Elevate your weeknight dinner with this savory Garlic Chicken Fried Rice! This dish combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and colorful vegetables, all tossed with perfectly cooked rice for a hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s an easy, one-pan recipe that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy days. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover rice!
Ingredients:
- For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- For Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the diced chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ground black pepper. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Prepare the Rice:
- If you don’t have day-old rice, you can cook fresh rice and spread it on a baking sheet to cool quickly. The goal is to have the rice dry out a bit to prevent mushiness.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the Garlic and Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the frozen mixed vegetables and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble them until fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.
- Combine with Rice:
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Toss everything together to combine, making sure the rice is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
- Add Chicken and Season:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it in. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the green parts of the green onions.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Garlic Chicken Fried Rice!