Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

#### Step 4: Add the Rice
– Add the **day-old rice** (or freshly cooked rice that has cooled down) to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and toss everything together. The rice should be lightly fried and coated with the oils and flavors from the pan.

#### Step 5: Season the Rice
– Add the cooked **chicken back into the pan** along with the **soy sauce** and **oyster sauce** (if using). Stir well to coat everything evenly. Drizzle with a bit of **sesame oil** for extra flavor if desired.
– Taste the rice and add **salt and pepper** as needed. Keep stirring to ensure the rice is heated through and well-seasoned.

#### Step 6: Garnish and Serve
– Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with **chopped green onions** for a burst of freshness and crunch.

### Tips for Perfect Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

1. **Use Day-Old Rice**: Freshly cooked rice can become too soft and sticky when fried. For the best texture, use **day-old rice** that’s been chilled in the fridge. This helps the rice stay firm and separate during cooking, allowing it to fry up beautifully.

2. **Add Your Favorite Veggies**: This dish is super versatile. You can add bell peppers, corn, broccoli, or even spinach. If you have leftover veggies from other meals, this is a great way to incorporate them into your fried rice.

3. **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: If you’re making a large batch, consider using a bigger pan or wok. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than frying, so give the rice and ingredients enough space to crisp up properly.

4. **Customize Your Protein**: While this recipe uses chicken, feel free to substitute it with shrimp, beef, or tofu for different flavors. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great for a quicker, no-cook option.

5. **Adjust the Seasonings**: Soy sauce is the base seasoning in this dish, but you can also play with the flavors by adding a bit of hoisin sauce, sriracha for spice, or even a dash of fish sauce for extra depth.

### Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice is a meal that offers the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and convenience. The crispy rice, tender chicken, and savory garlic create a dish that’s satisfying without being heavy. It’s versatile enough to be adapted to your tastes and dietary preferences, and the fact that it all comes together in one pan makes it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight.

This dish is also great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for a few days and even reheats beautifully in the microwave. Whether you’re making it for dinner, lunch, or as a side dish, **Garlic Chicken Fried Rice** is sure to please everyone at the table.

### Conclusion

If you’re in need of a quick, delicious, and customizable meal that can be made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, **Garlic Chicken Fried Rice** is the answer. With its savory flavors, easy preparation, and versatility, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it today, and enjoy a homemade meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor!