Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of hibachi cooking right into your home kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe offers a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that rivals your favorite takeout. With vibrant veggies, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s a meal sure to impress friends and family alike.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken:
• For the Fried Rice:
• How to Make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 3: Scramble Eggs
• Step 4: Combine Rice
• Step 5: Finish with Chicken
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Pair with Fresh Vegetables
• Add a Protein Boost
• Garnish Creatively
• Serve in Unique Ways
• How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How can I customize my Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?
• Can I make this dish vegetarian?
• What type of rice is best for fried rice?
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
• How do I know when my chicken is done cooking?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Experience: The combination of sesame oil and soy sauce creates a rich flavor profile that will take your taste buds on a journey.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the veggies based on what you have at home or what’s in season.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: It serves six people easily, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
• Better than Takeout: Enjoy the freshness of homemade food while saving money compared to restaurant prices.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment can make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula
• Medium bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: Provides ample space for cooking chicken and frying rice evenly.
• Spatula: Ideal for mixing ingredients without damaging them, ensuring everything cooks perfectly.
• Measuring spoons: Helps maintain accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) neutral oil (like avocado or canola oil)
• ¾ pound chicken breasts, cut into very small pieces (roughly half of bite-sized)
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

For the Fried Rice:

• 1 teaspoon neutral oil
• ½ cup diced white onion
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups cooked rice, cooled to room temperature (see Notes)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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How to Make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil and 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

1. Once the oils are hot, add the chicken pieces and let cook for 1 minute without stirring.
2. Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon butter, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink (approximately 1-3 minutes), stirring no more than once or twice to allow browning.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl and set aside. Wipe out the skillet or wok to use again.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat 1 teaspoon neutral oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.

1. Add the diced onion and frozen mixed vegetables.
2. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions are almost translucent.

Step 3: Scramble Eggs

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet.

1. Crack the eggs into the skillet.
2. Scramble them with a spatula until fully cooked.

Step 4: Combine Rice

Add the cooked rice and 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet.

1. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.
2. Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce and cook for an additional minute.

Step 5: Finish with Chicken

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.

1. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Portion the fried rice into bowls.

1. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
2. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious homemade restaurant-style chicken fried rice!

How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Serving restaurant-style chicken fried rice can elevate your meal experience. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish that will impress your family and friends.

Pair with Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: A light and nutritious addition that complements the richness of the fried rice.
• Sautéed Bok Choy: This Asian vegetable adds a crunchy texture and a mild flavor that balances the dish perfectly.

Add a Protein Boost

• Grilled Shrimp: Top your fried rice with succulent grilled shrimp for an extra protein kick.
• Tofu Cubes: For a vegetarian option, add crispy tofu cubes sautéed in soy sauce.

Garnish Creatively

• Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions add freshness and color to your dish.
• Cilantro Leaves: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an aromatic finish that enhances the flavors.

Serve in Unique Ways

• In Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves as wraps for a fun, hands-on dining experience.
• In Bowls with Sliced Cucumbers: Serve in bowls alongside thinly sliced cucumbers for a refreshing crunch.

How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Perfecting your restaurant-style chicken fried rice is all about technique and quality ingredients. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Cold Rice: Freshly cooked rice can become mushy. Use day-old rice or let cooked rice cool completely before frying.
• High Heat Cooking: Cook on high heat to achieve that signature wok hei (breath of the wok) flavor while keeping the ingredients crisp.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying.
• Add Seasonings Gradually: Start with salt and pepper; taste as you go to avoid overly salty rice.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
• Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle a little sesame oil at the end for added aroma and depth of flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

To create a complete meal, consider serving these delightful side dishes alongside your restaurant-style chicken fried rice. They add variety and balance to your meal.

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables and served with sweet chili sauce make for an excellent appetizer.
2. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides a comforting contrast to the main dish, enhancing the dining experience.
3. Cucumber Salad: Lightly dressed cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch that complements the flavors of the fried rice.
4. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a healthy snack or side dish packed with protein.
5. Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings are perfect for dipping and pair well with soy sauce or vinegar dips.
6. Kimchi: This spicy fermented cabbage adds bold flavors that can brighten up any meal, offering a unique twist on tradition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice at home can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using fresh rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and clumpy. Always use leftover or cooled rice for better texture.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Cook just until no longer pink, about 1-3 minutes.
• Neglecting seasoning: Relying only on soy sauce can lead to blandness. Use salt, pepper, and lemon juice for a balanced flavor.
• Skipping the prep: Not prepping ingredients in advance can slow you down. Chop veggies and measure everything before cooking.
• Crowding the pan: Adding too many ingredients at once can lead to steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if necessary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Containers: Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring between each.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking; stir frequently until heated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice at home.

How can I customize my Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?

You can add different proteins like shrimp or tofu, or include more vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if desired.

What type of rice is best for fried rice?

Long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati works well, but any cold, leftover rice is ideal for preventing clumping.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.

How do I know when my chicken is done cooking?

Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink inside.

Final Thoughts

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice recipe brings the flavors of hibachi dining right into your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and customizable according to your taste preferences. From adding extra veggies to swapping proteins, feel free to make it your own!

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