Protein-Packed Garlic Chicken Fried Rice (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
2 chicken breasts, diced
02 -
2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
03 -
2 eggs, lightly scrambled
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1/2 cup green peas
06 -
1/4 cup diced carrots
→ Seasonings and Oils
07 -
1 tbsp olive oil
08 -
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
09 -
1 tsp sesame oil
10 -
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
11 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Garnish (Optional)
12 -
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat the olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Season your diced chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Cook until they develop a nice golden-brown crust and are cooked through - about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the crispy chicken to a plate and set aside.
02 -
Using the same pan with all those delicious chicken bits, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it - garlic can go from perfect to bitter very quickly.
03 -
Toss in the green peas and diced carrots, giving everything a good stir. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but still maintain some crunch.
04 -
Push all the vegetables to one side of the pan to create a clear space. Pour in your lightly scrambled eggs and let them cook for a moment, then start to scramble them as they set. Once they're fully cooked, mix them in with the vegetables.
05 -
Add your cold cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Cold rice works best as it's less sticky and helps achieve that classic fried rice texture. Stir everything together well.
06 -
Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over everything, and sprinkle in the chili flakes if you're using them. Mix thoroughly to make sure every grain of rice gets coated in the flavorful sauce.
07 -
Add the crispy chicken back into the pan and stir to combine all the ingredients. Continue cooking for another minute or two until everything is heated through and well-mixed.
08 -
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy your protein-packed meal!
# Notes:
01 -
Using cold, day-old rice works best for fried rice as it's less sticky and gives a better texture.
02 -
This recipe packs 33g of protein per serving, making it great for fitness enthusiasts or anyone looking to increase their protein intake.
03 -
Feel free to customize with other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
04 -
For an extra umami boost, add a dash of fish sauce or oyster sauce along with the soy sauce.