Let’s be real: we all have those nights when we want something warm, savory, and satisfying—without diving into a sink full of dirty dishes or babysitting a bubbling pot. That, my friends, is where Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice steps in to save your sanity. It’s the perfect combo of high protein, irresistible crunch, and soul-warming flavor, all in one skillet. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hungry teens, or just your own tired-from-work self, this recipe hits the spot every time.
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Why You’ll Love This Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
This isn’t your average takeout knockoff. High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is packed with lean chicken breast, garlicky goodness, and the kind of golden crunch that dreams are made of. And bonus: it’s actually good for you! With two eggs, hearty peas and carrots, and a light soy-based sauce, this dish gives you the satisfaction of comfort food without the post-dinner guilt trip.
It’s quick, it’s family-friendly, and it delivers that “mmm, what’s that smell?” moment in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for chicken coating)
- 1 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
How to Make Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice : Step-by-Step
1. Prep the Chicken
Toss your chicken pieces with cornstarch. This simple step is the secret weapon for that irresistible crispy crust that holds up in a stir-fry.
2. Sizzle and Crisp
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 brown and crispy on the edges. Remove and set aside—and try not to snack on it all before it makes it back to the pan (been there).
3. Garlic Time
In the same pan, add the remaining oil and minced garlic. Sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Keep an eye out—burnt garlic is a heartbreak.
4. Scramble the Eggs
Push the garlic to one side of the pan and pour in the eggs. Stir gently until they’re softly scrambled.
5. Stir-Fry it All
Add the rice, thawed peas and carrots, and green onions. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Give it all a good toss, breaking up any rice clumps and letting the flavors mingle.
6. The Grand Return
Time for the crispy chicken to shine again. Add it back to the pan and stir everything together. You want that chicken to stay crispy but soak in just enough of the savory sauce.
7. Season and Serve
Sprinkle with black pepper and adjust seasoning as needed. Dish it out hot, and prepare for second helpings.
Aneta’s Tip
Day-old rice is key here—it gives you that restaurant-style texture that freshly cooked rice just can’t deliver. And if you’re using fresh rice, just let it cool and dry out a bit before using.
Personal Note from My Kitchen
I whipped this up one evening when my twins declared they were “starving” and wanted “something good but not weird.” It was a hit from the first garlicky bite. Now it’s a weeknight staple, and honestly, it tastes even better reheated for lunch the next day.
FAQs About Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
Can I substitute the chicken with tofu?
Absolutely! Use firm tofu, press out the moisture, and crisp it up just like the chicken. It still delivers on protein and crunch.
How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just pop it in a skillet for a few minutes—it brings back the crispy magic.
Can I add other veggies?
Yes! Bell peppers, broccoli, or even snap peas work beautifully here. Use what you love.
Weeknight Hero in a Skillet
There’s something so comforting about a dish that checks all the boxes: quick, flavorful, nutritious, and family-approved. This Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is exactly that. With its high-protein punch and the kind of craveable crunch that makes leftovers a thing of the past, it’s your new go-to for any night of the week. So grab your wok, crank up the garlic, and let the magic happen. Bon appétit!
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Crave Next
If you loved this Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice, you’re in for a treat. Here are some other flavor-packed recipes to keep the magic going in your kitchen:
- For a comforting, high-protein one-dish wonder, try this savory and slightly sweet Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice—it’s a spicy cousin you’ll love just as much.
- Want a quick lunch option? These Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps are loaded with bold flavor and come together in just five minutes.
- If rice bowls are your jam, don’t miss out on the creamy and satisfying Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce.
- Or take a cozy detour with the soul-soothing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your favorite picks with the Chicken Magic community!
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High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a high-protein, flavor-packed dish featuring golden chicken bites, garlicky jasmine rice, and colorful veggies—all stir-fried to perfection. It’s a satisfying one-skillet meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but delicious enough to crave on weekends.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (preferably day-old)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
3 green onions, sliced
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp cornstarch (for chicken coating)
1 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until well-coated.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok. Add chicken and cook until golden and crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
Add remaining oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn!).
Push garlic to one side and pour in beaten eggs. Scramble until just set.
Add rice, peas, carrots, and green onions. Drizzle in soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir-fry to combine.
Return crispy chicken to the pan. Toss everything gently to coat.
Finish with black pepper and taste for seasoning. Serve hot.
Notes
Day-old rice works best for fried rice to avoid sogginess.
For extra protein, add more egg or swap in tofu.
Leftovers reheat beautifully in a hot skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg