Description
This High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. Featuring tender, golden-brown chicken cubes infused with garlic and soy sauce, stir-fried with mixed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and cold rice, then finished with sesame oil and a hint of spice. Garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, this recipe offers a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and bold flavors in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Fried Rice
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside. Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, along with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix the eggs and vegetables together evenly.
- Stir-Fry the Rice: Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry the rice for 3-4 minutes to heat through and allow it to become lightly crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to blend all the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the fried rice and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using day-old, chilled rice helps to prevent soggy fried rice by keeping the grains separate.
- You can substitute mixed vegetables for any preferred veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for variety.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder version.
- For extra protein, consider adding tofu or shrimp along with the chicken.
- Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
