Today, I made this flavor-packed, one-pan Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice for dinner, and it's always a huge hit in my home! This savory, protein-packed, and easy-to-make dish combines juicy chicken, tender shrimp, fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and a rich, umami-filled sauce for a meal that's both delicious and satisfying.
When it comes to chicken and shrimp recipes with rice, this one stands out because of its savory garlic-ginger base, fluffy grains of rice, and rich umami flavors from soy sauce and sesame oil. The shrimp adds a light, slightly sweet seafood touch, while the chicken provides heartiness and depth. If you love chicken and shrimp dishes, this stir-fried classic is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether served as a main course or alongside other Asian-inspired sides, this shrimp fried rice with chicken will satisfy your cravings for bold, comforting flavors in every bite, while the vibrant veggies add texture and nutrition. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan fried rice recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful and comforting meals!
Looking for more one-pan recipes ready in under 30 minutes? Check out my Ground Chicken Spaghetti, Glass Noodle Stir-Fry, Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine, and Pesto Ricotta Pasta!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
- What to Serve with Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice
- Best Rice for Fried Rice
- Ingredients
- How to make fried rice with chicken and shrimp
- Substitutions
- Fried Rice Variations
- Equipment
- Storage
- Top Tips for Perfect homemade chicken shrimp fried rice everytime:
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks in a single pan, meaning less cleanup and more convenience.
- Protein-Packed – A delicious combination of juicy chicken and tender shrimp, making it hearty and satisfying.
- Better Than Takeout – Loaded with bold, umami flavors, this homemade version is fresher and healthier than restaurant fried rice.
- Customizable – Swap the protein, add more veggies, or make it spicy for a personalized touch!
- Great for Meal Prep – Stores well in the fridge, so you can enjoy leftovers for a quick and tasty meal anytime.
Once you try it, this flavor-packed, one-pan fried rice will become a favorite in your home!
What to Serve with Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice
Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice is a complete meal on its own, packed with the perfect balance of carbs, protein, and fiber. However, you can elevate your meal by pairing it with crispy spring rolls, egg rolls, or dumplings for a delicious appetizer. Complement the dish with a warm bowl of egg drop soup, spicy vegetable soup, or miso soup. If you want extra protein, serve it with teriyaki chicken or blackened salmon bites for a well-rounded and satisfying meal! For a lighter side, try Asian cucumber salad, stir-fried bok choy, or sautéed green beans.
Best Rice for Fried Rice
The best rice for fried rice should be firm, non-sticky, and able to absorb flavors while maintaining its texture. Here are the top choices to make pick the best choice for making shrimp and chicken fried rice recipe:
Day-Old Cooked Rice (Preferred)
Chilled, day-old rice is slightly dried out, preventing it from becoming mushy when stir-fried. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Long-Grain Rice (Best Choice)
Jasmine Rice – Light, fluffy, and slightly fragrant, making it the best option for fried rice.
Basmati Rice – Less sticky, with long separate grains that absorb sauces well.
For the best restaurant-style fried rice, jasmine rice is the top choice!
Ingredients
This dish delivers the best Chinese chicken fried rice experience right from your own kitchen. It needs only 10 main ingredients to create this flavorful fried rice recipe!
- Chicken - Provides a hearty, protein-rich base that pairs well with the shrimp for a balanced dish. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs ensures juicy and flavorful bites.
- Shrimp - Adds a sweet, delicate seafood flavor that enhances the dish. Cooking shrimp quickly over high heat keeps them tender and juicy.
- Cooked Rice - The main component of fried rice, day-old rice is ideal as it’s slightly dried out, preventing messiness and allowing each grain to absorb the sauce. I have used a day old jasmine rice for the recipe.
- Carrots and Peas - Adds natural sweetness and a slight crunch, enhancing both the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Onion - Provides a slightly sharp, sweet flavor when sautéed, helping to balance the richness of the dish.
- Garlic - Enhances the umami flavors with its aromatic, I always use fresh garlic works since they are best for maximum flavor.
- Ginger - Brings a warm, slightly peppery taste that pairs well with garlic and soy sauce, adding depth to the dish. You can either grate and mince them finely.
- Soy Sauce - A key seasoning that adds a salty, umami depth to the dish while giving the rice a slightly darker color. If you are using low- sodium soy sauce, check the seasonings and adjust the salt.
- Oyster Sauce - Adds a slightly sweet and savory richness, deepening the overall flavor profile of the fried rice.
- Sesame Oil - Adds a distinct nutty aroma and flavor, enhancing the Asian-inspired taste of the dish. So don’t skip this!
- Oil - Used to cook the chicken, shrimp, and vegetables while preventing sticking. Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil work best.
- Salt & Black Pepper - Enhances the flavors and balances the dish.
- Green Onions - Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the final dish.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make fried rice with chicken and shrimp
The combination of seafood and poultry makes it a flavor-packed, protein-rich meal that’s quick, easy, and better than takeout. The step-by-step instructions below can help you to create this amazing recipe!
In a large skillet, cook the chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes until its done.
In a same skillet, cook the shrimp for 4-5 minutes until its done.
Add onion, garlic, ginger and veggies and cook for 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the sauces along with the cooked chicken, shrimp and rice.
Continue mixing for 3-5 minutes, ensuring that the rice, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the ingredients to develop a slight crispiness for that authentic fried rice texture. If needed, adjust the seasoning with a little extra soy sauce or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Once everything is well combined and heated through, sprinkle generously with chopped green onions for a fresh, aromatic finish. You can also add a dash of sesame seeds or red chili flakes for extra flavor. Serve the fried rice hot, straight from the pan, and enjoy this delicious, homemade Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep!
