Garlic Chicken And Rice - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Medium

Garlic Chicken And Rice

(407)
30 min4522 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Garlic Chicken And Rice recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

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Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Season Generously

Most home cooks under-season their chicken. I use about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of chicken, applied at least 30 minutes before cooking for the deepest flavour penetration.

About This Recipe

Garlic Chicken And Rice is a dish that has found its way into the hearts and kitchens of Canadian families, thanks to its delightful balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. The tender pieces of chicken, marinated in a harmonious blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, absorb these rich flavors while cooking, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting. Whether you whip it up on a busy weeknight or for a cozy weekend gathering, this dish never fails to impress with its simplicity and taste.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its flavor but also in its texture. The rice, infused with the garlicky goodness and the savory juices from the chicken, becomes a delicious side that complements the dish perfectly. It's no wonder this Garlic Chicken And Rice has become a staple for many home cooks across Canada, offering a quick and easy solution for dinner that everyone enjoys. Once you experience its delightful taste, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your meal rotation.

Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken And Rice

To ensure your chicken remains juicy and tender, be careful not to overcook it; aim for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). The cornstarch in the marinade not only thickens the sauce but also helps to lock in moisture. A quick sear on each side of the chicken before simmering will give you an appealing golden crust while keeping the inside succulent. Don't hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as you go.

What to Serve With It

For a truly Canadian twist, serve your Garlic Chicken And Rice with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top adds a lovely crunch and a pop of color. If you're feeling adventurous, pair it with a light, crisp Canadian white wine like a Pinot Grigio to elevate the meal even further.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of Garlic Chicken And Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on low heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent the chicken from drying out. If you want to freeze this dish, it will keep well for up to 3 months; just make sure to separate the chicken and rice in portioned containers for easy defrosting.

Nutrition Per Serving

522
Calories
39g
Protein
20g
Fat
46g
Carbs
Fiber5g
Sugar8g
Sodium373mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?+

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar?+

If you don't have rice vinegar on hand, you can use apple cider vinegar or even white vinegar as a substitute. Just be cautious with the amount, as they can be more potent.

How do I make this dish spicier?+

To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the marinade. This will give your Garlic Chicken And Rice a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?+

While fresh chicken is preferred for even cooking, you can use thawed frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating to allow for proper flavor absorption.

What type of rice works best for this dish?+

Jasmine rice is an excellent choice for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, but you can also use basmati or long-grain rice. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of rice you choose.

Reviews

4.7 / 5 (407 reviews)
Daniel D.
Apr 9, 2025

This is comfort food at its finest. Pure perfection.

Emily D.
Apr 23, 2025

My family loved this recipe. Will definitely make again!

Emily I.
Oct 1, 2025

My family loved this recipe. Will definitely make again!

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
15 min
Cook:
15 min
Total:
30 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Medium

Pro Tips

  • 1Always pat chicken dry before cooking for the best sear and crispiest skin.
  • 2Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
  • 3Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Variations

  • Substitute chicken thighs for breast for a juicier, more forgiving result.
  • Add your favourite seasonal vegetables to make it a complete one-dish meal.
  • Adjust spice levels to your personal preference — start mild and add more heat gradually.

Asian-Inspired Chicken

Garlic Chicken And Rice

Restaurant-quality Garlic Chicken And Rice you can make at home tonight.

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Garlic Chicken And Rice - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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