Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

There is something incredibly satisfying about standing over a hot skillet while the savory aroma of sizzling garlic fills the entire kitchen.

I created this Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice to satisfy those intense savory cravings without waiting for delivery.

Why This Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice Works Every Time

The secret to this recipe lies in the homemade garlic butter that gets folded in right at the end for maximum impact.

You will love how the rich, buttery coating clings to each grain of rice while the high heat keeps everything light and fluffy.

This entire meal comes together in just twenty minutes, making it my absolute favorite solution for busy weeknights when time is tight.

After enjoying this savory main dish, I highly recommend treating yourself to my Ultimate Key Lime Pie Recipe for a zesty finish, or try the Ultimate Classic Snickerdoodles Recipe if you prefer a cozy cinnamon treat.

Everything You Need for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Butter: You will need this softened to mix easily with the garlic.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a consistent layer of savory flavor throughout the butter mixture.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced cloves provide that punchy, aromatic kick that makes this dish special.
• Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way to add that authentic nutty background note.
• Neutral Oil: Avocado or canola oil works best for cooking at higher temperatures.
• Chicken Breast: Cut this into very small pieces so they cook quickly and distribute evenly.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity brightens up the heavy savory flavors.
• White Onion: Dicing this finely ensures it melts into the rice without overpowering the texture.
• Frozen Vegetables: The classic peas and carrots mix adds color and sweetness without extra prep work.
• Eggs: These add protein and that essential fluffy texture to the fried rice.
• Cooked Rice: Day-old, cold rice is non-negotiable for achieving separate grains that do not clump.
• Soy Sauce: This provides the salty, umami depth that brings the whole dish together.
• Salt and Pepper: Use these to season the chicken and adjust the final taste to your preference.

My Method for Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice

Let’s get cooking!

1. Start by making the flavor base in a small bowl. Use a fork to mash the softened butter together with the garlic powder and minced garlic cloves until they form a smooth, uniform paste, then set this aromatic mixture aside for later.
2. Get your large skillet or wok very hot over medium-high heat with the sesame oil and neutral oil. Toss in the tiny pieces of chicken breast and let them sizzle undisturbed for a minute to get a nice sear, then stir in the soy sauce, a dab of plain butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Continue cooking the chicken for another few minutes until it is fully cooked through and golden brown. Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a clean bowl so it does not dry out, and quickly wipe down your skillet to prepare it for the vegetables.
4. Add a little more oil to the pan and sauté the diced onions and frozen vegetables until the onions soften. Push these veggies to the side to create an open space, crack the eggs into the pan, and scramble them vigorously until they are set and fluffy.
5. Now comes the best part where everything comes together. Dump the cold cooked rice into the pan along with your reserved garlic butter mixture and stir constantly for about five minutes so every grain gets coated and fried.
6. Finish the dish by stirring in the remaining soy sauce and adding the cooked chicken back into the pan. Give it one final toss to heat everything through, taste a spoonful to check the seasoning, and add a pinch more salt or pepper if your palate desires.

My Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice Secrets

The most important rule for this Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice is using cold, day-old rice to prevent the texture from becoming mushy.

I always prep all my ingredients before turning on the stove because the cooking process happens very fast.

Make sure your pan is nice and hot before adding ingredients to achieve that signature fried texture.

How I Like to Serve This Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice

I usually serve this Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice in deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh green onions on top for color.

Sometimes I drizzle a bit of Sriracha or chili oil over my portion for an extra spicy kick that cuts through the rich butter.

If you enjoyed this recipe, come join me on Pinterest for more easy dinner ideas and sweet treats!

Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 24 min
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: None

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Description

A savory, restaurant-style fried rice featuring tender chicken and a rich homemade garlic butter sauce, ready in just 20 minutes.

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Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked rice, cold (day-old is best)
• 3/4 pound chicken breast, diced very small
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
• 1/2 cup white onion, finely diced
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened and divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or vegetable)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mash together 5 tablespoons of softened butter, garlic powder, and minced garlic until well combined. Set this garlic butter aside.
2. Heat the sesame oil and neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook undisturbed for 1 minute to sear.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, the remaining 1 tablespoon of plain butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through, then remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Wipe out the skillet and add a splash more oil if needed. Sauté the onion and frozen vegetables for about 3 minutes until tender.
5. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble until fully cooked.
6. Add the cold rice and the prepared garlic butter mixture to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5 minutes, ensuring the rice is evenly coated and heated through.
7. Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and cook for 1 more minute.
8. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use Tamari instead of soy sauce. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread fresh hot rice on a baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes to dry it out.

• Prep Time: 12 min
• Resting Time:
• Cook Time: 12 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stir Fry
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 415
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1180mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice, easy fried rice, chicken dinner, 20 minute meal, homemade takeout