Name: Easy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 pound chicken breast, cubed; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 2 cups cold, cooked white rice; 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed; 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated); 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste

I discovered this easy garlic chicken fried rice recipe on a weeknight when I had nothing prepped and needed something fast. I had cold white rice, a couple of chicken breasts, some eggs, and garlic. That night, the kitchen smelled like comfort, garlic sizzling in hot oil, soy sauce hitting the pan, and rice soaking up all the flavor.

That single experiment turned into one of my go-to high energy meals, perfect for dinner, next-day lunch, or even those busy weekends when time is short and hunger hits hard.

This garlic chicken fried rice has everything I need in a quick recipe: juicy pan-seared chicken, fluffy scrambled eggs, colorful vegetables, and just the right amount of garlicky punch in every bite.

Let’s get into what makes this dish a staple for your recipe box.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

This fried rice recipe is more than just another way to use leftovers. It’s bold, flavorful, and super flexible.

Cooks in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it weeknight approved.
It’s gluten free friendly, just swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Scrambled eggs and pan-seared chicken give it protein power for long-lasting energy.
Tastes better than takeout and costs way less.
Easy to double for meal prep, freezer storage, or serving a crowd.

Ingredients for Easy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple and flavorful chicken fried rice. These quantities make about 4 servings:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil – neutral oil for stir-frying
1 pound chicken breast – cut into small cubes
4 garlic cloves, minced – key to that bold flavor
2 eggs – lightly beaten
2 cups cooked white rice – day-old and cold for best texture
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots – thawed
3 green onions – sliced, green and white parts separated
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce – or tamari for gluten-free
1 tablespoon sesame oil – for rich aroma
Salt and pepper – to taste

For another easy and satisfying meal, check out this One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

This easy chicken fried rice recipe comes together in one large skillet or wok.

1. Cook the chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sear for 6–7 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.

2. Scramble the eggs
Add a bit more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook, stirring gently, until just set. Push them to the side of the pan.

3. Sauté garlic and veggies
Add minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add thawed peas and carrots, and cook for 1–2 minutes.

4. Stir in the rice
Add the cold cooked rice. Break up clumps and stir everything together to heat through. Let the rice sit for 1–2 minutes untouched to get some crispy bits.

5. Season and finish
Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well to coat all ingredients. Return chicken and eggs to the pan and mix until heated through. Top with sliced green onions.

Want another garlic-forward dish? Try this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

This dish is delicious as-is, but here are some fun ways to serve it:

Add a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy for a veggie boost.
Serve with a drizzle of sriracha or chili crisp for heat lovers.
Roll into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Use it as a base for rice bowls with grilled pineapple and cucumbers.
Pair with a miso soup starter or light broth on colder days.

For more flavorful chicken options, explore this recipe for Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs.

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Variations & Customization

This easy chicken fried rice recipe is endlessly adaptable.

Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu – both cook quickly and absorb flavor well.
Use brown rice or jasmine rice – for extra fiber or floral aroma.
Toss in extra veggies – bell peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, or zucchini.
Go spicy – add chili flakes, sambal oelek, or Korean gochujang.
Make it low carb – substitute cauliflower rice but reduce cooking time slightly.

Looking for more family-friendly comfort meals? This Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Pie Crust is a crowd-pleaser.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Keep leftover garlic chicken fried rice fresh with proper storage:

Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of broth or water. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals, covered with a damp paper towel.

Avoid reheating more than once to preserve flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Rice

For consistently tasty fried rice at home, follow these expert tips:

Use cold rice
Freshly cooked rice becomes too soft. Cold, day-old rice holds its shape and fries beautifully.
High heat is key
Keep your pan hot to develop a light crust on rice and veggies. This builds deep flavor fast.
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Too much rice or chicken at once cools the pan and steams instead of sears.
Cook eggs separately
Cooking the eggs first gives them the best texture and prevents overcooking.
Add garlic after oil is hot
This preserves its flavor and prevents burning, which can turn bitter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

Avoid these errors for the best fried rice experience:

Using freshly cooked rice
It clumps and becomes mushy. Always use day-old, cold rice.
Overcooking the chicken
Cube it evenly and remove as soon as it’s cooked through to keep it juicy.
Low heat cooking
Fried rice should be cooked quickly over high heat to prevent soggy results.
Dumping all the ingredients at once
Stagger your steps to layer flavors and avoid a stewed texture.
Adding soy sauce too early
Wait until rice is heated before seasoning so it coats evenly without making the dish soggy.

Conclusion

This easy garlic chicken fried rice recipe takes simple ingredients and turns them into something special. With just a few steps and a hot skillet, you get flavorful pan-seared chicken, fragrant garlic, and perfectly fried rice that’s just as good (if not better) than takeout.

It’s quick, high-energy, and flexible enough for lunches, dinners, or meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, this is one of those recipes you’ll reach for again and again.

Try it once, and it’ll become a permanent part of your weeknight dinner rotation.

FAQs About Easy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

What is the best rice to use for garlic chicken fried rice?

Cold, day-old jasmine rice is ideal for fried rice. Long grain white rice also works well. The key is that the rice should be dry and separate so it can absorb flavor and hold its shape when stir-fried.

Can garlic chicken fried rice be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Always check labels on sauces to ensure no gluten-containing additives are included.

How do I prevent garlic chicken fried rice from sticking to the pan?

Make sure your skillet is hot before adding ingredients and use enough oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. A well-seasoned cast iron or nonstick skillet helps too.

Is it better to use fresh or leftover rice for garlic chicken fried rice?

Leftover rice is always better for fried rice. It’s dryer, less sticky, and holds up well to the high-heat stir-frying process. Fresh rice tends to clump and results in a soggier dish.