Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

How to Make Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

This garlic chicken fried rice is incredibly simple to make, and you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in no time. Here’s how to prepare it:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the diced chicken to the pan and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Veggies

• In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil (or sesame oil for added flavor). Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not burnt.
• Add the frozen peas and carrots (or any other vegetables you’re using) and cook for about 3 minutes until they’re heated through.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

• Push the veggies and garlic to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs for about 2 minutes, cooking until they are fully set. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the garlic and veggies.

Step 4: Add the Rice

• Add the day-old rice (or freshly cooked rice that has cooled down) to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and toss everything together. The rice should be lightly fried and coated with the oils and flavors from the pan.

Step 5: Season the Rice

• Add the cooked chicken back into the pan along with the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to coat everything evenly. Drizzle with a bit of sesame oil for extra flavor if desired.
• Taste the rice and add salt and pepper as needed. Keep stirring to ensure the rice is heated through and well-seasoned.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and crunch.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

1. Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can become too soft and sticky when fried. For the best texture, use day-old rice that’s been chilled in the fridge. This helps the rice stay firm and separate during cooking, allowing it to fry up beautifully.
2. Add Your Favorite Veggies: This dish is super versatile. You can add bell peppers, corn, broccoli, or even spinach. If you have leftover veggies from other meals, this is a great way to incorporate them into your fried rice.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, consider using a bigger pan or wok. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than frying, so give the rice and ingredients enough space to crisp up properly.
4. Customize Your Protein: While this recipe uses chicken, feel free to substitute it with shrimp, beef, or tofu for different flavors. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great for a quicker, no-cook option.
5. Adjust the Seasonings: Soy sauce is the base seasoning in this dish, but you can also play with the flavors by adding a bit of hoisin sauce, sriracha for spice, or even a dash of fish sauce for extra depth.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a meal that offers the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and convenience. The crispy rice, tender chicken, and savory garlic create a dish that’s satisfying without being heavy. It’s versatile enough to be adapted to your tastes and dietary preferences, and the fact that it all comes together in one pan makes it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight.

This dish is also great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for a few days and even reheats beautifully in the microwave. Whether you’re making it for dinner, lunch, or as a side dish, Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is sure to please everyone at the table.

Conclusion

If you’re in need of a quick, delicious, and customizable meal that can be made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is the answer. With its savory flavors, easy preparation, and versatility, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it today, and enjoy a homemade meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor!