If you’re craving a comforting dish that bursts with flavor and comes together quickly, this Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s a lively harmony of tender, sticky chicken pieces glazed in a sweet and savory garlic sauce, tossed with fluffy jasmine rice, vibrant veggies, and scrambled eggs. Every bite delivers a delightful mix of textures and rich umami notes that will have you reaching for seconds — or thirds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this recipe offers a satisfying, crowd-pleasing option that strikes the perfect balance between hearty and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each one plays a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish pop off the plate.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they soak up the sticky garlic sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds that essential salty depth typical of classic fried rice.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Brings a rich, slightly sweet complexity to the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances savory flavors with a gentle sweetness and helps achieve that lovely sticky texture.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Provides fragrant, aromatic punch throughout the dish.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided): For cooking the chicken and frying the rice without overpowering flavors.
- 3 cups cooked and chilled jasmine rice: The heart of the dish with a light, fluffy texture that’s perfect for stir-frying.
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten): Adds richness and a soft bite when scrambled into the rice.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed): Offers sweet pops of color and a fresh, crisp contrast.
- 3 green onions (sliced): Brings a subtle sharpness for brightness at the end.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: For that irresistible nutty aroma that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essentials to season and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and minced garlic in a bowl to create the sticky garlic marinade. Toss in your chicken pieces so they soak up every bit of that gorgeous glaze. Letting it marinate for at least 15 minutes ensures each bite will be bursting with flavor and sticky perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re aiming for the chicken to be cooked through and sticky with that glossy sauce clinging to every morsel. Once done, set it aside and prepare for the next steps.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
In the same pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Pour in the lightly beaten eggs and scramble them gently until they are just set. The soft eggs help add a silky, comforting texture to the fried rice that pairs wonderfully with the sticky chicken.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice and Veggies
Add the cooked and chilled jasmine rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, so the rice heats through nicely and starts to pick up subtle crispy edges. Then, fold in the thawed peas and carrots, giving the dish a lovely burst of color and a slight sweetness with every mouthful.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked sticky garlic chicken to the pan and toss everything together gently. Drizzle with sesame oil and stir in the sliced green onions. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your liking. The goal is a balanced, fragrant plate of sticky garlic chicken fried rice that’s bursting with flavor from every angle.
How to Serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Spoonful of Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, sprinkle extra sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top. A small drizzle of sriracha or chili oil also adds a fiery kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the chicken sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for freshness. If you want to make it a full Asian-inspired feast, consider serving with spring rolls or a light miso soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve your sticky garlic chicken fried rice inside hollowed-out bell peppers or pineapple halves. Not only does this boost visual appeal, it also adds a fun twist for dinner parties or family meals. Garnishing with edible flowers or fresh herbs can make the dish feel extra special too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe holds up well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, spread it out to cool quickly, then pack into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave with a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Adding a light drizzle of sesame oil freshens up the flavors and keeps the chicken tender after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used in this Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. Just be mindful that breasts cook a little faster and can dry out more easily than thighs, so keep an eye on them during cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
You can easily make a vegetarian version by swapping the chicken for firm tofu. Press and cube the tofu, then marinate it just like the chicken. It soaks up the sticky garlic sauce nicely and adds a satisfying texture.
Why should I use day-old rice?
Day-old jasmine rice is drier and firmer, which prevents it from becoming mushy when stir-fried. Freshly cooked rice tends to stick together and won’t create that perfect fried rice texture that’s essential in this recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
The classic Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe isn’t spicy on its own, but you can easily add heat by including chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chilies when cooking or as a garnish to suit your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance to deepen the flavor, and cook the rice ahead of time as well. The final stir-fry step should be done just before serving for the best texture and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is truly one of those go-to dishes that hits all the right notes — quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to become a well-loved staple in your meal rotation. So grab your wok and those simple ingredients, and dive into a bowl of pure, sticky garlic goodness! You’ll be so glad you did.
Print
Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Sticky Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful and quick Asian-inspired dish featuring tender marinated chicken thighs cooked to sticky perfection, combined with fragrant jasmine rice, scrambled eggs, colorful peas and carrots, and a hint of sesame oil. This easy skillet recipe brings together sweet, savory, and garlicky notes for a satisfying and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cups cooked and chilled jasmine rice
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has a sticky glaze. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the lightly beaten eggs and scramble until just set but still soft. Remove from skillet or push to the sides to make room for rice.
- Stir-fry the Rice: Add the cooked and chilled jasmine rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry the rice for 2 to 3 minutes over medium-high heat to warm through and get a slight sear.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the thawed peas and carrots and cook for another 2 minutes, mixing them evenly into the rice.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked sticky chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly. Drizzle with sesame oil, stir in the sliced green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and cook for an additional minute to blend flavors.
- Serve: Serve the sticky garlic chicken fried rice hot as a satisfying main course perfect for any night of the week.
Notes
- Use day-old cooked rice to ensure the best texture and prevent sogginess.
- For a leaner option, swap chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts or replace with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Add chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you prefer a spicy kick.
