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A delicious bowl of Honey Garlic Chicken Fried Rice with tender chicken, vegetables, and a savory-sweet glaze.

Protein Packed Honey Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

This is a complete, protein-packed meal featuring glistening jewels of chicken lacquered in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. It balances sticky sauce, fluffy rice, tender-crisp veggies, and savory chicken, creating a delicious and comforting weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups cooked and chilled day-old white or brown rice
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, plus 1-2 tablespoons more for the rice
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons avocado or canola oil, divided
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced, with whites and greens separated
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar optional

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Grater
  • Plate

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and optional rice vinegar to create the sauce. Set aside.
  2. Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of oil. Once shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Pour about one-third of the sauce over the chicken, toss to coat for 30 seconds, then remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the diced yellow onion and the white parts of the green onions, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the frozen peas and carrots and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and let them set for 30-60 seconds. Gently scramble the eggs into small curds, then mix them into the vegetables.
  5. Add the chilled rice to the skillet. Use your spatula to break up any clumps. Drizzle with an additional 1-2 tablespoons of soy sauce and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the rice is heated through and slightly toasted.
  6. Return the cooked honey garlic chicken to the skillet. Pour the remaining sauce over everything and toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until every ingredient is coated and the sauce has thickened into a glaze.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with the green parts of the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For best results, use chilled, day-old rice to prevent a mushy texture. Ensure all ingredients are prepped before cooking as the process is very fast. For variations, substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu. For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of sriracha for heat or a tablespoon of oyster sauce for more umami depth. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.