Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, this Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is exactly what you need. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, crispy vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice all tossed together in a sticky, savory garlic sauce that coats every bite. The kind of dish that leaves you scraping the plate for the last bite, wishing there was more. It’s the ultimate one-pan meal that combines everything you love—comfort, bold flavors, and just the right amount of richness.

This recipe is a great way to turn ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish brings all the flavors you crave and makes your kitchen smell like a cozy, flavorful haven. Plus, it’s so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Why You’ll Love Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

Here’s why this dish is an absolute game-changer:

Flavor Explosion: The sticky garlic sauce is packed with savory, sweet, and slightly tangy notes that coat the chicken and rice perfectly. Each bite is a flavor bomb!
Quick & Easy: No need for complicated steps or hours in the kitchen. This fried rice comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to your liking—add more veggies, spice it up with chili flakes, or toss in some extra protein like shrimp or beef.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. You get all the flavor and none of the mess.
Kid-Friendly: The sweetness from the soy sauce and the savory garlic sauce makes this a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. It’s a dish everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients in Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy, flavorful dish:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken breasts or thighs – I like chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work too.
• Soy sauce – For that umami kick and salty depth of flavor.
• Sesame oil – Adds a toasty richness to the chicken.
• Cornstarch – Helps give the chicken a nice sear and helps the sauce coat everything evenly.

For the Fried Rice:

• Cooked rice – Day-old rice works best for fried rice because it’s less sticky.
• Vegetable oil – To fry everything up.
• Garlic – Minced for maximum flavor.
• Ginger – Freshly grated to add a zesty kick.
• Carrots – Chopped small for a little sweetness and crunch.
• Frozen peas – Classic fried rice ingredient, adding color and a burst of sweetness.
• Green onions – For garnish and added flavor.

For the Sticky Garlic Sauce:

• Garlic (again!) – Minced, because we’re not holding back on the garlic here.
• Soy sauce – For the base of the sauce.
• Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness and helps create that “sticky” texture.
• Rice vinegar – For a little tang to balance the sweetness.
• Sesame oil – To round out the flavor and add richness.
• Cornstarch – To thicken the sauce and give it that perfect glaze.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this dish? Let’s get started!

Prepare the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a bowl with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients. This will give the chicken great flavor and help it get that crispy texture when cooked.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to make the sticky garlic sauce. Set it aside.

Fry the Rice

In the same skillet, add a little more vegetable oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Add the carrots and peas and sauté until they’re tender, about 3 minutes. If you like a little heat, you can also add chili flakes at this stage.

Combine the Rice and Chicken

Add your cooked rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and make sure the rice is evenly heated. Stir in the cooked chicken and pour in the sticky garlic sauce. Mix everything together until the rice is coated with that glossy, sticky sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Insert calorie count]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

This dish is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas for making it even more enjoyable:

With Steamed Veggies: Pair it with some steamed broccoli or bok choy for a healthy, veggie-packed side.
As a Side to Other Asian Dishes: Serve alongside dishes like crispy spring rolls, dumplings, or egg rolls to create an entire meal.
With a Fried Egg on Top: For extra richness, add a fried egg on top of your fried rice. The yolk mixes in with the rice and makes it even more decadent.
Garnished with Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds texture and a nutty flavor.

Additional Tips

Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky for fried rice. If you have leftover rice in the fridge, use that! The grains will separate better, giving you that perfect fried rice texture.
Add More Veggies: You can easily add more veggies to this dish. Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn for extra flavor and color.
Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Make it Ahead: This dish makes excellent leftovers! Simply store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use another protein instead of chicken?
A1: Absolutely! This recipe works great with shrimp, pork, or beef. You can even make it vegetarian by adding tofu or extra veggies.

Q2: Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
A2: Yes! White rice works perfectly fine for this recipe. It’s all about what you have on hand and your personal preference.

Q3: What if I don’t have sesame oil?
A3: If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with vegetable oil or another neutral oil. While sesame oil adds a distinct flavor, the dish will still be delicious without it.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little splash of water to keep it moist.

Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for the sauce, and you’ll have a completely gluten-free meal.

Conclusion

This Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is the kind of dish that’s guaranteed to become a favorite. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavors you’ll crave over and over again. The sticky garlic sauce is the star of the show, and when combined with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of veggies, it’s pure comfort food bliss. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to friends, this dish will definitely hit the spot! Enjoy every last bite!

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