Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, scrambled eggs, crisp vegetables, and fragrant garlic, all tossed together with rice and seasoned to perfection. This easy-to-make recipe is a satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a delicious side dish to complement your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 chicken breast, diced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions, chopped for garnish

Directions

1. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook until it’s no longer pink and cooked through.
3. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them with the chicken.
4. Add the minced garlic, peas, and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in the cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli.
2. Spicy Fried Rice: Add a dash of sriracha or chili paste to the soy sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Rice Substitutes: You can use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
4. Extra Protein: Add cooked shrimp, tofu, or pork for a different protein choice.
5. Flavor Boost: Use hoisin sauce or oyster sauce instead of soy sauce for a more robust flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or on the stovetop in a skillet, adding a little splash of water to prevent drying out.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe? Yes, frozen peas and carrots work perfectly fine in this recipe. Just add them directly to the skillet without thawing.
2. What type of rice is best for fried rice? Day-old rice or rice that has been cooled down is ideal for fried rice, as it helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare and cook the chicken, vegetables, and rice in advance. Store everything separately and then stir-fry when ready to serve.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
5. Can I add other proteins to this fried rice? Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or tofu for a different protein option.
6. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, brown rice works well in this recipe, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
7. Can I make this dish spicy? Yes, add chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the soy sauce for a spicy version of garlic chicken fried rice.
8. What if I don’t have sesame oil? If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil or another neutral oil, but sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor.
9. How can I keep the rice from being too sticky? Make sure the rice is cooled before using it in the fried rice to prevent it from being sticky. Day-old rice is ideal.
10. Can I freeze garlic chicken fried rice? Yes, you can freeze fried rice. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With its savory chicken, tender vegetables, and aromatic garlic, this fried rice is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort!

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