scrambled eggs are a classic addition, providing extra protein and a lovely texture contrast. If you prefer an egg-free version, simply omit them – the dish will still be incredibly delicious.
Exciting Recipe Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t hesitate to get creative with these flavorful twists:
- Aromatic Boost with Green Onions and Fresh Ginger: For an extra layer of fragrant freshness, stir in a handful of sliced green onions and a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger during the last minute or two of cooking. The ginger adds a zesty warmth, and the green onions provide a mild, sharp contrast.
- Rice Alternatives: Swap your regular white rice for fragrant jasmine rice to infuse the dish with a more exotic, floral aroma. If you’re aiming for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a fantastic substitute. Just remember to reduce the cooking time for cauliflower rice significantly to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Customized Protein Choices: While chicken tenderloins are excellent, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more succulent flavor. Thighs tend to stay juicier under high heat. This recipe is also perfect for using up any leftover cooked chicken you might have – simply add it towards the end to heat through. For seafood lovers, feel free to add more shrimp or even swap chicken for thinly sliced pork or beef.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a kick, add a dash of sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce to the soy sauce mixture.
- Nutty Crunch: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts as a garnish can add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Recommended Kitchen Equipment
Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving perfect fried rice. Here’s what we recommend:
- Large Griddle or 12-inch Heavy Skillet: A large cooking surface is key for proper stir-frying. A flat-top griddle or a heavy cast iron griddle provides excellent, even heat distribution, allowing ingredients to truly fry rather than steam. A large, sturdy skillet also works well if a griddle isn’t available.
- Flat Spatula: This tool is essential for stirring, scraping, and breaking up the rice effectively without crushing the grains or ingredients. Its flat edge makes it ideal for maneuvering food on a griddle or in a large pan.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Useful for prepping and combining ingredients before they hit the heat.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For efficient and safe chopping of all your proteins and vegetables.
Mastering Homemade Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice
Creating this flavorful fried rice is a quick and straightforward process, especially if you follow these steps. The key is to work quickly and with high heat, replicating the restaurant stir-fry method.
- Ignite the Heat & Add Oil: Begin by preheating your large griddle or heavy skillet over high heat. Once it’s smoking hot, reduce the heat to medium-high and add your chosen oil (sesame, avocado, or vegetable). Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s ready for action. This initial high heat is crucial for developing a delicious sear on your ingredients.
- Sear Vegetables, Chicken, and Shrimp: Add your chopped vegetables and onion to the hot griddle. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, which will infuse a savory aroma as they cook. Immediately follow with the chicken strips and shrimp. Stir occasionally, allowing them to cook for approximately 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for the shrimp to turn a vibrant pink and the chicken to develop a light golden hue. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the ingredients instead of frying them.
- Chop Chicken (Optional): If you prefer smaller, bite-sized pieces of chicken, briefly remove the chicken from the griddle. Use a sharp knife or your spatula to chop it into your desired size, then return it to the griddle with the shrimp and vegetables. This step allows for more precise sizing and ensures even distribution throughout the rice.
- Introduce Butter & Rice: Create a clear space, or “well,” in the center of your griddle amidst the cooked shrimp, chicken, and vegetables. Add the butter to this well and let it melt and sizzle. Once melted, add your cooked and cooled rice. Use your spatula to break apart any clumps and gently coat the rice evenly in the melted butter. This helps each grain toast and absorb flavor.
- Season & Sauté: Once the rice is buttered, gently stir everything together – the rice, vegetables, chicken, and shrimp. Pour in the soy sauce or coconut aminos, ensuring it’s distributed evenly. Continue to stir and sauté until the rice is uniformly colored and all components are well seasoned. This step allows the rice to soak up the savory sauce, developing its signature fried rice flavor.
- Scramble the Eggs: Once again, push the rice and other ingredients to the sides of the griddle, creating another clean well in the center. Crack the eggs directly into this well. Quickly stir and scramble the eggs until they are just cooked through and form fluffy curds. Use your spatula to chop the cooked eggs into smaller pieces and then integrate them thoroughly with the rest of the fried rice mixture.
- Final Touches & Serve: Take a moment to taste your magnificent creation. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to suit your palate. Serve your homemade shrimp and chicken fried rice immediately, piping hot. For an extra flourish and fresh flavor, consider garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!
🎯 TFN Pro Tip: Master the Art of Mise en Place
The secret to perfect, stress-free fried rice lies in “mise en place” – having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Fried rice cooks incredibly fast once it hits the hot griddle or skillet. Ensure your chicken, shrimp, vegetables, rice, sauces, and seasonings are all measured, chopped, and within arm’s reach. This proactive approach ensures a smooth cooking process, prevents anything from overcooking or burning, and guarantees a delicious result every time.
