Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful, one-pan meal that’s quick and easy to make—perfect for using up leftover rice and transforming it into something delicious. Here’s a simple recipe for a savory and garlicky fried rice with tender chicken.
Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or any other veggies you like)
- 4 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for a boost of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 tsp chili flakes (for a little heat)
Instructions:
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Cook the chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Sauté the garlic and onion:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
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Cook the veggies:
- Add the frozen peas and carrots (or other vegetables) to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until heated through and tender.
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Scramble the eggs:
- Push the veggies to one side of the pan. In the empty space, pour the beaten eggs and scramble them, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fully set. Once scrambled, mix the eggs with the veggies.
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Add the rice:
- Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir everything together so the rice gets evenly mixed with the garlic, veggies, and eggs.
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Season the rice:
- Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over the rice and stir well to coat evenly. Add sesame oil and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, add chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
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Add the chicken back in:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring everything together until the chicken is heated through.
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Garnish and serve:
- Once everything is well combined and heated, remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Fried Rice:
- Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice is too soft and moist, making it clump together. Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and the grains stay separated.
- Customize the veggies: You can use any veggies you have on hand—corn, bell peppers, broccoli, or even mushrooms work great in this dish.
- Make it spicy: Add sriracha sauce or chili oil for an extra kick if you like your fried rice spicy.
- Add more protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked shrimp, bacon, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
This Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day—it’s fast, tasty, and full of flavor. Enjoy! Let me know if you’d like to make any tweaks or add your own special touch!