Description
Honey Garlic Chili Chicken Fried Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory elements. Featuring tender chicken, aromatic garlic, a spicy chili kick, and fragrant rice, this quick and easy one-pan meal is ideal for lunch, dinner, or a satisfying weeknight treat. With versatile options and minimal cleanup, it’s sure to become a go-to comfort food packed with bold tastes and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Rice
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice (preferably day-old)
Sauce & Flavorings
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili flakes or 1 fresh chili, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option)
Oils
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
Vegetables & Garnishes
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup diced carrots (optional)
- ½ cup peas (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, slice the green onions, and prep optional vegetables like carrots and peas.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Chili: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add minced garlic and chili flakes or fresh chili slices. Cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Vegetables: Add chopped carrots, peas, or other chosen vegetables. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Combine Rice and Sauce: Stir in cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Drizzle honey and soy sauce over everything and toss well to coat evenly.
- Finish with Green Onions: Sprinkle sliced green onions on top, give the dish one last stir, and remove from heat. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use day-old rice to prevent clumping and ensure perfect fried rice texture.
- Adjust chili quantity to control the heat level to your preference.
- Cook chicken just until done to keep it juicy and tender.
- Cook on high heat and move fast to keep vegetables crisp and flavors vibrant.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with soy sauce or honey for preferred salty-sweet balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, chili chicken fried rice, easy fried rice, spicy chicken fried rice, quick dinner, one-pan meal, gluten-free fried rice
