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a plate of savory Kimchi Chicken Fried Rice is garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, and a sunny-side-up fried egg.

Best Kimchi Chicken Fried Rice Recipe | Easy Korean-Inspired Dinner

By Nancy
Make this Kimchi Chicken Fried Rice Recipe with tender chicken, kimchi, rice, and bold Korean flavors for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Fried Rice, Main Course
Cuisine Asian fusion, Korean-inspired
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked day-old rice
  • 1 cup kimchi roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons kimchi brine
  • 300 g about 10 oz chicken breast or thigh
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil vegetable or avocado
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang optional
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 spring onions sliced
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep Everything Before You Touch the Heat

  • Dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Chop the kimchi roughly — Mince the garlic. Slice the spring onions. Beat the eggs separately in a small bowl.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken, season lightly with a pinch of salt, and let it brown—do not stir immediately.
    Let it cook for 2 minutes without stirring, then flip it and cook thoroughly for 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Fry the Kimchi and Garlic

  • In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Add the garlic first—just for 30 seconds—then add the chopped kimchi and kimchi brine. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add the Rice

  • Break up the cold rice with your hands before adding it to the pan. Let it sit for a full 60 seconds without stirring. Then mix everything together, combining the kimchi with the rice.

Step 5: Eggs and Chicken Back In

  • Push the rice to the sides of the pan. Pour in the beaten eggs and stir quickly—for 45–60 seconds until they set slightly, then add them to the rice while they’re still slightly runny.
    Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss the ingredients together one last time.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

  • Remove the pan from the heat. Drizzle sesame oil over the dish after removing the pan from the heat.
    Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: ~420 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
Keyword Kimchi Chicken Fried Rice