Honey Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

$- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old) - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 3 tablespoons honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn) - 2 green onions, chopped - 2 eggs, lightly beaten - Salt and pepper to taste - Sesame seeds for garnish I love using day-old jasmine rice for this dish. It has the right texture and flavor. Fresh rice can be too sticky. Next, I use two chicken breasts, diced into small pieces. This helps them cook fast and evenly. Honey adds a sweet touch, while garlic brings depth to the dish. Soy sauce gives a nice umami flavor, and sesame oil adds richness. For veggies, I choose mixed ones like carrots, peas, and corn. You can also use fresh or frozen veggies! Green onions add a crisp bite. I like to scramble two eggs in the mix for added protein. Don't forget salt and pepper! They help to balance the flavors. Finally, sesame seeds make a great garnish. They add crunch and make it look pretty. If you want to change things up, use brown rice or quinoa instead. Both add a nutty taste. For protein, try shrimp, tofu, or even turkey. Each choice gives a new twist! You can also switch veggies. Use bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Feel free to get creative! The goal is to make it your own while keeping it tasty. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make great Honey Garlic Chicken Fried Rice, start by cooking the chicken. Cut the chicken into small pieces. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sprinkle salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to be fully cooked with no pink inside. For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken first. Just mix some soy sauce, a bit of honey, and garlic. Let the chicken soak for 30 minutes before cooking. This adds depth to the dish and makes it more tasty. Next, let’s bring in that sweet and savory mix. Once the chicken is done, add minced garlic and honey to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken. Cook this for about 2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great, but be careful not to burn it. Timing is key here. If you add the garlic too early, it can turn bitter. So, wait until the chicken is browned first. This way, you get all the sweet notes from the honey and the garlic. Now it’s time to bring everything together! In the same skillet, add mixed vegetables. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender. Then, push the veggies to one side. Pour the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked. Next, add the cooked jasmine rice. Pour in the soy sauce and stir everything together. Make sure to break up any clumps of rice. The rice should mix well with the chicken and veggies. Finally, add the honey garlic chicken back into the skillet. Mix it all well and adjust seasoning if needed. Once heated through, toss in chopped green onions. Serve hot and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nice finish. Using day-old rice is key for great fried rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture. This can make the dish soggy. Cool the rice in the fridge overnight. This helps it dry out and firm up. To avoid soggy fried rice, use high heat while cooking. A hot pan helps to fry the rice instead of steaming it. Stir quickly but gently to keep the rice from clumping. Try adding extra sauces for more flavor. A splash of oyster sauce or chili sauce can be great. These sauces will boost the taste and give depth. Fresh herbs also make a big difference. Chop some cilantro or basil and mix them in. This adds a fresh burst of flavor to your fried rice. Meal prepping can save you time. Cook your chicken and veggies ahead. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, dinner comes together in a flash. Use a wok if you have one. It cooks quickly and evenly. If you don’t, a large skillet works well too. Just make sure it’s hot before adding your ingredients. This helps everything cook quickly and evenly. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Rice: Day-old jasmine rice is less sticky, making it perfect for fried rice. It helps achieve that ideal texture without clumping together. Control the Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat ensures that the chicken browns nicely and that the vegetables retain their crunch. Too low heat can lead to soggy rice. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers or broccoli. Just make sure to cut them into small, uniform pieces for even cooking. Garnish for Flavor: Adding sesame seeds and green onions as a garnish not only enhances the dish's presentation but also adds a burst of flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet, briny taste. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. Just ensure you press it well to remove excess water. Mixing different meats, like pork or beef, can also create new flavors. Experiment with what you enjoy most. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the flavor without gluten. For vegetarian or vegan options, skip the chicken and eggs. Use extra veggies or tofu instead. You can add chickpeas for protein. These changes keep the meal tasty and satisfying. Want to spice things up? Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat. You can also use fresh ginger for a warm flavor. Citrus flavors like lime or lemon juice brighten the dish. Just squeeze some juice in before serving. These twists make your fried rice unique and fun! To keep your Honey Garlic Chicken Fried Rice fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic works best. Make sure to cool the rice down before sealing. This helps keep moisture out and preserves taste. Place the containers in the fridge right away. Consume the leftovers within three to four days for best flavor. For the best results when reheating, use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat and add a splash of water. Stir often to keep the rice moist. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. This helps maintain texture and flavor. You can freeze Honey Garlic Chicken Fried Rice too. Let it cool completely before putting it in freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave, adding a bit of water if needed. Enjoy your tasty meal anytime! Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old? Yes, you can use fresh rice. But, day-old rice works best. It dries out a bit and helps prevent clumping. If you use fresh rice, try cooling it first to get the right texture. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? To keep chicken juicy, cook it over medium-high heat. Avoid overcooking it. Cook until it is just done, around 5-7 minutes. Marinating the chicken in honey and soy sauce helps keep it moist, too. Is this recipe healthy? Yes, this recipe can be healthy. It has lean protein from chicken and lots of vegetables. You control the amount of oil and honey used. This dish can fit well in a balanced diet. What are the nutrition facts? For one serving of this dish, you get about: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 40g - Fat: 10g These numbers can change based on your ingredient choices. What if my sauce is too sweet? If the sauce is too sweet, add a little soy sauce. This adds saltiness and balances the flavor. You could also add a splash of vinegar to cut the sweetness. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook it, let it cool, then store it in the fridge. It stays good for 3 to 4 days. Reheat it in a skillet for best results. This recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken Fried Rice combines tasty ingredients with easy steps. You learned about the essential items like jasmine rice and vegetables and how to prepare them. We also discussed variations for different diets and tips for perfecting your dish. In the end, you can enjoy a delicious meal that fits your needs. Remember, cooking can be quick and fun! Now it's time to get creative in the kitchen. Happy cooking!$

Honey Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

A delicious fried rice dish featuring tender chicken, sweet honey, and fragrant garlic, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn)
2 pieces green onions, chopped
2 pieces eggs, lightly beaten
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish sesame seeds

Instructions

In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add in the minced garlic and honey to the skillet, stirring well to coat the chicken. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the honey has slightly caramelized. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender.
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked and then mix them with the vegetables.
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, followed by the soy sauce. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure to break up any clumps of rice.
Incorporate the honey garlic chicken back into the skillet, mixing it in with the rice and vegetables. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Once everything is heated through, toss in the chopped green onions and mix well.
Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds.

Notes

Using day-old rice helps prevent clumping.

Keyword chicken, fried rice, honey garlic