Description:
Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a satisfying and versatile dish that brings together savory garlic, tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice. This recipe is ideal for a quick meal or a filling side, and it’s easily customizable with your choice of vegetables or proteins.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice, chilled
Chilled, day-old rice works best for fried rice, as it’s drier and won’t clump during cooking. Using freshly cooked rice may result in a mushy texture, so we recommend cooking the rice ahead of time and letting it cool in the fridge. - 2 chicken breasts, diced
Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, making them perfect for this dish. Dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy mixing with the rice. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, richer flavor. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is essential in this recipe, providing a fragrant base that enhances the overall flavor. Mince the garlic finely so it blends well with the chicken and other ingredients. Adjust the garlic quantity to taste if you enjoy a stronger garlic flavor. - 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
Using a variety of vegetables not only adds color but also makes this dish more nutritious. Peas, carrots, and corn are classic choices, but feel free to add others, like bell peppers or green beans, for more flavor and texture. - 2 eggs, beaten
Eggs bring a rich flavor and additional protein to the dish. Beating them beforehand allows for easy incorporation into the fried rice. Scramble the eggs separately to prevent them from getting lost in the rice. - 2 tbsp soy sauce
Soy sauce provides a savory, umami depth to the fried rice. It’s best to add it gradually and taste as you go to avoid making the dish too salty. You can choose low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a lighter flavor. - 1 tbsp sesame oil
Sesame oil is key for authentic flavor, adding a subtle nutty aroma that pairs well with the other ingredients. A little goes a long way, so just one tablespoon will suffice. - Salt and pepper, to taste
These basic seasonings help enhance the natural flavors in the dish. Be cautious with the salt, as the soy sauce adds saltiness as well. Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spice and warmth. - Green onions for garnish (optional)
Fresh green onions add a mild onion flavor and vibrant color to the finished dish. Sprinkle them on top just before serving for a fresh, crisp element.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice
Start with cooked white rice that’s been chilled. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in fried rice. If the rice is freshly cooked, let it cool to room temperature, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
2. Dice the Chicken
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and dice them into small, uniform pieces. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and quickly. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps with browning.
3. Mince the Garlic
Fresh garlic provides an aromatic base to the fried rice. Mince it finely so it distributes evenly through the dish, giving each bite a hint of garlic without overwhelming other flavors.
4. Heat the Oil in a Skillet or Wok
For best results, use a large skillet or wok. Heat a neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil, over medium-high heat. A large cooking surface prevents overcrowding, which is essential for even cooking.
5. Cook the Chicken and Garlic
Add the diced chicken and minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
6. Push Chicken to the Side
Once the chicken is done, push it to one side of the skillet. This creates space for the eggs and prevents the chicken from overcooking as you prepare the other components.
7. Scramble the Eggs
Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the skillet. Let them set slightly, then scramble until fully cooked. Mixing the eggs separately helps retain their distinct texture in the final dish.
8. Add Mixed Vegetables
Add your prepared mixed vegetables to the skillet. If using frozen vegetables, thaw them beforehand for quicker cooking. Stir them in and cook for a few minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
9. Add the Chilled Rice
Now, add the chilled rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir the rice with the other ingredients to distribute everything evenly.
10. Season with Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil
Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Stir well to coat the rice and other ingredients with the sauces, allowing the rice to absorb their flavors fully. Adjust the soy sauce to taste if needed.
11. Season with Salt and Pepper
Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that soy sauce is salty, so start with a light hand on the salt. Freshly ground pepper adds a gentle heat to balance the richness of the dish.
12. Garnish with Green Onions (Optional)
For a fresh finish, sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving. This adds a mild onion flavor and brightens up the final presentation.
13. Serve Hot
Transfer the Garlic Chicken Fried Rice to a serving dish and enjoy it while it’s hot. This dish is perfect as a main course or a side to accompany other Asian-inspired dishes.
Additional Tips:
- Using Leftover Rice: This recipe is ideal for repurposing leftover rice, making it a time-saving meal. Storing rice in the fridge dries it out, which prevents clumping when stir-frying.
- Adding Extra Protein: You can easily customize this dish with other proteins, such as shrimp or tofu, for a different take. If using shrimp, add them toward the end to avoid overcooking.
- Vegetable Variations: Try adding different vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, for added flavor and color. Experiment with what you have on hand or your family’s favorite veggies.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this Garlic Chicken Fried Rice alongside a bowl of miso soup or a fresh green salad for a complete, balanced meal. It also pairs well with other dishes like dumplings or spring rolls for a multi-course experience.
Nutritional Insights
Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is rich in protein, thanks to the chicken and eggs, and has essential vitamins from mixed vegetables. It’s an adaptable recipe where you can control sodium levels by using low-sodium soy sauce and adjusting seasonings. This dish provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, making it both filling and nutritious.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out. Alternatively, microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each one to heat evenly.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a timeless dish that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s a recipe that both beginners and experienced cooks will enjoy.
Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice, chilled
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and minced garlic, cooking until the chicken is cooked through and the garlic is fragrant.
- Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Add beaten eggs to the other side and scramble until fully cooked.
- Toss in mixed vegetables and stir until they are tender.
- Add chilled rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps as you stir-fry.
- Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful fried rice!