If you’re on the hunt for a dish that brings together bold, savory flavors with the comforting charm of a classic fried rice, this Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is your new go-to. It features tender chicken coated in a sticky, garlicky sauce that clings beautifully to each bite, paired with fragrant jasmine rice stir-fried with colorful veggies and a perfect touch of egg. This recipe packs so much flavor and texture, you’ll find yourself craving it long after the last spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to making this Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, the ingredients are surprisingly straightforward yet essential. Each one plays a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and a visually appealing dish that looks as good as it tastes.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 lb): Choose your preferred cut, cut into bite-size pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Soy sauce (3 tbsp total): Adds a salty, umami richness that is the backbone of this recipe’s flavor.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the garlic and soy perfectly.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Offers a mild tang that brightens the sticky sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): The star of the dish, delivering bold and aromatic punch.
- Ground ginger (1/2 tsp): Adds a warm, slightly spicy undertone that complements the garlic.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Helps give the chicken that irresistible sticky, glazed texture.
- Vegetable oil (3 tbsp total): Perfect for cooking the chicken and stir-frying your rice for a lovely crispness.
- Cooked jasmine rice (2 cups, day-old preferred): Day-old rice ensures the best texture without clumping.
- Small onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1/2 cup, thawed): Provides a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
- Eggs (2, beaten): Scrambled in to make the rice extra hearty and satisfying.
- Oyster sauce (1 tbsp, optional): This adds an optional layer of complex, savory richness.
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Infuses a delightful nutty aroma into every forkful.
- Green onions (2, chopped): Fresh garnish for a sharp, clean finish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds crunch and visual interest on top.
How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a bowl to create your sticky garlic marinade. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture, ensuring every bite is drenched with flavor. Let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to an hour in the fridge to soak up all those delicious aromas.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Once marinated, sprinkle the chicken with cornstarch and toss well. This step is what helps the chicken develop that irresistible sticky glaze when cooked, giving it both texture and shine.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on the edges and cooked through. Once ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, preserving those sticky bits in the pan.
Step 4: Prepare the Fried Rice Base
In the same skillet, add two more tablespoons of oil and sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Toss in the peas and carrots, cooking for another couple of minutes until they’re warmed through and vibrant.
Step 5: Add the Eggs
Push the veggies to one side and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble them gently until fully cooked, then stir everything together, marrying the eggs with the vegetables perfectly.
Step 6: Incorporate the Rice and Sauces
Add the cold jasmine rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with your spoon or spatula. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and sesame oil. Stir well to ensure every grain gets coated with those gorgeous flavors.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Return your sticky garlic chicken to the skillet along with any reserved marinade. Toss everything carefully and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sticky garlic sauce to thicken and envelop the rice and chicken, creating that signature glossy finish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is piping hot and perfectly combined, sprinkle with fresh chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds before serving. This final touch adds color and a bit of crunch to your savory dish.
How to Serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions brighten the dish with their sharpness, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds brings delightful crunch and nuttiness. You can even add a drizzle of extra sesame oil for an aromatic boost just before serving.
Side Dishes
This Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe stars as a filling main, but you can pair it with light sides like a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli to add freshness and balance. A bowl of miso soup or some pickled vegetables also complements this meal nicely, introducing new textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family meal or casual dinner, serve the fried rice in individual bowls topped with fried eggs for extra indulgence. If you want to impress guests, plate the rice in neat molds or ring forms and garnish with microgreens or thinly sliced chili for color and a subtle kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it an excellent option for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying and flavorful in minutes.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the rice fluffy and the chicken moist. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to refresh the flavors and prevent dryness. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and chewier texture, which can be delicious. Just keep in mind that brown rice can be a bit firmer, so make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before stir-frying.
What cuts of chicken work best for this recipe?
Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts both work beautifully. Thighs tend to stay juicier and have richer flavor, while breasts offer a leaner option. Either way, cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures quick cooking and perfect bite-sized morsels.
Is oyster sauce necessary for the fried rice?
Oyster sauce is optional, but it adds a wonderful savory depth that elevates the umami profile of the fried rice. If you don’t have it, just increase the soy sauce slightly or add a splash of fish sauce for a similar effect.
How do I get the rice to be fluffy and not mushy?
The key is using day-old or well-cooled rice, which dries out a bit and prevents clumping. When cooking, avoid adding too much liquid and stir the rice gently but thoroughly to separate the grains for that perfect fluffy texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and skip the oyster sauce or replace it with a vegetarian mushroom sauce. The sticky garlic sauce and fried rice components will still deliver plenty of flavor and satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone who loves the combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors wrapped up in a quick and comforting meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or sharing with friends who appreciate a great home-cooked Asian-inspired dish. Give it a try, and I promise this dish will become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 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 one-pan meal combining tender, marinated chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sticky garlic sauce with classic fried rice loaded with vegetables and scrambled eggs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish balances the rich umami of soy and oyster sauces with the subtle heat of ground ginger, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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)
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: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir until well mixed.
- 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 fridge to absorb the flavors.
- Coat the Chicken: After marinating, sprinkle the chicken with cornstarch and toss to coat evenly, which helps achieve a slightly crispy texture when cooked.
- 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.
- Cook the Vegetables: 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.
- Add Peas and Carrots: Add the peas and carrots to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Scramble the 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 the Rice: Add the cold, cooked 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 coat the rice and vegetables evenly 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 delicious sticky garlic chicken fried rice!
Notes
- For best texture, use day-old rice as it is less sticky and fries better.
- Marinating the chicken longer intensifies the flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
- Oyster sauce adds depth but can be omitted for a vegetarian-friendly version if replacing chicken with tofu.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier results.
- Adjust soy sauce and honey amounts according to your taste preference.
- Use a wok if available for authentic stir-fry texture and even cooking.
