Can I use fresh rice instead of leftover?

While day-old rice is preferred for its firmer texture, you can use freshly cooked rice by spreading it out to cool and dry for about 30 minutes before cooking.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Ensure the rice is dry and cooked separately before adding it to the pan. Avoid adding too much liquid and cook over high heat to quickly sear the ingredients.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

Tamari or coconut aminos are great alternatives for those who are gluten-free or prefer a different flavor profile. You can also use a homemade mixture of soy sauce and a bit of vinegar for added tang.

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish

Name: Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked day-old rice; 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers); 2 eggs (beaten); 3 green onions (sliced); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

Enjoy our easy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice recipe with tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and perfectly cooked rice. Perfect for a quick meal!",

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked day-old rice
1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)

Optional Additions

1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
2 eggs (beaten)
3 green onions (sliced)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine diced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.

Scramble the Eggs

Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat with a little oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté the marinated chicken until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove and set aside with the eggs.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.

Combine Rice and Eggs

Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir in the scrambled eggs and cooked chicken.

Season the Rice

Pour in the remaining soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finish with Green Onions

Add sliced green onions and give the fried rice a final stir.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the garlic chicken fried rice to serving bowls and enjoy hot.

Notes

From my kitchen tests, using day-old rice ensures the best texture for fried rice.
I discovered that adding a splash of rice vinegar can brighten the flavors.
Here’s what works: using sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma to the dish.
Based on tradition, authentic fried rice includes a mix of vegetables for added nutrition.
For best results, cook the rice on high heat to achieve a perfect sear.
My grandmother taught me that adding a bit of oyster sauce enhances the umami flavor.
In my experience, leftover vegetables can be a great addition to customize your fried rice.
A chef’s secret: quickly tossing the ingredients helps maintain their distinct textures.
Key tip: ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking.
Common mistake to avoid: overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of frying.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Calories: 400