Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

### Instructions: How to Make Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

#### 1. **Prepare the Chicken**
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

#### 2. **Cook the Chicken**
In a large skillet or wok, heat the **vegetable oil** over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

#### 3. **Sauté the Vegetables**
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and toss in the **onion**. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent. Add the **minced garlic** and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the **peas and carrots** (or any other vegetables you prefer) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are heated through and tender.

#### 4. **Scramble the Eggs**
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add a bit more oil to the empty side. Pour the **beaten eggs** into the skillet and scramble them, cooking for 1-2 minutes until they are fully cooked. Once done, mix the scrambled eggs with the vegetables.

#### 5. **Add the Rice**
Add the **cold, cooked rice** to the skillet. It’s important to use day-old rice, as it’s drier and less sticky, which makes for perfect fried rice. Break up any clumps of rice and stir everything together.

#### 6. **Season the Fried Rice**
Add the **soy sauce** and **oyster sauce** (if using) to the rice. Stir to combine and ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauce. Drizzle in the **sesame oil** (if using) for an extra layer of flavor. Taste the rice and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce, salt, or pepper if needed.

#### 7. **Combine Chicken and Garnish**
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine all the ingredients. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Once everything is well combined, garnish with chopped **green onions** and a sprinkle of **red pepper flakes** if you like a bit of spice.

#### 8. **Serve and Enjoy!**
Your Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with other Asian-inspired dishes like egg rolls, dumplings, or a side of miso soup. For an extra indulgence, top with a fried egg for a truly satisfying meal.

### Why You’ll Love Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

1. **Quick and Easy**: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious, flavorful meal without much effort.

2. **Customizable**: Whether you prefer adding different vegetables, swapping the chicken for shrimp or tofu, or adjusting the sauce to your taste, garlic chicken fried rice is highly versatile and can be tailored to suit your preferences.

3. **Great for Leftovers**: Fried rice is the perfect dish for using up leftover rice or chicken. If you have cooked rice in the fridge, this recipe is even faster to make, and the flavors are even better the next day!

4. **One-Pan Meal**: It’s all made in one skillet or wok, which means fewer dishes to clean. Plus, it’s easy to prep and cook everything in a single pan, making this a hassle-free meal.

5. **Budget-Friendly**: Fried rice is not only easy but also inexpensive to make. You can use whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand, and it’s a great way to stretch your ingredients while still creating a flavorful, filling dish.

### Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

– **Use Cold Rice**: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky for fried rice, so it’s best to use day-old rice that’s been chilled in the fridge. This helps the rice fry up nicely without clumping together.

– **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: If you’re making a large batch, it’s better to cook it in batches rather than overcrowding the pan. This ensures the rice gets crispy and golden in some spots, which adds to the flavor.

– **Adjust the Heat**: If you like your fried rice with a little heat, you can add **red pepper flakes** or some diced **jalapeños** to give it an extra kick.

– **Add a Fried Egg**: For an extra touch of richness, top your fried rice with a fried egg. Simply cook an egg sunny-side up or scrambled and place it on top of your fried rice before serving.

### Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is the ultimate comfort food—savory, satisfying, and full of flavor. With its quick prep time, versatility, and budget-friendly ingredients, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re making it for dinner, meal prep, or using up leftovers, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a delicious, homemade fried rice that rivals anything you can get from takeout.

So the next time you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, try making Garlic Chicken Fried Rice, and watch as your family and guests ask for seconds!