Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with aromatic garlic, vegetables, and rice for a quick and delicious meal. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for making Garlic Chicken Fried Rice:
Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced into small pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables of your choice)
- 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice, as it fries better)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions:
- Prepare the rice:
- If you don’t have leftover rice, cook 1-1.5 cups of rice ahead of time and let it cool down before using it in the fried rice. Cold rice works best for fried rice since it doesn’t get mushy.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the garlic and onion:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is softened.
- Add the vegetables:
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots (or your preferred mixed veggies). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are heated through.
- Scramble the eggs:
- Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space in the skillet and scramble them until fully cooked. Once done, mix the eggs in with the vegetables.
- Add the rice:
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir everything together so the rice is evenly mixed with the garlic, vegetables, and egg.
- Season:
- Drizzle the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil over the rice. Stir well to coat the rice evenly with the sauces. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, salt, or pepper as needed.
- Combine with chicken:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, mixing it into the fried rice. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot!
Tips:
- Rice: Day-old rice works best for fried rice as it’s drier and easier to stir-fry without becoming mushy.
- Protein: You can swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu if you prefer a different protein.
- Flavor adjustments: Feel free to add a dash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your fried rice.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers, corn, or even pineapple for a twist!
This Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a one-pan dish that’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying! It’s perfect as a main dish or as a side to complement other Asian-inspired meals. Enjoy!