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Sticky Garlic Chicken Dish

Category: Family Dinner Ideas

Sticky garlic chicken pairs beautifully with egg fried rice. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a savory soy-based sauce with honey and hoisin for bold flavors. The rice is a perfect accompaniment, made with scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and green onions, lightly seasoned for balance. Together, these elements create a harmonious, comforting, and satisfying dish full of flavor and texture, perfect for a family meal or casual weekend dinner.

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Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Sun, 22 Mar 2026 02:33:11 GMT
A plate of Chinese food with rice and chicken. Pin
A plate of Chinese food with rice and chicken. | zestplate.com

This sticky garlic chicken with egg fried rice is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a comforting yet exciting dish you’ll crave often. Crispy coated chicken is tossed in a luscious garlic sauce served alongside flavorful fried rice; it’s a meal you’ll return to time and again.

I first tried this recipe when I wanted to recreate a restaurant favorite at home, and now it’s a staple for cozy Friday dinners with family.

Ingredients

  • For the chicken:
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast: cut into bite-size pieces because they’re tender and easy to flavor.
  • Eggs: beaten to help the cornstarch adhere to the chicken.
  • Cornstarch: for a light, crisp coating.
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: for a base layer of flavor.
  • Salt and black pepper: to season the chicken perfectly.
  • Oil: for frying—use vegetable or canola for best results.
  • For the sauce:
  • Soy sauce: for salty umami depth.
  • Honey: for natural sweetness and balance.
  • Brown sugar: to enhance the caramel notes in the sauce.
  • Hoisin sauce: for richness that ties all the flavors together.
  • Garlic and optional ginger: for aromatic warmth.
  • Cornstarch and water mixture: to give the sauce its glossy, thick texture.
  • For the fried rice:
  • Day-old white rice: because it’s drier and less sticky, cooking up perfectly.
  • Eggs: lightly beaten for the classic fried rice texture.
  • Peas and carrots: for pops of color and sweetness.
  • Green onions: for a mild onion flavor and freshness.
  • Butter: for richness in the rice.
  • Soy sauce: for seasoning with a touch of umami.
  • Black pepper: for a hint of gentle spice.

How To Make Sticky Garlic Chicken with Egg Fried Rice

Prep the Chicken:
Season the chicken by tossing it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Dip each piece into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, and then dredge in the cornstarch to create a crisp coating for frying.
Fry Until Crisp:
Heat your oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until they’re a beautiful golden brown and fully cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Drain excess oil by transferring the fried pieces to a plate lined with paper towels.
Make the Fried Rice:
In a large skillet, melt your butter along with a tablespoon of oil. Scramble the lightly beaten eggs quickly and stir in the day-old white rice. Add peas, carrots, green onions, soy sauce, and a little black pepper to season. Stir and cook until everything is hot and well combined.
Cook the Sauce:
In a clean skillet, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger. Simmer on low for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the slurry of cornstarch mixed with water and cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy, smooth finish.
Toss and Serve:
Pour the sauce over the fried chicken and gently toss until every piece is fully coated. Serve the chicken beside the egg fried rice for a meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
A plate of chicken with sauce and rice.
A plate of chicken with sauce and rice. | zestplate.com

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and rice separately in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain textures. The sauce re-thickens as it cools, so adding a tablespoon of water when reheating can help.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have hoisin sauce? Mix soy sauce, peanut butter, and a little honey for a similar flavor. Boneless chicken thighs give more tenderness, but chicken breast works beautifully as well.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with steamed broccoli or a quick cucumber salad for a fresh, crunchy side.

A plate of Chinese food with rice and chicken.
A plate of Chinese food with rice and chicken. | zestplate.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works great. Just ensure you cut it into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

→ How can I make the fried rice fluffier?

Use day-old rice, as it is less sticky and works better for stir-frying. Always ensure the rice is cold before starting.

→ What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a touch of peanut butter or molasses can provide a similar flavor profile.

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier option.

→ What vegetables can I add to the fried rice?

You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, corn, or even broccoli to the fried rice for extra flavor and texture.

Sticky Garlic Chicken Rice

Enjoy sticky garlic chicken with egg fried rice, a delicious and satisfying meal.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Total Duration
45 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian

Output: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
02 2 eggs, beaten
03 1 cup cornstarch
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 Salt, to taste
07 Black pepper, to taste
08 Oil, for frying

→ Sauce

09 1/3 cup soy sauce
10 3 tablespoons honey
11 2 tablespoons brown sugar
12 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
13 3 cloves garlic, minced
14 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional)
15 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

→ Fried Rice

16 3 cups cooked day-old white rice
17 2 eggs, lightly beaten
18 1 cup peas and carrots
19 2 green onions, sliced
20 1 tablespoon butter
21 1 tablespoon oil
22 2 tablespoons soy sauce
23 Black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 01

Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Dip each piece in beaten egg, then coat well in cornstarch to fry up crisp and golden.

Step 02

Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Set it on a paper towel-lined plate while preparing the rest.

Step 03

In a large skillet, heat the butter and oil. Add the eggs and scramble quickly, then stir in the rice, peas and carrots, green onions, soy sauce, and black pepper. Cook until the rice is hot and lightly seasoned.

Step 04

In a clean skillet, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger if using. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce becomes thick, shiny, and smooth.

Step 05

Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Serve the chicken alongside the egg fried rice while the sauce is still glossy.

Required Equipment

  • Deep skillet
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Paper towels

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Contains soy
  • Contains eggs
  • May contain gluten (if soy sauce is not gluten-free)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 690
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Protein: 35 g