Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful dish that combines the aromatic flavors of garlic with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
This versatile and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, preparation steps, and some tips to make the best Garlic Chicken Fried Rice.
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Ingredients
Main Ingredients
2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
1 lb chicken breast, diced into small pieces
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
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2 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup bean sprouts
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
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1 teaspoon chili flakes for a spicy kick
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Cook the Rice: If you haven’t already, cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions. Day-old rice works best as it is slightly dried out and won’t clump together.
Dice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces.
Chop the Vegetables: Mince the garlic, finely chop the onion, and prepare any additional vegetables you plan to add.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
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Add More Oil: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan.
Sauté the Garlic and Onion: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan. Sauté until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Vegetables: Add the frozen peas and carrots (and any other vegetables you’re using) to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Create a Well: Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan, creating a well in the center.
Cook the Eggs: Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the well. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Add the Rice and Chicken: Add the cooked rice and the browned chicken back into the pan.
Season: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Add Green Onions: Stir in the chopped green onions just before serving.
Garnish: Optionally, garnish with extra green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve the Garlic Chicken Fried Rice hot, either as a main dish or as a side to complement other Asian-inspired dishes.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky for fried rice. Day-old rice is drier and has a better texture for frying.
High Heat: Cooking on high heat helps to give the rice a slight crispiness and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Prep in Advance: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the process moves quickly.
Customize: Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or protein options, like shrimp or tofu.
Season Gradually: Add the soy sauce and other seasonings gradually, tasting as you go to avoid over-salting.
Conclusion
Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be made in under 30 minutes.
With its savory flavors and easy preparation, it’s a great option for a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
So gather your ingredients and give this Garlic Chicken Fried Rice a try – your taste buds will thank you!
