Making delicious fried rice is just the culinary version of turning leftovers into a standing ovation, and Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is one of its kind, filled with protein-packed, umami-rich flavors. The aroma fills the room before you have even finished chopping the scallions to garnish.
It’s a dish with roots in countless kitchens across Asia, passed down and remixed from grandmothers to street vendors to 2 a.m. college dorm chefs armed with nothing but a wok and ambition.
Growing up, I remember my grandmother making a version of fried rice that felt more like a ritual than a recipe, leftover rice from the night before (always cold), garlic sizzling in oil until it perfumed the entire kitchen.
Above that, whatever bits of meat or veggies were available, my grandma used to toss them in with practiced flair. You can also follow the detailed recipe mentioned below to prepare a quick Fried Rice packed with flavors.
Equipment Required
- Skillet: Use a large skillet to cook the chicken and prepare fried rice.
- Perforated Ladle: To get rid of excess oil, I use a perforated ladle to cook the chicken and veggies.
- Measuring Cup: Use a measuring cup to add rice as per the servings.
- Measuring Spoons: I use measuring spoons to add the sauces to the pan.
- Knife: Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut the chicken into small pieces and veggies.
Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: This recipe is big enough to serve two portions. If you want to make more or less, you must adjust the recipe accordingly.
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil: I am using mustard oil to fry the chicken; you can use any other oil of your choice.
- 8 ounces skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast, cut into strips
- ½ Red Bell Pepper, chopped
- ½ Cup Onions, chopped
- 4 Cloves of Garlic
- 3 Cups cooked Brown Rice: I have used brown rice to prepare a healthy version; you can also use the regular white rice.
- 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 Cup frozen Peas
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Minutes | 20 Minutes | 30 Minutes |
How To Make Garlic chicken Fried rice At Home
Step 1
Take a wok filled with oil, add tomatoes and minced garlic, and cook it nicely over medium heat.
Step 2
Once you see the color of onions changing, add chicken to the wok and cook evenly.
Step 3
Further, add peas, and bell peppers.
Step 4
Moving forward, add cooked Brown rice and mix everything nicely.
Step 5
Then, add salt to taste and soy sauce to the pan.
Step 6
At last, add a tablespoon of vinegar for the flavorful magic and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes.
Step 7
The Garlic Chicken Fried Rice will be ready to enjoy.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- I prefer using freshly cooked rice as it is moist, which makes it ideal for frying. A day-old rice can also be used to make fried rice, but it may turn out dry.
- Let the chicken cook over medium heat along with bell peppers, green onions, and garlic to enhance the flavors.
- Sauté the garlic over medium heat before you add the chicken; it will help you achieve fragrant flavors.
- Next, I suggest not just putting in the soy sauce. directly, prefer adding a drizzle of light soy sauce to ensure the flavors are not overpowering.
- I always make sure to cook the rice in the same pan, as it amplifies the flavors to the next level.
FAQs About Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is not just flavorful and filling, it’s also a balanced meal option when made with wholesome ingredients. Packed with lean protein from chicken, heart-healthy garlic, and fiber-rich vegetables, this dish offers a good mix of macronutrients in every bite. Below is a table outlining its approximate calorific value and nutritional breakdown per serving, to help you track your intake better.
| Calories | 810 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 115 g |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 59 mg |
| Sodium | 1554 mg |
| Potassium | 568 mg |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Vitamin A | 953 IU |
| Vitamin C | 51 mg |
| Calcium | 62 mg |
| Iron | 19 mg |
Another great aspect of Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is its adaptability to various dietary needs. You can switch white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb or higher-fiber version. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos if you are watching your salt intake.
Recipe Variation For Different Diets
- Low-Carb/Keto: To make it low-carb, you can replace white rice with cauliflower rice to cut down on carbs while keeping the flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
- Low-Sodium: You can also opt for low-sodium soy sauce or homemade sauce blends to control salt levels.
Storing and Reheating The Recipe
Storing
- Refrigerator: Let the fried rice cool down to room temperature, and then add it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: You can surely freeze the fried rice for up to 4-5 days.
Reheating
- Stovetop: This is one of my favorite ways to reheat the fried rice, as the flavors are restored. You can add a tablespoon of oil to a skillet and then put the fried rice to reheat evenly.
- Microwave: If you are in a hurry, then simply place the bowl of rice in the microwave and reheat it for a minute or 2 and enjoy!
What To Serve With This Recipe
- Dips & Sauces: Oyster sauce, chili oil, and sesame oil are some of the best combinations to serve with Chicken Fried Rice. These sauces add umami richness to your plate.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Another pairing option to serve with the fried rice is the Stir-Fried Vegetables. Steamed broccoli, Bok Choy, or Snow Peas are the best contrasting options, which you should try.
- Kimchi: If you are a spice hound like me, then pairing a kimchi on the side with the Fried Rice will be great for a crunchy and tangy counterbalance of flavors.
- Fresh Salads: Fried Rice is also sometimes best when served with fresh salad or Coleslaw on the side.
Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 8 Ounces skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into strips
- ½ Red Bell Pepper chopped
- ½ Cup Onions chopped
- 4 Cloves Garlic
- 3 Cups Cooked Brown Rice
- 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 Cup frozen Peas
Equipment
- Skillet
- Perforated Ladle
- Measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
Instructions
- Take a wok filled with oil, add tomatoes and minced garlic, and cook it nicely over medium heat
- Once you see the color of onions changing, add chicken to the wok and cook evenly.
- Further, add peas, and bell peppers.
- Moving forward, add cooked rice and mix everything nicely.
- Then, add salt to taste and soy sauce to the pan
- At last, add a tablespoon of rice vinegar for the flavorful magic and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- The Garlic Chicken Fried Rice will be ready to enjoy.
Notes
- prefer using freshly cooked rice as it is moist, which makes it ideal for frying. A day-old rice can also be used to make fried rice, but it may turn out dry.
- Let the chicken cook over medium heat along with bell peppers, green onions, and garlic to enhance the flavors.
- Sauté the garlic over medium heat before you add the chicken; it will help you achieve fragrant flavors.
- Next, I suggest not just putting in the soy sauce. directly, prefer adding a drizzle of light soy sauce to ensure the flavors are not overpowering.
- I always make sure to cook the rice in the same pan as it amplifies the flavors to the next level.
Nutrition
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Conclusion
There you have it: Garlic Chicken Fried Rice that checks every box: quick, satisfying, budget-friendly, and seriously flavorful. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making on repeat, especially once you see how customizable it is.
Add some veggies, swap the protein, spice it up. Do share your cooking experience with me in the comment section below.
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