Make a mess for someone else to clean up.... or not.

Before you consider this recipe - go make some rice - 2 cups - and toss it in the fridge. Just do it. Do yourself that favor, because 100% that will be the part you get to and say "ooh man, I didn't make my rice ahead". For the first time in a long time - I read through the recipe ahead of time and got that rice made a day ahead. Phew! Winning at life! This recipe came together very fast so making sure to prep and measure ingredients ahead is a must. Sure it makes a lot of dishes... but maybe you are the one that cooks and someone else cleans, win! Maybe you have a dishwasher and all you have to do is toss them in, win! Maybe you have to cook and clean AND empty the dishwasher... well that stinks but still you'll have made great food and it's worth the mess. If you have to do it all maybe it's time to shame some family members or get take out...

Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
2 chicken breasts, diced
2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup green peas
1/4 cup diced carrots
2 eggs, lightly scrambled
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until crispy and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the peas and carrots to the pan, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Push the veggies to the side of the pan and pour in the scrambled eggs. Let them cook fully before scrambling into the veggies.
Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir well to combine.
Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using). Stir to evenly coat everything.
Add the crispy chicken back into the pan, mixing everything until heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired, then serve and enjoy!