Ingredients
2 cups cooked white rice, chilled
2 chicken breasts, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish (optional).
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Cook the Rice: Begin by cooking your white rice and allowing it to chill. Chilled rice is essential for fried rice recipes as it prevents the grains from clumping together and becoming mushy during stir-frying.
Dice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes the chicken easier to incorporate into the rice.
Mince the Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely. Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor to the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Garlic
Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear.
Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until it is cooked through and slightly browned. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking and sauté until it becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Push the Chicken Aside: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet, creating space for the eggs.
Add the Eggs: Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the skillet. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked. This technique allows the eggs to cook separately, preventing them from becoming overcooked and rubbery.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Incorporate the Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry them with the chicken and eggs until they are tender. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Rice
Add the Chilled Rice: Add the chilled rice to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together, breaking up any clumps of rice. It’s important to use a spatula to keep the rice moving to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
Season the Rice: Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Continue to stir-fry until everything is evenly coated with the sauce and oil.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Season to Taste: Season the fried rice with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Garnish: If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Step 7: Serve
Serve Hot: Transfer the Garlic Chicken Fried Rice to serving plates and enjoy it while hot.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
Use Day-Old Rice
Using day-old, chilled rice is crucial for making fried rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky, resulting in clumpy fried rice.
High Heat is Key
Cook the fried rice over medium-high to high heat. This helps achieve that desirable slightly crispy texture on the rice and ensures the chicken and vegetables are properly seared.
