Honey Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

Steps

Prep and Chicken

1. 1

   Cut the chicken thighs into irregular bite-sized chunks. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

2. 2

   Season the chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then toss with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until there is a very light coating.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, stir together the honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 5 minced garlic cloves, brown sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, rice vinegar, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper to create the glaze. Set aside.

   Start 5-minute timer
4. 4

   Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high to high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil.

5. 5

   Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the hot pan. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid crowding.

6. 6

   Leave the chicken undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop dark brown edges. Continue cooking, turning occasionally, until browned on several sides and almost cooked through (about 6–8 minutes total).

   Start 3-minute timer
7. 7

   Lower the heat slightly and pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken. Let it simmer for 2–4 minutes, tossing the chicken through the sauce.

   Start 4-minute timer
8. 8

   Watch closely as the sauce reduces. Once the glaze is dark, thick, and tacky (clinging tightly to the chicken), transfer most of the chicken to a plate, leaving the sticky bits and some sauce in the pan.

Make the Fried Rice

9. 9

   Add another tablespoon of oil to the same hot pan if it looks dry. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant.

   Start 2-minute timer
10. 10

    Immediately add the cold rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break apart any large clumps and spread the rice across the surface.

11. 11

    Let the rice sit undisturbed for 30–60 seconds at a time before tossing to allow it to fry. Continue for 3–5 minutes.

    Start 1-minute timer
12. 12

    Drizzle 2 tablespoons of soy sauce around the hot edges of the pan. Add the dark soy sauce (if using) and 1/2 tsp sesame oil. Toss over high heat until grains are evenly seasoned.

13. 13

    Return the sticky honey garlic chicken to the pan and add most of the sliced green onions.

Assembly

14. 14

    Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes so the glaze works into pockets of the rice. Taste for seasoning.

    Start 2-minute timer
15. 15

    Scatter the remaining green onions over the top and serve immediately.