Name: Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and cooled jasmine rice; 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Tools You’ll Need:; Large wok or skillet; Spatula; Mixing bowls; Paper towels (for draining chicken)

Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice has quickly become a favorite in our household, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

It all started on one of those chaotic weekday nights when I needed a quick yet satisfying meal that everyone would love. I had leftover rice, some chicken in the fridge, and a strong craving for something garlicky and crispy. I tossed everything together in a sizzling pan, added my favorite seasonings, and in no time, we had a meal that disappeared faster than I could plate it. The best part? My kids actually ask for seconds!

The combination of crispy golden-brown chicken bites, fragrant garlic, and perfectly seasoned rice is simply irresistible. The texture contrast—crispy edges on the chicken, soft and flavorful rice, and just the right amount of crunch from fresh garnishes—makes every bite delightful. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice while still feeling like you’ve cooked a brand-new dish from scratch.

This recipe is easy enough for busy weeknights but flavorful enough to impress guests if you ever need a quick yet impressive meal. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish that’s better than takeout and full of homemade love. Trust me—once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your home, too!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of leftover rice? Yes! However, fresh rice tends to be softer and can become mushy when fried. If you must use fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes to dry out slightly.

What’s the secret to making the chicken extra crispy? The key is coating the chicken in cornstarch before frying. It gives the chicken that irresistible crunch while keeping it juicy inside.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or a mix of mushrooms for a delicious meat-free version.

What type of rice works best? Day-old jasmine rice works best because it’s slightly dried out, allowing it to fry up beautifully without turning soggy.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and store it separately, then quickly stir-fry everything together before serving for the best texture.

What You Need to Make Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked and cooled jasmine rice

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon black pepper

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup frozen peas

2 green onions, chopped

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Tools You’ll Need:

Large wok or skillet

Spatula

Mixing bowls

Paper towels (for draining chicken)

How to Make Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and black pepper. Let it sit for 5 minutes while you heat up a pan.

Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Scramble the Eggs: Push the garlic to one side of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until fully cooked.

Add the Rice and Sauces: Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.

Combine Everything: Add the crispy chicken, peas, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot!

Tips for Making the Best Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

Use cold rice! Fresh rice can be too soft and sticky. If using fresh rice, let it cool before frying.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches prevents steaming and ensures crispiness.

Adjust seasoning to taste. Some like it saltier, some prefer it spicier—taste and tweak as needed!

Add extra crunch. Garnish with crispy fried shallots or crushed peanuts for a nice textural contrast.

Make it your own. Feel free to toss in extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Absolutely delicious! My family loved it, and it was so much better than takeout.” – Jennifer M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Crispy, garlicky, and so easy to make! This will be on repeat in our house.” – Mark S.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved the flavor, but next time I’ll add a little more spice for an extra kick!” – Rebecca L.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Even my picky eater asked for seconds!” – Amanda R.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good, but I wish the chicken stayed crispier after mixing it into the rice.” – David T.

Printable Recipe

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