Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked rice with a blend of savory seasonings. This dish can serve as a main course or a side dish to complement your favorite Asian-inspired meals. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and transform it into something delicious and satisfying.

In this recipe, we’ll break down each component, offering tips and tricks to achieve the perfect fried rice, as well as variations for making the dish your own. With detailed instructions and helpful advice, you’ll be able to whip up this garlic chicken fried rice quickly and efficiently.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts or thighs into small bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.

2. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors and gives it a deeper taste.

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3. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

2. Preparing the Fried Rice

1. Prepare the rice: If you’re using leftover rice, break it up with a fork so that the grains are separated. Cold rice is ideal for fried rice because it has a firmer texture and doesn’t become mushy when fried.

2. Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet or wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the diced onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and soft, around 2-3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add mixed vegetables: Add the frozen or fresh mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn) into the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes. If using fresh vegetables, cook them until tender. This adds texture and color to the fried rice.

4. Scramble the eggs: Push the veggies and onions to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs by stirring them gently until they are fully cooked, about 2 minutes.

5. Add the rice: Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan. Break up any large clumps of rice with your spatula. Stir the rice into the vegetables and eggs to mix everything together.

6. Season the rice: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the seasonings.

3. Combine the Chicken and Rice

1. Add the chicken back in: Once the rice is fully seasoned and heated through, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the fried rice.

2. Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle sliced green onions over the fried rice for freshness and a pop of color. If desired, you can also add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice for an extra zing.

3. Serve hot: Serve the garlic chicken fried rice immediately while it’s hot. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or as a side to your favorite Asian-inspired meals.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

1. Use cold rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky for fried rice. Using day-old rice helps achieve that perfect fried rice texture. The cold rice is firmer and holds up better during the frying process.

2. Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook the rice in two batches. Overcrowding the pan can result in uneven cooking.

3. Customize the vegetables: You can use any vegetables you like. Common choices include peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers, or even broccoli.

4. Adjust seasoning to taste: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of soy sauce, sesame oil, or oyster sauce for the right balance of flavors.

5. Use a wok: If possible, use a wok for frying the rice. Woks are perfect for stir-frying because they distribute heat evenly and allow for quick cooking.

6. Add protein variations: In addition to chicken, you can add shrimp, pork, beef, or tofu. Simply cook the protein separately and then combine it with the rice.

Variations of Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

While garlic chicken fried rice is delicious on its own, here are a few variations you can try to keep things exciting:

1. Spicy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

For those who enjoy a little heat, add a teaspoon of chili flakes, sriracha, or a splash of chili oil to the rice while it’s cooking. This will give your fried rice an extra layer of spice.

2. Garlic Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice

To add a sweet twist, incorporate diced pineapple into your fried rice. The sweetness from the pineapple complements the savory chicken and garlic, creating a delightful balance.

3. Veggie Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

For a healthier version, you can add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. These can be sautéed alongside the garlic and onions to enhance the flavor of the fried rice.

4. Garlic Chicken and Egg Fried Rice

While this recipe includes eggs, you can add more eggs for extra richness. Simply scramble a couple more eggs and mix them into the rice for a creamier texture.

5. Garlic Chicken Fried Rice with Soy Sauce and Kimchi

For a Korean-inspired fried rice, you can stir in some kimchi at the end of cooking. The fermented flavor of kimchi adds depth and tanginess to the dish. Pair this with a fried egg on top for an even more authentic touch.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a satisfying and versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a spicy version, a sweet twist, or a veggie-packed dish, this recipe is a great foundation for endless variations. It’s simple to prepare, and with a little practice, you’ll be able to create a delicious fried rice every time.

Enjoy making this flavorful and filling dish for yourself, your family, or even for guests. It’s perfect for meal prep, too!

Yield: 4

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

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Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked rice with a blend of savory seasonings. This dish can serve as a main course or a side dish to complement your favorite Asian-inspired meals. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and transform it into something delicious and satisfying.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked and chilled white rice (preferably day-old rice)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 5-6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
• 3-4 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Green onions (scallions), sliced, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   Cook rice in advance and let it cool (chilled rice is ideal for fried rice).
   Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince garlic, chop the onion, and slice the green onions for garnish.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   Add diced chicken, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
   Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Cook Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, stir-fry until fragrant and softened (about 2 minutes).
   Add peas and carrots (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender.
   
4. Scramble the Eggs:
   Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the empty side.
   Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked, then mix everything together.
   
5. Fry the Rice:
   Add the chilled rice to the skillet and break up any clumps. Stir well to combine with the vegetables and eggs.
   Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to fry and get slightly crispy at the bottom.
   
6. Combine and Serve:
   Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, stir to combine, and cook for an additional minute or two.
   Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or salt if necessary.
   Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Notes

• Rice: Day-old rice is preferred because it’s drier and less likely to get mushy when frying. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice out on a baking sheet to cool it down quickly.
• Chicken Substitute: You can use shrimp, beef, or tofu in place of chicken for variety.
• Vegetable Variations: You can include other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms.
• Soy Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your taste preference. If using a low-sodium version, you may need to add more.