Description
This High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender, crispy chicken with aromatic garlic, mixed vegetables, and day-old jasmine or basmati rice. Perfect as a quick and nutritious meal, it balances protein, vegetables, and savory sauces to deliver a deliciously crispy and well-seasoned fried rice experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
Rice and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice, preferably day-old
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 3 green onions, sliced
Flavorings and Oils
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Eggs
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch mixed with water to coat evenly. This coating helps create a crispy texture when pan-fried.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
- Scramble the eggs: Push the garlic to the side of the pan, pour in the beaten eggs, and gently stir until soft curds form and the eggs are just set.
- Stir-fry everything: Add the cooked rice, thawed peas and carrots, and sliced green onions to the pan. Drizzle soy sauce and oyster sauce over the mixture. Stir-fry for several minutes, breaking up rice clumps and mixing well.
- Bring back the chicken: Return the crispy chicken pieces to the pan. Toss everything together to evenly coat the chicken and combine all flavors while keeping the chicken crispy.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle ground black pepper on top, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve the fried rice hot.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best texture and to prevent sogginess.
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds an extra depth of umami flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies when sautéing the garlic.
- Make sure not to overcook the eggs; soft curds keep the fried rice moist and tender.
- Use sesame oil instead of olive oil for a more authentic roast nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken fried rice, crispy chicken, garlic fried rice, high protein fried rice, stir-fry chicken rice
