Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal packed with juicy chicken, fragrant garlic, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables. This homemade version is better than takeout, loaded with savory flavor, and perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s a great way to use leftover rice while creating a delicious one-pan meal the whole family will love.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Fried Rice
- 4 cups cooked cold rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, season diced chicken with:
- Soy sauce
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Eggs
Add a little more oil if needed.
Pour beaten eggs into the skillet and scramble until fully cooked.
Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Add remaining oil to the pan.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Do not burn the garlic.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Fry the Rice
Add cold cooked rice to the skillet.
Break apart any clumps using a spatula.
Cook for 3–4 minutes while stirring frequently.
Tip
Cold rice works best because it stays fluffy and doesn’t become mushy.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Return cooked chicken and eggs to the skillet.
Add:
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
Stir everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
Add green onions and season with salt and pepper if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- Chili sauce
- Extra soy sauce
- Cucumber slices
- Spring rolls
- Asian-style salad
Pro Tips
- Use day-old rice for the best texture.
- High heat helps create restaurant-style fried rice.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat
Warm in a skillet or microwave until hot.
Add a splash of water if rice becomes dry.
Variations
- Add shrimp or beef instead of chicken.
- Make it spicy with chili flakes or sriracha.
- Add broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Use brown rice for a healthier version.