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High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

4.8 from 29 reviews

This High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in cornstarch for a crispy texture, combined with fragrant garlic, fresh veggies, and fluffy day-old rice. Enhanced with soy and oyster sauces for a savory umami kick, it’s an easy, nutritious meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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)
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

For Coating & Slurry

  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Toss the small chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated. This coating helps create a crispy texture when cooked.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. 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, taking care not to let it burn.
  4. Scramble the eggs: Push the garlic to one side of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Stir gently until they begin to set but remain soft and in small curds.
  5. Stir-fry everything: Add the cooked rice, thawed peas and carrots, and sliced green onions to the pan. Drizzle in the low-sodium soy sauce and optional oyster sauce. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes, breaking up any rice clumps and allowing the flavors to mix well.
  6. Bring back the chicken: Return the crispy chicken pieces to the pan and toss to combine, coating the chicken with the savory sauce while keeping it crunchy.
  7. Finish and serve: Sprinkle ground black pepper over the fried rice and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Using day-old rice helps keep the grains separate and prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy.
  • Oyster sauce adds depth of flavor but can be omitted for a lighter taste or for vegetarians.
  • You can substitute sesame oil for olive oil for a nuttier flavor.
  • Make sure not to overcook the eggs; soft curds add a creamy texture without drying out.
  • For spicier fried rice, add a pinch of red chili flakes or drizzle with sriracha sauce before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fried rice, high protein fried rice, crispy chicken, garlic fried rice, easy Asian recipe, healthy chicken dish