Substitutions
If you need to swap out ingredients, here are some great alternatives to keep your fried rice flavorful and balanced!
Rice Substitutes:
Brown Rice – A healthier alternative with more fiber; slightly chewy but works well.
Cauliflower Rice – Low-carb and keto-friendly, great for a lighter version.
Quinoa – Adds protein and a nutty flavor while keeping the dish gluten-free.
Vegetarian Protein Substitute:
Tofu – A great vegetarian option. Firm tofu works best when pan-fried first to maintain texture.
Oyster Sauce Substitute:
Hoisin Sauce – Slightly sweeter but works as a great replacement.
Soy Sauce + Brown Sugar – A mix of soy sauce and a small amount of brown sugar mimics the depth of oyster sauce.
These swaps will help you customize your fried rice while keeping it delicious and satisfying!
Fried Rice Variations
Looking to switch things up? Try these delicious variations for a unique twist on classic fried rice!
- Beef Fried Rice – Use thinly sliced steak or ground beef for a hearty and savory version.
- Egg Fried Rice – A simple yet delicious option with scrambled eggs as the main protein. My kids favorite one!
- Pineapple Fried Rice – Adds a tropical, sweet-savory flavor with fresh or canned pineapple chunks. Perfect to make when pineapple is in season.
- Spicy Fried Rice – Mix in Sriracha, red chili flakes, or Thai chili for an extra kick.
- Quinoa Fried Rice – A high-protein, fiber-rich alternative with the same great stir-fried flavors. You dont want to worry about cards here!
- Mexican Fried Rice – Toss in black beans, corn, and salsa for a Tex-Mex-inspired dish.
Equipment
- Large Skillet - All you need is a one skillet to make the entire recipe.
- Serving bowls - To serve the shrimp fried rice.
- Measuring spoons and cups - To measure the quantity of spices and other ingredients.
Storage
To keep your fried rice fresh and flavorful, follow these simple storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow the fried rice to cool completely before storing to prevent excess moisture. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled rice in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Flatten the rice in the bag for even freezing and easy thawing.
- Reheating (Stovetop): Heat a pan over medium heat, add a splash of oil or water, and stir-fry until hot.
- Reheating (Microwave): Place the rice in a bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to retain moisture.
With proper storage, your fried rice stays delicious for quick and easy meals!
Top Tips for Perfect homemade chicken shrimp fried rice everytime:
- Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture.
- If using fresh rice, let it cool completely before frying.
- Break up clumps before adding it to the pan to ensure even frying.
- Sear chicken, shrimp, or tofu separately, then set them aside to avoid overcooking. Add them back at the end.
- Cook on high heat to achieve that signature wok-fried aroma. It doesn’t mean you need to use only wok, any heavy bottom skillet should work.
- After adding rice to the pan, let it sit for 30-60 seconds before stirring to develop a crispy texture. Don’t skip this step!
FAQ
Yes, but for the best texture, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before stir-frying. This helps remove excess moisture and prevents mushiness.
Yes! Substitute with coconut aminos, tamari (gluten-free option), or a mix of salt and sesame oil for flavor.
Absolutely! Swap the chicken/shrimp for tofu, add more veggies, and use soy sauce or coconut aminos instead of oyster sauce.
Yes! You can try it with beef, salmon, pork, or even scrambled eggs for extra protein and flavor.
Jasmine rice is the best choice for fluffy, non-sticky fried rice. Basmati rice also works well, while brown rice adds a healthier twist with a slightly chewy texture.
Yes, you can use frozen chicken or shrimp in this fried rice recipe! But make sure you thaw them completely before using them in the recipe. After thawing, use a paper towel to remove excess moisture to prevent the shrimp/chicken from becoming watery while stir-frying.
Yes! You can add a variety of vegetables to your fried rice for extra flavor, texture, and nutrition. Few examples are: corn, bell pepper, cabbage, broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, etc.,
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this chicken shrimp fried rice recipe:
Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Serving Bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil divided
- 1 cup chicken breast or thighs diced (approx 5 ounces)
- 1 cup medium shrimp peeled and deveined (approx 4 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- ½ cup yellow onion chopped
- ¾ cup fresh/frozen carrots and peas thawed
- 3 cups cooked rice I used leftover Jasmine rice - a day old
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken, season with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes, until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the shrimp, season with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- To the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the garlic, ginger, and onion until fragrant.
- Next, add the carrots and peas, stirring for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Stir in the cooked rice along with the chicken, mixing well.
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, stirring until everything is evenly coated. Continue mixing for 3-5 minutes until well combined.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- For the best texture, use cold, day-old rice to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Fry chicken and shrimp in batches if needed to ensure each of them cooks evenly and gets a good sear.
- Add cashews or peanuts for a nutty crunch, if desired.
Nutrition
If you're craving a homemade, restaurant-quality meal, this fried rice with shrimp and chicken is a must-try! If you try this recipe, please leave a STAR rating in the comment section below! Your feedback helps a small blogger like me stay motivated in creating content for my readers. Also, feel free to follow me at Food Exit on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!
Wendy says
Interesting recipe! Can I use pre-cooked/ shrimp or chicken?
Abi Guna says
Ofcourse, you can use the pre-cooked meats too but add them while adding the rice along with the sauce ingredients and cook for 5 more minutes on high flame to get that flavor! Thanks for trying the recipe!
Abi Guna says
Our family's favorite dinner recipe is this fried rice, and we often make it on Sundays to meal prep for the week, ensuring that our weekday dinners are already sorted!