Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
Enjoy our easy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice recipe with tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and perfectly cooked rice. Perfect for a quick meal!",
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked day-old rice
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
Optional Additions
- 1 cup mixed vegetables peas, carrots, bell peppers
- 2 eggs beaten
- 3 green onions sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine diced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
Scramble the Eggs
- Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat with a little oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté the marinated chicken until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove and set aside with the eggs.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.
Combine Rice and Eggs
- Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir in the scrambled eggs and cooked chicken.
Season the Rice
- Pour in the remaining soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finish with Green Onions
- Add sliced green onions and give the fried rice a final stir.
Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the garlic chicken fried rice to serving bowls and enjoy hot.
Notes
- From my kitchen tests, using day-old rice ensures the best texture for fried rice.
- I discovered that adding a splash of rice vinegar can brighten the flavors.
- Here's what works: using sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma to the dish.
- Based on tradition, authentic fried rice includes a mix of vegetables for added nutrition.
- For best results, cook the rice on high heat to achieve a perfect sear.
- My grandmother taught me that adding a bit of oyster sauce enhances the umami flavor.
- In my experience, leftover vegetables can be a great addition to customize your fried rice.
- A chef's secret: quickly tossing the ingredients helps maintain their distinct textures.
- Key tip: ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking.
- Common mistake to avoid: overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of frying.