Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is your ultimate weeknight savior, a deeply flavorful and incredibly satisfying meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality feast right in your own kitchen. This recipe demystifies homemade fried rice, proving you can achieve that perfect balance of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp vegetables with unparalleled ease.
Key Ingredients for Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice :
- For the Crispy Garlic Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
- For the Fried Rice:
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated or finely minced
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 3 cups cooked, day-old rice (medium-grain or jasmine rice works best)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For Garnish (Optional):
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chili flakes
How to Make Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice :
This Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, delivering a satisfying crunch from the chicken and a symphony of savory notes in every bite. With a quick prep and cook time of approximately 35-40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings. The magic lies in achieving that delightful crispy exterior on the chicken before it even hits the wok, ensuring a tender, juicy interior that complements the perfectly seasoned rice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This step is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken.
Prepare the Garlic and Ginger Base: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Cook the Chicken: Push the garlic and ginger to one side of the skillet. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer to the other side (you may need to cook in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and mostly cooked through. The cornstarch will help it get nice and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the same skillet (add a touch more oil if needed). Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the frozen peas and carrots mix and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Scramble the Eggs: Create a well in the center of the vegetable mixture. Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the well and cook, stirring gently, until they are just scrambled. Once scrambled, break them up into smaller pieces and mix them with the vegetables.
Add the Rice: Add the cooked, day-old rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with your spatula. Stir and toss the rice with the vegetables and scrambled eggs for a few minutes, ensuring it heats through evenly. Using day-old rice is key for achieving perfect fried rice as it’s drier and won’t clump together.
Season the Fried Rice: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (if using), and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar. Pour this sauce mixture over the rice. Stir well to evenly distribute the sauce.
Combine and Finish: Return the crispy garlic chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together gently to combine all the ingredients. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
Serve: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, homemade Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice :
You’ll absolutely adore this Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice primarily for its incredible texture contrast – perfectly crispy, garlicky chicken pieces nestled among fluffy, seasoned rice. Making this at home is a fantastic money-saver compared to takeout, offering a healthier and more generous portion for a fraction of the cost. The addition of oyster sauce (optional but recommended!) lends a depth of umami flavor that elevates it beyond simple fried rice, making it truly special.
Imagine the satisfying crunch of that first bite, followed by the tender, savory chicken and the aromatic, well-seasoned rice. It’s a flavor explosion that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant dish, but with the added benefit of controlling exactly what goes into it. Ready to transform your dinner routine and experience this culinary delight? Give this Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice a try tonight!
Storing and Reheating Tips :
To store Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a little oil to the pan and stir-fry the fried rice gently until heated through, aiming to revive some of that glorious crispiness on the chicken. Microwave reheating is also an option, though it may result in a softer texture for the chicken and vegetables. This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the textures of the chicken and rice, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Final Thoughts :
This Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a testament to how simple, familiar ingredients can create an extraordinary meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Gather your ingredients, embrace the easy steps, and prepare to be delighted by the incredible flavors and textures you can achieve right in your own kitchen. Give it a go – your taste buds will thank you!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This step is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.2 tablespoons neutral oil, 4 cloves garlic, 1 inch ginger
- Push the garlic and ginger to one side of the skillet. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer to the other side (you may need to cook in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and mostly cooked through. The cornstarch will help it get nice and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Add the chopped onion to the same skillet (add a touch more oil if needed). Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the frozen peas and carrots mix and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.1 cup yellow onion, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- Create a well in the center of the vegetable mixture. Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the well and cook, stirring gently, until they are just scrambled. Once scrambled, break them up into smaller pieces and mix them with the vegetables.2 large eggs
- Add the cooked, day-old rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with your spatula. Stir and toss the rice with the vegetables and scrambled eggs for a few minutes, ensuring it heats through evenly. Using day-old rice is key for achieving perfect fried rice as it’s drier and won’t clump together.3 cups cooked, day-old rice
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (if using), and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar. Pour this sauce mixture over the rice. Stir well to evenly distribute the sauce.2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Return the crispy garlic chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together gently to combine all the ingredients. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, homemade Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice!2 green onions, toasted sesame seeds