Introduction:
This garlic chicken fried rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken pieces, savory garlic, and colorful veggies with perfectly cooked rice. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and transform simple ingredients into a tasty, one-pan meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this dish brings a delicious twist to classic fried rice with an extra kick of garlic.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Have all ingredients chopped and ready, as this dish cooks quickly. If using leftover rice, break up any clumps.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pan and cook until lightly golden. Transfer the chicken and garlic to a separate bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the peas and carrots, cooking until they start to soften.
- Add the Rice and Sauces: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, add the remaining oil, and add the rice. Drizzle soy sauce and oyster sauce over the rice, stirring to evenly coat the rice and vegetables. Mix everything well.
- Combine and Season: Add the cooked chicken and garlic back to the pan. Toss everything together until well combined. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Finish with Green Onions and Sesame Oil: Stir in the chopped green onions and drizzle with sesame oil, if using. Mix well and remove from heat.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired. Enjoy your garlic chicken fried rice as a standalone meal or with your favorite sides!