Delightful Serving Suggestions
While this shrimp and chicken fried rice recipe is truly filling and satisfying enough to be a standalone meal, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a more elaborate dinner spread. Here are some ideas to complete your culinary experience:
For a refreshing starter or side, consider a crisp shredded carrot salad, some delicate steamed dumplings, or a warming bowl of miso soup. If you’d like to add more vibrant greens and nutrients to your plate, roasted vegetables are an excellent choice. Try serving it alongside perfectly roasted asparagus or quick and easy air fryer green beans for a delightful crunch.
And, of course, no wonderful meal is complete without a sweet finish! Conclude your feast with refreshing fresh pineapple slices, a scoop of tangy mango sorbet, or even a unique twist with our delightful matcha white chocolate cookies. These additions will perfectly round out your homemade takeout experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (Fried Rice FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making chicken and shrimp fried rice, along with helpful answers to ensure your success:
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice for this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and remain incredibly juicy, even under high heat. Just remember to cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the fried rice.
The beauty of fried rice is its flexibility with vegetables! Classic choices like broccoli, carrots, peas, snap peas, and mushrooms are always delicious. You can also experiment with bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or edamame. For maximum convenience, frozen mixed vegetables (thawed) or even chopped green onions make quick and easy additions. Feel free to use whatever fresh, seasonal vegetables you have on hand for a customized dish.
To keep your fried rice fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its quality and flavor for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, for best results, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each interval, to prevent it from drying out.
Day-old (or leftover) cooked rice is drier and firmer than freshly cooked rice. This characteristic is crucial for fried rice because it prevents the grains from clumping together and becoming mushy when stir-fried. Dry rice separates beautifully, allowing each grain to crisp up slightly and absorb the savory flavors more effectively, giving you that authentic takeout texture.
Yes, this shrimp and chicken fried rice is fantastic for meal prep! Its flavors meld even further after a day, and it reheats wonderfully. Prepare a larger batch and divide it into individual airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners throughout your busy week. It’s a delicious way to ensure you have wholesome meals readily available.
More Dinner Recipes to Love…
- Bone In Ribeye Steak Recipe
- Hearty Chicken and Rice Bowl
- Creamy Gnocchi Chicken
- Ruth Chris Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
If you tried this sensational shrimp and chicken fried rice recipe or any other delicious recipe on my website, please take a moment to leave a 🌟 star rating and share your experience in the 📝 comments section below. Your feedback means a lot! For more culinary inspiration, follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram. Thank you for visiting and happy cooking!
Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice
Renae Gerhardstein
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- griddle or 12 inch heavy skillet
- flat spatula
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil or avocado oil (or any high smoke point oil)
- 3 cups chopped vegetables (e.g., broccoli, yellow squash, zucchini, slivered carrots, mushrooms, snap peas, or seasonal favorites)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ pound chicken tenderloins or 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips (see notes)
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups white long grain rice, cooked and cooled (ideally refrigerated for 1-2 hours)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 3 large eggs (can omit for egg-free)
Instructions
- Preheat your griddle or a large skillet on high heat. Once it’s smoking hot, reduce the heat to medium-high and add the oil. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers.
- Add the chopped vegetables and onion to the griddle. Season them with garlic powder. Immediately add the shrimp and chicken strips. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 3-4 minutes, until the shrimp just turns pink and the chicken develops a light golden color. If you prefer your chicken bite-sized, remove it briefly, chop it, and then return it to the griddle.
- Create a well in the center of the shrimp, chicken, and vegetable mixture. Add the butter and let it melt. Then, add the rice, breaking it apart with your spatula to coat it evenly in the butter.
- Stir the rice, vegetables, shrimp, and chicken together thoroughly. Pour in the soy sauce (or coconut aminos) and mix until the rice is lightly colored and well seasoned to your taste.
- Push the rice and veggies to the sides, creating a new well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and stir to scramble them. Once cooked, use your flat spatula to chop the eggs into small pieces and then mix them in with the rice.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve your shrimp and chicken fried rice hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Video
Notes
- Rice Preparation Tip: For the best texture in fried rice, use cold, day-old rice. If you’re cooking fresh rice, make 2-3 batches at a time. Enjoy one portion immediately and let the rest cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing in airtight containers. This ensures you always have perfectly textured rice ready for your next fried rice creation!
- Cutting Chicken Breasts into Strips: To prepare chicken breasts for this recipe, cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts crosswise into 1 1/2 by 2-inch strips, similar in size to chicken tenderloins.
- The Colder the Rice, the Better: From experience, colder rice results in more flavorful fried rice. If time allows, refrigerate your cooked rice for 1-2 hours before cooking it on your griddle or skillet. This helps the grains stay separate and absorb the flavors better.
Recipe Variations:
- Add green onions and fresh ginger: Stir in sliced green onions and a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger during the final minutes of cooking for a burst of flavor and brightness.
- Use jasmine rice or cauliflower rice: Swap the white rice for jasmine rice for a more aromatic dish. Or, for a low carb option, use cauliflower rice—just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking it.
- Customize your protein: Instead of chicken tenderloins, try easy chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Use up whatever leftover chicken you have on hand.
Storing Instructions:
- Shrimp chicken fried rice will keep well stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Let the leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
