Description
This High-Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious and nutritious one-pan meal featuring tender diced chicken breasts, fragrant garlic, protein-rich eggs, and wholesome brown rice. Enhanced with vibrant peas and carrots, and seasoned with soy sauce and garlic powder, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal quick and healthy dinner option for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 eggs, beaten
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- Fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Grains and Oils
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is browned on the outside and crispy. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Scramble Eggs: Push the garlic to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them by stirring continuously until they are fully cooked and broken into small pieces.
- Add Rice and Veggies: Stir in the cooked brown rice along with the frozen peas and carrots. Mix thoroughly so the rice and vegetables combine evenly and start to warm through.
- Season: Pour in the soy sauce, sprinkle the garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure every grain of rice and vegetable is well-coated with the seasoning.
- Add Chicken: Return the crispy cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the flavors have melded.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the fried rice with freshly chopped green onions and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of sesame oil at the end if desired.
- Make sure the rice is cooked and cooled before starting; day-old rice works best to prevent mushiness.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or bean sprouts to your liking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
