High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
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.
- Author: Amaya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken fried rice, high protein fried rice, crispy chicken, garlic fried rice, easy Asian recipe, healthy chicken dish