Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a quick, delicious, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and perfectly cooked rice. It’s great as a standalone meal or as a side to complement other dishes. This fried rice is customizable, allowing you to add your favorite veggies or seasonings. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover rice and chicken!

Here’s how to make a simple, savory Garlic Chicken Fried Rice:

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, diced into small cubes)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice for better texture)
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (or any vegetables of your choice like corn, bell peppers, or green beans)
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust based on your salt preference)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami flavor)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (for extra fragrance)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice and Chicken:

Cooked rice: If you don’t have leftover rice, cook the rice in advance and let it cool completely. The texture is best when the rice is a bit dry, so using day-old rice is ideal.
Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized cubes. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Scramble the Eggs:

In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil (add more if needed) and heat it over medium-high heat.
Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until they’re fully cooked. Remove the scrambled eggs and set them aside with the chicken.

4. Cook the Garlic and Vegetables:

In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Add the frozen peas and carrots (or your choice of vegetables) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they are heated through.

5. Combine the Rice:

Add the cooked rice to the pan with the garlic and vegetables. Use a spatula to break up any clumps of rice.
Stir-fry the rice for 2-3 minutes, letting it get lightly crispy on the bottom.

6. Season the Fried Rice:

Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir everything together to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
Add the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs back into the pan. Stir to combine and let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, pepper, or chili flakes (if using).
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot!

Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken Fried Rice:

Day-old rice is best: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist, which may result in mushy fried rice. Day-old rice has a firmer texture and is perfect for stir-frying.
Adjust the veggies: Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just make sure they are chopped small and cook them through before adding the rice.
Protein options: You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Add a kick: If you love spicy food, add sriracha to the sauce or mix in some fresh chopped chili for heat.
Soy sauce alternatives: If you’re avoiding soy, try tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos for a similar flavor.

Why This Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is Awesome:

Quick and Easy: It comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
Customizable: You can add whatever veggies or protein you prefer, making it easy to cater to your tastes.
Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil gives this dish a deep umami flavor, while the chicken adds protein to keep you full.
One-pan meal: It’s made all in one pan or wok, making cleanup a breeze!

This Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is the ultimate comfort food that’s both filling and satisfying, with a perfect balance of savory and garlicky flavors. You can also make it in larger batches and store leftovers for lunch the next day!

Let me know if you need variations or additional toppings—I’m happy to help!