Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Honey Garlic Chicken Fried Rice! In less time than it takes to order takeout, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's bursting with flavor, combining the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic ingredients. Whether you're cooking for a romantic dinner for two or looking to impress your partner with your kitchen skills, this recipe is your secret weapon to a quick, delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into small, uniform cubes and measuring out mixed vegetables and pre-cooked rice.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, ensuring even coating of the pan surface.
- Add diced chicken to the hot pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Push cooked chicken to one side of the pan and add mixed vegetables, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly tender but retain their vibrant color.
- Add pre-cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps and mixing with chicken and vegetables, stirring continuously for even heating.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey and soy sauce to create a quick glaze, then pour over the rice mixture.
- Stir-fry everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the honey-soy glaze coats all ingredients evenly and develops a slight caramelization.
- Remove from heat, taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt or pepper.
- Plate the honey garlic chicken fried rice immediately, garnishing with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Use day-old rice for the best texture: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and make your fried rice soggy. Cold, leftover rice separates easily and creates that ideal crispy texture.
- High heat is key: Ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding ingredients to achieve that classic "wok hei" flavor and prevent sticking.
- Prep ingredients in advance: Have all your ingredients chopped and measured before you start cooking. This "mise en place" approach ensures smooth, stress-free cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken and vegetables in batches if needed to maintain high heat and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Customize your vegetables: While the recipe suggests mixed vegetables, feel free to use what you have on hand or prefer - frozen mixed vegetables work great in a pinch!
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small amount of minced garlic or ginger when cooking the chicken for an additional flavor boost.
- Let the honey-soy glaze caramelize slightly for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 65mg