The key to making perfect garlic chicken fried rice lies in using day-old rice, which has a firmer texture that prevents it from becoming mushy when stir-fried. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky. Additionally, cooking the garlic and onions until they are fragrant and translucent ensures a deep, savory base for the dish. Combining the ingredients step by step—cooking the chicken first, scrambling the eggs, and then stir-frying everything together—creates layers of flavor and texture, making each bite a delightful experience.
Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cook the rice ahead of time and let it cool. Day-old rice works best for fried rice.
- Cut the chicken breast into small bite-sized pieces.
- Mince the garlic and dice the onion.
- Beat the eggs and set aside.
- Measure out the frozen peas and carrots.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
- Cook the Eggs:
- Push the garlic and onions to the side of the skillet.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble them until fully cooked.
- Mix the eggs with the garlic and onions.
- Combine and Stir-Fry:
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet and break up any clumps.
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, cooked chicken, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
- Stir-fry everything together for 5-7 minutes, allowing the rice to get slightly crispy and everything to heat through evenly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Add the chopped green onions and give everything one last good stir.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce, salt, or pepper if needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Garlic Chicken Fried Rice!
