Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy meal. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken, aromatic garlic, and savory stir-fried rice, all in one pan. It’s packed with protein, vegetables, and just the right amount of seasoning, making it a balanced dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies and spices.Jump to Recipe

Whether you’re looking to use up leftover rice or whip up a meal in a hurry, this Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is an excellent option. The recipe takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this tasty dish!

 Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked white rice, chilled: Cold, leftover rice works best for fried rice, as it’s less sticky and easier to stir-fry without becoming mushy.
• 2 chicken breasts, diced: Chicken breasts are lean and tender, making them perfect for this stir-fry. You can also use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the star of this dish, infusing the fried rice with a deep, savory aroma and flavor.
• 1 cup mixed vegetables: Use a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and corn. Frozen veggies work great and save time, but fresh vegetables can also be used.
• 2 eggs, beaten: Eggs add richness and texture to the fried rice, giving it that classic, restaurant-style feel.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami flavor, bringing all the ingredients together in a savory harmony.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Sesame oil gives the dish a nutty, toasty flavor that’s essential for fried rice. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it!

Seasoning and Garnish:

• Salt and pepper to taste: These basic seasonings help balance the flavors of the dish. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
• Green onions for garnish (optional): Chopped green onions add a fresh, oniony crunch that complements the savory fried rice. They also make the dish look more vibrant and appealing.

 Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

This recipe is easy to follow and requires just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Here’s how to make Garlic Chicken Fried Rice:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chill the cooked rice: If you don’t have leftover rice, cook your rice and then chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Chilled rice works best for fried rice because it’s firmer and less sticky than freshly cooked rice.
2. Dice the chicken breasts: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook quickly and evenly in the skillet.
3. Mince the garlic: Finely chop the garlic cloves to release their flavor and aroma.
4. Beat the eggs: Lightly beat the eggs in a small bowl until the yolks and whites are fully combined.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Garlic

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking.
2. Add the diced chicken and minced garlic: Cook the chicken in the hot oil, stirring frequently, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The garlic should become fragrant but not burn, so keep an eye on the heat and stir constantly.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

1. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet: Make some space in the skillet by pushing the cooked chicken to one side.
2. Add the beaten eggs to the other side of the skillet: Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the skillet. Let them sit for a few seconds to start cooking, then scramble them with a spatula. Cook the eggs until they’re fully set and no longer runny.
3. Combine the eggs and chicken: Once the eggs are cooked, mix them together with the chicken in the skillet. This ensures that the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

1. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet: If you’re using frozen vegetables, there’s no need to thaw them first—just add them directly to the hot skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables with the chicken and eggs until they’re heated through and tender.
2. Cook the vegetables until tender: Depending on the size and type of vegetables you’re using, this should take about 3-5 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent them from sticking or burning.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Rice

1. Add the chilled rice to the skillet: Break up any clumps of rice with your hands before adding it to the skillet. Stir-fry the rice with the chicken, eggs, and vegetables, making sure everything is evenly combined.
2. Stir-fry until the rice is heated through: This step should only take a few minutes. The goal is to heat the rice through and slightly toast it in the pan, which gives it that characteristic fried rice texture.

Step 6: Season the Fried Rice

1. Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the fried rice. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the sauce and oil.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste: Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more soy sauce if you prefer a saltier dish, or a dash of pepper for a bit of spice.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with chopped green onions (optional): For an extra burst of flavor and color, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top of the fried rice. The fresh, sharp taste of the onions pairs perfectly with the savory, garlicky rice.
2. Serve hot and enjoy: Transfer the Garlic Chicken Fried Rice to a serving dish or individual plates, and serve it hot. This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the pan, but it also reheats well for leftovers.

 Tips and Tricks for the Best Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

1. Use Day-Old Rice for Best Results: For the perfect fried rice texture, use day-old, chilled rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky, making it harder to achieve the ideal fried rice consistency. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour before using.
2. Cook the Chicken in Batches if Needed: If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavorful, less crispy chicken.
3. Don’t Overcook the Eggs: The eggs should be soft and fluffy, not dry and rubbery. Cook them just until they’re set, then remove them from the heat.
4. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach would all work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of vegetables you use.
5. Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste: Everyone has different preferences for how salty or savory they like their fried rice. Start with the recommended amounts of soy sauce and sesame oil, but don’t be afraid to add more if you prefer a bolder flavor. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.