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High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

A fast, satisfying weeknight dinner with tender chicken, scrambled eggs, fragrant garlic, and crispy jasmine rice -- all done in 45 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 440

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil divided
  • 3 large eggs beaten
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast diced into 3/4-inch pieces
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) fresh or frozen
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil added at the end

Equipment

  • Large pan or wok
  • baking sheet
  • spatula

Method
 

  1. Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once done, spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet and let it cool completely. This step is key for getting crispy fried rice.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set -- slightly underdone is fine. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil and increase heat to medium-high. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and stir-fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the pan with the chicken. Stir constantly and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Don't let it brown too deeply or it will turn bitter.
  5. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and just tender.
  6. Add the cooled jasmine rice and soy sauce. Toss everything together, pressing the rice into the pan occasionally to encourage crisping. Mix well to distribute the soy sauce evenly.
  7. Gently fold in the scrambled eggs, breaking them into pieces as you mix them through the rice.
  8. Add the chopped green onions and sesame oil. Stir everything together for another 1-2 minutes, then serve hot.

Notes

Use day-old rice for the best crispy texture -- fresh rice has too much moisture and will steam instead of fry. If you only have fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30-60 minutes before using. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth for best results. Substitute turkey for chicken, or swap the mixed vegetables for bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.