Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
Introduction
Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful and savory twist on the traditional fried rice recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and fluffy rice, all stir-fried to perfection. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
### Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked white rice, chilled
– 2 chicken breasts, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 2 green onions, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Ingredients**: Make sure the rice is cooked and chilled. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic, finely chop the onion, and prepare the mixed vegetables.
2. **Cook the Chicken**: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. **Scramble the Eggs**: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until they’re fully cooked. Remove the scrambled eggs from the pan and set them aside with the chicken.
4. **Sauté the Garlic and Onions**: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until they’re fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
5. **Add Vegetables**: Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook until they’re tender, about 3-4 minutes.
6. **Combine Ingredients**: Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir in the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Mix everything together until well combined and heated through.
7. **Season and Garnish**: Season the fried rice with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the sliced green onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well mixed and heated.
8. **Serve**: Serve the Garlic Chicken Fried Rice hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
### Tips for Success
– **Chilled Rice**: Using chilled, day-old rice is essential for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when stir-fried.
– **High Heat**: Cooking on high heat helps to achieve the perfect texture and flavor, giving the rice a nice, slightly crispy edge.
– **Even Dicing**: Make sure to dice the chicken and vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.
### Benefits
– **Protein-Rich**: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
– **Balanced Meal**: This dish provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making it a wholesome meal.
– **Quick and Easy**: Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a quick meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
### Conclusion
Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and loved by everyone. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. Enjoy this tasty dish with family and friends, and savor the wonderful combination of garlic, chicken, and rice.