Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

 

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice: A Flavorful and Quick Meal

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.

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
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 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
• 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

• 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!