Description
Whip up this Healthy & Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice for an easy, high-protein weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and satisfying textures. Learn the secrets to crispy chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, divided
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 cups cooked, day-old white or brown rice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Instructions
- 1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the cornstarch. Set aside for about 10 minutes.
- 2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- 3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- 4. Push garlic and ginger to one side. Pour eggs into the other side and scramble until just cooked. Break into smaller pieces.
- 5. Add peas, carrots, and onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- 6. Add the cooked day-old rice. Break up clumps and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp.
- 7. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
- 8. Toss everything together, cook for another 1-2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- 9. Serve immediately, garnished with chives or green onions.
Notes
Allow fried rice to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop in a skillet with a little oil or water for best texture, or in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g