If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and comforting textures, you have to try this Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. It’s a fantastic combination of succulent, sticky garlic-glazed chicken paired perfectly with fragrant jasmine rice stir-fried with fresh veggies and scrambled eggs. This recipe brings together sweet and savory notes in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or whenever you want something truly satisfying without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential—they each bring their unique magic to this dish, from the tender chicken coated in a shiny garlic glaze to the perfectly seasoned fried rice that’s fluffy with veggies and eggs. Together, they create the ultimate flavor and texture harmony you’ll love.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 lb): Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner bite, all cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Soy sauce (3 tbsp): The salty umami foundation for both the chicken and the fried rice.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Adds a lovely natural sweetness that balances the garlic and soy perfectly.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Gives a subtle tang that lifts the sticky sauce beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): The star flavor that makes this dish irresistibly aromatic and savory.
- Ground ginger (1/2 tsp): Warm, earthy notes that complement garlic and add depth.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Helps create that signature sticky coating on the chicken.
- Vegetable oil (3 tbsp total): Perfect for frying the chicken and stir-frying the rice with a nice crisp texture.
- Cooked jasmine rice (2 cups, preferably day-old): Day-old rice ensures fluffiness and prevents clumping when frying.
- Small onion (1, diced): Brings a mild sweetness and crunch to the fried rice.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1/2 cup, thawed): Adds color, sweetness, and a fresh veggie crunch.
- Eggs (2, beaten): Scrambled into the rice for added protein and that lovely silky texture.
- Oyster sauce (1 tbsp, optional): For an extra layer of savory depth and richness.
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Adds a nutty aroma and flavor that makes the fried rice truly special.
- Green onions (2, chopped): Fresh garnish that brightens every bite.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A final touch for crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a bowl until smooth. This sauce is where your chicken earns its sticky, garlicky goodness. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in this marinade and let them soak up the flavors for at least 15-20 minutes, or pop them in the fridge for up to an hour if you have time. This step is key for juicy, flavorful chicken that shines later in the dish.
Step 2: Coat and Cook the Chicken
Once marinated, sprinkle the chicken evenly with cornstarch and toss to coat. This creates that irresistible sticky texture when fried. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok, then add the chicken. Cook it for around 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece is browned and cooked through. Set the chicken aside—your kitchen is already smelling amazing!
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add two more tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the thawed peas and carrots, cooking them just long enough to warm through and retain their vibrant color and crunch.
Step 4: Scramble and Mix the Eggs
Push the cooked veggies to the side of the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs. Let them scramble gently, then mix them with the veggies so the eggs get coated evenly with flavors and take on a soft, silky texture that blends beautifully with the rice later.
Step 5: Combine Rice and Sauces
Add your cold, cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps using your spatula and stir together with the egg and veggie mixture. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce if you’re using it, and sesame oil. Stir everything well so the rice is coated in that savory, nutty, glossy goodness that makes fried rice so crave-worthy.
Step 6: Finish with Sticky Garlic Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it all together. Pour in the reserved sticky garlic marinade from earlier to bring everything together with sticky, garlicky flair. Cook for another 2-3 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly, clinging to the rice and chicken with every bite.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds on top for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve immediately while hot, and get ready to fall in love with this incredibly flavorful Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe.
How to Serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds are classic here, adding just the right pop of color and a touch of nuttiness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of sriracha or a handful of crispy fried shallots makes for a tantalizing kick and crunch that elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
This fried rice shines on its own, but pairing it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli balances the richness and adds a refreshing, cool contrast. Pickled veggies or a tangy kimchi can also bring a delightful fusion twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe inside crispy lettuce cups or even stuffed into toasted pita pockets for an unexpected handheld meal. You might also plate it with a wedge of lime on the side to squeeze over for a bright burst of citrus that cuts through the savory sauce beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sticky garlic sauce keeps the chicken flavorful, and the rice holds up well, making it easy to enjoy as a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, pop the fried rice in a freezer-safe container. It freezes nicely for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to keep the texture and flavor intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness. Microwave reheating works too—cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in and heat evenly. Just give it a quick toss, and it’ll taste almost as good as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works fine though the texture will be a bit chewier and nuttier. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled well before stir-frying to avoid sogginess.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can skip the oyster sauce or substitute with a little hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce. Oyster sauce adds a unique depth, but it’s not absolutely necessary to make this dish delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian-friendly sauces. Make sure to cook the tofu until golden and slightly crispy for great texture.
Why is day-old rice better for fried rice?
Day-old rice has had time to dry out a bit, so it fries up fluffy without clumping or getting mushy. Freshly cooked rice is usually too moist and can result in sticky, soggy fried rice.
How can I make the chicken extra sticky?
Be sure to coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch after marinating and fry it over medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan. This helps develop the glossy, sticky coating that clings wonderfully to every bite.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe a try because it’s a total game-changer in the world of easy homemade meals. With its perfect harmony of sticky, savory chicken and flavorful fried rice, it’s one of those dishes that feels both special and comforting at the same time. Once you make it, it’ll probably become your go-to weeknight winner just like it did for me!
Print
Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a sweet and savory garlic sauce, combined with perfectly cooked jasmine rice, scrambled eggs, and a medley of vegetables. The dish is garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an added touch of freshness and crunch, making it a perfect quick and easy dinner option.
Ingredients
For the Sticky Garlic Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked and cooled jasmine rice (preferably day-old rice)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sticky Garlic Chicken marinade: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir until well mixed to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors.
- Coat chicken with cornstarch: After marinating, sprinkle the chicken with cornstarch and toss to coat evenly. This will help achieve a slightly crispy texture when cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté onions: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook peas and carrots: Add the peas and carrots to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Scramble eggs: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.
- Add rice: Add the cold, cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps and stir well to combine with the vegetables and eggs.
- Season the fried rice: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir to evenly coat the rice and vegetables with the sauces.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Stir in the sticky garlic sauce that the chicken was marinated in, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the rice and chicken and thicken slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice!
Notes
- For best results, use day-old jasmine rice as it prevents clumping and creates a better fried rice texture.
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds a rich umami flavor to the fried rice.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha.
- Make sure to let the chicken marinate long enough for deep flavor penetration.
- Use a large skillet or wok to allow enough space for easy stir-frying.
