Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a savory, aromatic dish that combines tender chicken pieces with garlic-infused rice and a mix of vegetables. This one-pan meal is perfect for utilizing leftover rice and creating a delicious, wholesome dish in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old for best texture)
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or any mixed vegetables)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice:
- If you don’t have leftover rice, cook 1 cup of uncooked rice according to the package instructions and let it cool completely. Day-old rice works best as it’s less sticky.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the frozen peas and carrots (or any mixed vegetables you prefer) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the empty side.
- Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until they are just cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Season and Stir-fry:
- Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil over the rice mixture.
- Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated and heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in the sliced green onions.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
