Start to finish: 35 minutes / Servings: 4
This is our take on the Filipino dish known as sinangag, a stir-fried rice chock-full of crisp, toasted garlic. Sliced garlic is browned slowly, creating golden garlic chips to mix into the rice at the end, along with a flavorful oil that infuses the entire dish. Sinangag typically is served as a side, but we add chicken to transform it into a main. For best texture, use cooked rice that’s been refrigerated until firm. To make enough rice for this recipe, in a large saucepan, combine 2 cups water and 1½ cups jasmine rice (or regular long-grain white rice), rinsed and drained. Bring to a simmer over medium-high, then reduce to low, cover and cook for 15 to 18 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wide, shallow bowl. Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until well chilled.
8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into ½- to ¾-inch pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
½ teaspoon white sugar
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
3 tablespoons grapeseed or other neutral oil, divided
8 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced
3 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts reserved separately
4 cups cooked and chilled long-grain white rice, preferably jasmine rice (see headnote)
In a medium bowl, stir together the chicken, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, the sugar and ¼ teaspoon salt. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high, heat 1 tablespoon oil until shimmering. Add the chicken in an even layer and cook without stirring until browned on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir the chicken, then cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned all over and cooked through, another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate; set aside.
Wash and dry the skillet. Set it over medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and the garlic. Cook, stirring only occasionally at first then more often once the garlic begins to color, until some of the slices are light golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the scallion whites and cook, stirring, until most of the garlic is golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Add the rice, breaking up any clumps, followed by the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook over medium-high, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate the garlic and any browned bits, until the rice is heated through, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken and any accumulated juices; cook, stirring, until warmed through, about 1 minute.
Off heat, taste and season with salt. Transfer to a serving dish, then sprinkle with the scallion greens and pepper.