Craving the savory, satisfying flavor of Ajinomoto chicken fried rice but want to skip the freezer aisle? You’re in the right place. This homemade version delivers everything you love about the classic juicy chicken, fluffy rice, crispy veggies, and umami packed soy sauce with fresher ingredients, less sodium, and more flavor.
At gatetasty, we teamed up with Chef Lucas Benetti to break down what makes the original dish so good and how to make it even better at home using simple ingredients and your stovetop.
What Is Ajinomoto Chicken Fried Rice?
Ajinomoto is known for its line of Asian style frozen meals and their chicken fried rice is one of the most popular. It’s a quick meal that combines seasoned rice with small chicken pieces, diced carrots, peas, scrambled eggs, and a light soy based sauce.
Why People Love It
| Feature | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Fast & convenient | Ready in minutes from frozen |
| Savory umami flavor | Balanced soy seasoning and aromatics |
| Balanced ingredients | Chicken, egg, rice, and veggies in one dish |
| Customizable | Easy to add hot sauce, soy, or garlic |
But there’s a tradeoff frozen fried rice can be heavy on sodium, light on meat, and missing that fresh wok fried taste. That’s where Chef Lucas steps in.
Chef Lucas Benetti’s Homemade Upgrade
Chef Lucas Benetti re engineered the frozen classic to create a pan fried, crispy, flavor forward dish that’s still quick and easy just fresher, brighter, and loaded with customizable options.
What He Does Differently
- Uses cold, day old jasmine rice for ideal texture
- Adds more chicken and browns it for extra flavor
- Sautéed garlic, ginger, and scallions for aromatics
- A sauce blend of low sodium soy, sesame oil, and mirin
- Optional: scrambled egg, chili crisp, or toasted sesame seeds
“The secret’s in the rice and the timing,” Lucas says. “High heat, minimal moisture, and a flavor punch at the end.”
gatetasty’s Chicken Fried Rice Method
This homemade Ajinomoto chicken fried rice takes just 20 minutes less than it takes to preheat your oven and cook a frozen pack. You can also meal prep it ahead of time and reheat in portions.
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
- 2 cups cold, cooked jasmine rice (day old recommended)
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast or thigh
- 1 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: pinch of white pepper, chili crisp, sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Heat the pan
Use a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil.
2. Scramble eggs
Pour in beaten eggs, scramble briefly, and remove once just set.
3. Sauté aromatics
Add garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions. Cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add chicken and veggies
Stir in diced chicken and frozen peas/carrots. Cook until heated through.
5. Add rice and brown
Add cold rice. Press down with spatula and let sit for 1 minute before stirring. Repeat for slight crisping.
6. Season and toss
Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil. Add scrambled egg back in. Toss everything together.
7. Garnish and serve
Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Ingredients, Swaps & Flavor Boosters Table
| Ingredient | Swap Options | Why/How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Jasmine rice | Basmati, long grain white rice | Must be cold and day old for texture |
| Chicken breast | Chicken thigh, tofu, shrimp | Adds protein and flavor |
| Soy sauce | Tamari (GF), coconut aminos | Main umami and salt source |
| Peas and carrots | Bell peppers, corn, edamame | Add color and crunch |
| Sesame oil | Chili oil, garlic oil | Finish with aromatic punch |
How It Compares: Homemade vs. Frozen Ajinomoto
| Feature | Ajinomoto (Frozen) | Homemade (gatetasty) |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor depth | Mild seasoning | Strong aromatics + customizable |
| Chicken content | Light and diced | More chicken, better texture |
| Sodium level | Higher (up to 1000mg/serving) | Controlled with low sodium soy |
| Texture | Soft, steamed | Crisped rice with wok char |
| Customization | Minimal | Fully adjustable (egg, spice, toppings) |
| Time | 8–10 mins (microwave) | 15–20 mins (fresh) |
Chef Lucas Insight: “The frozen version is convenient, but nothing beats real garlic, sizzling rice, and tender chicken cooked fresh in your pan.”
Storage, Leftovers & Meal Prep Tips
Homemade fried rice is one of the best meals for leftovers it reheats easily and even improves in flavor by day two.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3–4 days | Reheat in skillet or microwave with splash of water |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze flat in bags, reheat from frozen in pan |
| Meal prep container | 3–4 days | Add extra sauce just before serving |
Tip: Store green onions or sesame oil separately to add after reheating for freshness.
FAQs About Ajinomoto Chicken Fried Rice
1. Can AJI NO MOTO be used in fried rice?
Yes, AJI NO MOTO (monosodium glutamate or MSG) can be used in fried rice to enhance the savory, umami flavor. A small pinch can elevate the taste of the dish, especially when used alongside soy sauce and aromatics like garlic and green onions. However, it’s optional and should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
2. How to cook AJI NO MOTO chicken fried rice?
To cook Ajinomoto chicken fried rice (frozen version), follow the instructions on the package:
- Microwave: Place the frozen contents on a microwave safe plate, cover, and heat for 4–5 minutes.
- Skillet: Add the frozen rice to a heated non stick skillet and cook on medium heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
If you’re making a homemade version inspired by Ajinomoto, sauté garlic and aromatics in oil, add cold cooked rice, chicken, vegetables, soy sauce, and a touch of AJI NO MOTO for depth.
3. What are the ingredients in Ajinomoto yakitori chicken fried rice?
Ajinomoto’s Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice includes:
- Cooked white rice
- Grilled yakitori style chicken (sweet savory soy glaze)
- Carrots, peas, and scrambled eggs
- Soy sauce and seasoning (may include flavor enhancers like MSG)
- Sesame oil and other natural flavors
Always check the package for specific ingredients and allergens.
4. Is Ajinomoto yakitori chicken with Japanese style fried rice gluten free?
No, it is not certified gluten free. The dish contains soy sauce, which typically includes wheat unless labeled gluten free. Additionally, cross contamination can occur during processing. If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it’s best to avoid the frozen product or make a gluten free version at home using tamari or gluten free soy sauce and certified ingredients.
Conclusion
The convenience of Ajinomoto chicken fried rice is hard to beat but once you try Chef Lucas Benetti’s homemade version, you may never look back. It’s fast, packed with real flavor, and flexible enough for whatever you have in your fridge.
Whether you’re craving takeout style fried rice or want to meal prep a protein rich lunch, this recipe checks every box: crispy, savory, and better for you comfort food.
Explore more homemade twists on your frozen favorites at gatetasty.com where Chef Lucas Benetti brings restaurant style flavor to your everyday kitchen.
