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Cauliflower Fried Rice With Chicken - A Light, Flavorful Weeknight Favorite

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (or 4 cups pre-riced cauliflower)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into small bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado, canola, or light olive oil), divided
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (no need to thaw)
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced (whites and greens separated)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1–2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Optional add-ins: 1 cup diced bell pepper, 1/2 cup corn, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat

Method
 

  1. Rice the cauliflower. Remove the leaves and core. Cut into florets and pulse in a food processor until it looks like rice. Work in batches to avoid mush. If you don’t have a processor, grate on the large holes of a box grater. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Prep the chicken. Pat dry, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Smaller pieces cook faster and get better browning.
  3. Cook the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 2–3 minutes to get color, then stir until cooked through, 4–6 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Build the aromatics. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add onion and the white parts of the green onions. Cook 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the veggies. Toss in peas and carrots (and any optional veg like bell pepper). Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring, until warmed and crisp-tender.
  6. Scramble the eggs. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Let them set for 10–15 seconds, then scramble until just cooked. Mix into the vegetables.
  7. Stir-fry the cauliflower rice. Add the riced cauliflower. Spread it out and let it cook undisturbed for 1 minute to steam off moisture. Stir and cook another 3–5 minutes until tender with a slight bite. Avoid overcooking—it should not turn soggy.
  8. Season and finish. Return the chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to combine and taste. Adjust with more soy, a dash of rice vinegar for brightness, or a squeeze of sriracha for heat. Stir in the green onion tops and serve hot.