Irresistibly Savory Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Mouthwatering garlic chicken fried rice delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Crispy edges and tender chicken pieces create an irresistible combination.

Bold garlic notes weave through each fragrant grain, promising a seriously satisfying meal.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with simple ingredients.

Marinating the chicken beforehand intensifies the savory profile and locks in moisture.

Professional chefs know the secret lies in high-heat cooking and strategic ingredient layering.

Variations to Try with Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

• Spicy Chili Chicken Fried Rice: Replace regular garlic with chili garlic sauce and add red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Fried Rice: Incorporate oregano, basil, and diced feta cheese with a splash of lemon juice for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Fried Rice: Swap soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy version.
• Protein-Packed Quinoa Chicken Fried Rice: Substitute white rice with quinoa for a protein-rich alternative that maintains the classic fried rice texture.

Pairing Ideas for Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

• Savor with Perfect Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Complement: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich garlic chicken flavors, offering a bright, refreshing contrast that elevates each bite of the fried rice.
• Bright Asian Beer Match: Enjoy a light Japanese Asahi or Sapporo beer, which cleanses the palate and complements the soy sauce and sesame oil notes with its crisp, clean finish.
• Zesty Cucumber Salad Side: Prepare a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and a touch of honey to add a cool, tangy element that balances the warm, savory fried rice.

Storage Recommendations for Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains safe and flavorful.
• Transfer cooled fried rice to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain quality and taste.
• Place rice in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil. Spread rice evenly and stir occasionally.

FAQs About Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any cooked rice like jasmine, basmati, or brown rice. Just ensure the rice is cold and slightly dry for best results.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this garlic chicken fried rice is not spicy. It has a savory, garlicky flavor. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use brown rice for more fiber, add more vegetables, use less oil by using a non-stick pan, and choose lean chicken breast. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce.

Why Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Is a Flavorful One-Pan Meal

• Boost Quick Nutrition: Pack your plate with protein from chicken and eggs, plus vitamins from colorful vegetables in just one delicious dish.
• Master Simple Cooking Skills: Learn an approachable one-pan recipe that teaches basic techniques like sautéing, scrambling, and seasoning without overwhelming complexity.
• Create Family-Friendly Comfort: Develop a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults, with familiar flavors and satisfying textures everyone will enjoy.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients or add personal twists like extra spices, different vegetables, or protein variations to match your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein that provides a hearty base for the fried rice.

Eggs: A binding ingredient that adds richness and extra protein to the dish.

• Garlic, Green Onions: Provide depth of flavor and a fresh, sharp taste to the rice.
• Peas, Carrots: Add color, sweetness, and nutritional value to the fried rice.

• Cooked Rice: The fundamental starch that serves as the foundation of the fried rice.
• Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil: Contribute authentic Asian flavor and umami depth to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.
• Cooking Oil: Helps prevent sticking and facilitates even cooking of ingredients.

How to Cook Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Grab a large skillet and drizzle in some vegetable oil. Let it heat up over medium flame until it’s shimmering and ready to cook.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Toss in diced chicken breast and let it sizzle. Cook the pieces until they turn a beautiful golden color and are completely cooked through with no pink remaining.

Step 3: Create Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Crack fresh eggs into the empty space and scramble them until they’re soft and slightly creamy. Mix the eggs with the cooked chicken.

Step 4: Add Colorful Vegetables

• Minced garlic
• Sweet green peas
• Diced carrots

Sauté everything until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.

Step 5: Incorporate Rice and Seasonings

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil

Stir everything thoroughly to ensure each grain is coated with delicious flavors.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to enhance the overall taste. Give everything a final toss to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the fried rice to serving plates. Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions on top for a burst of color and extra flavor. Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen!

Helpful Tips for Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

• Opt for day-old rice to prevent soggy texture and ensure each grain separates perfectly when stir-frying.
• Dice chicken into uniform small pieces for even cooking and better flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Boost umami flavor by using high-quality soy sauce and toasted sesame oil for deeper, richer taste profile.
• Experiment with additional protein sources like shrimp or tofu for varied dietary preferences and nutritional variety.
• Enhance vegetable nutrition by adding extra colorful vegetables like bell peppers or edamame for increased texture and visual appeal.

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering garlic chicken fried rice brings home authentic Asian comfort with bold, savory flavors packed into each spoonful. Crispy rice grains and tender chicken create a satisfying meal that will become your new favorite quick dinner solution.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 chicken breast, diced
• 2 eggs, beaten

Base:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) cooked white rice

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) peas
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) carrots, diced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Green onions, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature (375°F) until shimmering.
2. Sauté diced chicken breast, stirring frequently, until completely cooked through and golden brown (about 5-6 minutes).
3. Create an empty space in the skillet and pour beaten eggs directly onto the cleared surface.
4. Rapidly scramble eggs, then thoroughly incorporate with the cooked chicken pieces.
5. Introduce minced garlic, vibrant peas, and diced carrots into the skillet, allowing vegetables to become tender and fragrant (approximately 2-3 minutes).
6. Gently fold in previously cooked rice, ensuring each grain becomes evenly coated with the savory mixture.
7. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil across the skillet, carefully mixing to distribute flavors uniformly.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tasting and modifying as needed.
9. Transfer the aromatic fried rice to serving plates, garnishing with finely chopped green onions for a crisp, fresh finish.

Notes

• Prep chicken in bite-sized pieces for faster, more even cooking and better distribution throughout the dish.
• Use day-old refrigerated rice to prevent soggy texture and ensure each grain remains separate and perfectly crisp.
• Customize protein options by swapping chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to suit different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra zesty kick and complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 185 mg