Honey Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

$- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably cold) - 3 tablespoons honey - 4 tablespoons soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) - 2 green onions, sliced - 2 eggs, beaten - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients in this dish bring together simple yet flavorful elements. The chicken serves as the protein, giving the meal a hearty base. I always prefer using boneless chicken breast, as it cooks quickly and stays tender. The jasmine rice is key; its fragrance adds depth to the dish. Using cold rice is important. It helps the grains stay separate and not clump together. Honey and soy sauce create a rich, sweet, and savory glaze that coats the chicken and rice beautifully. Together, they balance the dish perfectly. For additional ingredients, garlic adds a punch of flavor. The mixed vegetables not only add color but also boost the nutrition. I like to use frozen peas, carrots, and corn because they are easy and always ready to go. In terms of seasoning, green onions add a fresh crunch. Eggs bring richness and texture. Sesame oil rounds out the flavors with its nutty aroma. Finally, don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the tastes. With these ingredients, you can create a tasty and satisfying meal that is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cutting your chicken breast into cubes. In a bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Make sure all the chicken pieces are well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of sesame oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Sauté the chicken until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This process seals in the flavors and gives the chicken a nice texture. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss in your mixed vegetables. Stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. This keeps the veggies colorful and crisp. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side. Scramble the eggs until cooked, then mix them with the vegetables. This adds richness to the dish. Now, add the cold cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Stir everything together well. Drizzle in the remaining soy sauce and toss the mixture until the rice is evenly coated. This step ensures every grain of rice tastes delicious. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything well, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until it’s all heated through. Season your fried rice with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in the sliced green onions right before serving. This brightens up the dish and adds a fresh crunch. Serve the fried rice in a large bowl, and consider garnishing it with extra green onions and a drizzle of honey for a nice finish. Enjoy your easy weeknight meal! Using cold jasmine rice is key. Cold rice helps keep the grains separate. It prevents clumping and gives a nice texture. Freshly cooked rice can become mushy. For best results, cook your rice a day before. Let it cool and store it in the fridge. This method makes your fried rice more enjoyable. Marinating the chicken is important. Mix cubed chicken with soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This gives the chicken great flavor. Use high heat when cooking the chicken. Sauté it until it turns golden brown. This step adds a nice crunch and keeps the meat juicy. You can boost the taste with extra seasonings. Try adding sesame seeds or a splash of rice vinegar. You might also use chili flakes for some heat. Adding these small touches makes a big difference. They can create a dish that is uniquely yours. Don’t forget to taste as you cook! Adjust flavors to fit your liking. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavor significantly, making each bite more delicious. Use Cold Rice: Using cold, day-old jasmine rice prevents the grains from becoming mushy and helps achieve the perfect fried rice texture. High Heat is Key: Stir-frying on high heat ensures that the chicken and vegetables cook quickly, retaining their texture and flavor. Garnish for Visual Appeal: Garnish your dish with extra green onions and a drizzle of honey to make it visually appealing and appetizing. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice taste. Just sauté it until it turns pink. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm. Cut it into cubes and fry until golden. Both options give your dish a new twist. You can also try a mix of proteins for extra fun. Feel free to use seasonal or frozen vegetables. Fresh veggies give great flavor, while frozen ones are quick and easy. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Toss in whatever you have on hand. This makes your fried rice colorful and full of nutrients. Using a mix keeps it exciting every time you cook. To add extra zing, try spices or sauces. A dash of chili flakes adds heat. You can also use oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for depth. Want a bit of tang? A splash of rice vinegar or lime juice works great. Experiment and find what you love. Making it your own is the best part of cooking! To store leftovers, let the fried rice cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh in the fridge. You can store it for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. When you want to eat it again, check for any signs of spoilage. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great choice. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Fried rice can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. The best way to reheat fried rice is in a skillet. Heat a bit of oil in the pan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir it often. This helps to heat it evenly. You can add a splash of water to create steam. This method keeps the rice moist and tasty. You can also use a microwave, but stir it halfway through for even heating. Yes, you can use leftover rice. Day-old rice works best for fried rice. It is drier and less sticky, which makes it easier to fry. Freshly cooked rice may clump together. Using leftover rice helps create a better texture. If you need a substitute for honey, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Both add sweetness and flavor. You can also use brown sugar mixed with a little water. This will give a similar taste and texture. Yes, this dish is great for kids. To make it more appealing, cut the chicken into smaller pieces. You can also let them help with mixing ingredients. Adding their favorite veggies can make it fun. Sweet flavors like honey will keep them interested. This blog post showed you how to make tasty chicken fried rice. We covered ingredients like chicken, jasmine rice, and a mix of veggies. You learned the step-by-step process, from marinating the chicken to serving the dish. I shared tips for perfecting your fried rice and variations to try. Remember, use day-old rice for best results. Store leftovers properly, and feel free to make it kid-friendly. Now, it's time for you to cook and enjoy this simple, flavorful meal!$

Honey Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

A delicious and easy fried rice dish featuring marinated chicken, honey, and garlic.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably cold)
1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed
3 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
2 pieces green onions, sliced
2 pieces eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons sesame oil
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a bowl, mix the cubed chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté until cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side. Scramble the eggs until cooked, then mix with the vegetables.
Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet, and stir everything together. Drizzle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and toss the mixture until the rice is evenly coated.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mix well, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss in the sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve the fried rice in a large bowl, garnished with additional green onions and a drizzle of honey on top for an enticing shine.

Keyword Chicken, fried rice, honey garlic