Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

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.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: asian, Chinese

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Crispy Garlic Chicken Ingredients

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

Fried Rice Ingredients

2 tablespoons neutral oil like vegetable or canola
4 cloves garlic minced
1 inch ginger grated or finely minced
1 cup yellow onion finely chopped
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

Garnish (Optional)

2 green onions thinly sliced
toasted sesame seeds
chili flakes

Equipment

Medium Bowl
Large skillet or wok
Spatula
Small Bowl

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

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or wok over medium heat with a splash of water or oil for best results.