High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice: A Delicious and Easy Meal

If you’re looking for a tasty, protein-packed twist on classic fried rice, this High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect recipe! With crispy, golden-brown chicken, flavorful veggies, and savory sauces, this dish offers a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a great way to enjoy the comfort of fried rice with an added boost of protein. The crispy, garlic-infused chicken gives the dish a unique taste, while the combination of tender chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and rice makes it hearty and delicious. The savory soy sauce and sesame oil bring an extra richness to the dish. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Fried Rice:

• 3 cups cooked rice (preferably cold; day-old rice works best)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion (diced)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and corn)
• 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish (optional):

• Green onions (sliced)
• Sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
• Add minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

1. Cook the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Add diced onion and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.

1. Scramble the Eggs:

• Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet.
• Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the skillet and scramble them until fully cooked.
• Mix everything together.

1. Stir-Fry the Rice:

• Add the cold rice to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula.
• Stir-fry the rice for 3-4 minutes, heating it through and lightly crisping it.

1. Combine Everything:

• Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
• Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors blend.

1. Serve:

• Serve your fried rice hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings

Variations You Can Try

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for a plant-based version.
• Different Vegetables: Feel free to mix up the veggies! Add bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for a change.
• Spicier Version: Add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha sauce for an extra spicy kick.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm it in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
  Yes, you can use fresh rice! While day-old rice is better because it’s drier and less sticky, fresh rice will still work. Just be sure to cool it down first.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and fried rice ahead of time, store them separately in the fridge, and reheat them together when ready to serve.
• Can I add more protein to this dish?
  Yes, you can! Add shrimp, beef, tofu, or even edamame to increase the protein content.
• What if I don’t have sesame oil?
  If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with olive oil or vegetable oil. While sesame oil adds a unique flavor, the dish will still be delicious without it.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
  To make it gluten-free, simply swap regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Conclusion

This High Protein Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for dinner or meal prep. It’s packed with protein, full of flavor, and customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning meals for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Enjoy your delicious and satisfying fried rice!