Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of hibachi cooking right to your kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice. You’ll find that it’s not just quick and easy to make, but also far better than takeout!

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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:
• For Garnish
• How to Make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Step 1: Cook the Chicken
• Step 2: Prepare the Fried Rice
• Step 3: Combine Everything
• Step 4: Serve
• How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice
• Pair with Fresh Salad
• Add Protein Options
• Incorporate Dipping Sauces
• Use Creative Serving Dishes
• 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
• What Makes This Chicken Fried Rice Restaurant-Style?
• Can I Customize My Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?
• How Do I Prevent My Fried Rice From Being Soggy?
• What Type of Chicken Should I Use?
• Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: With ingredients like sesame oil and soy sauce, every bite bursts with delicious flavor.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes.
• Healthy Option: Made with lean chicken and fresh veggies, it’s a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge and can be reheated easily for a tasty lunch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula
• Medium bowl
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: Provides ample space for cooking chicken and frying rice evenly.
• Spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without damaging them, ensuring even cooking.
• Medium bowl: Useful for transferring cooked chicken aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

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)

For Garnish

• Sesame seeds (optional)

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How to Make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 ½ teaspoons of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Once the oils are hot:
1. Add the chicken pieces and let cook for 1 minute without stirring.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of butter, 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken until it 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.

Step 2: Prepare the Fried Rice

In the same skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Heat 1 teaspoon of neutral oil.
2. Add diced onion and frozen mixed vegetables; sauté for about 3 minutes until onions are almost translucent.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet.
4. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until fully cooked.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to combine all ingredients:
1. Add cooled cooked rice and 3 tablespoons of butter into the skillet; stir frequently while cooking for about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce; cook for an additional minute.
3. Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet; season with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 4: Serve

Portion out your fried rice into bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve warm.

Enjoy your homemade restaurant-style chicken fried rice!

How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Serving restaurant-style chicken fried rice can elevate your meal to a whole new level. It’s versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious fried rice.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and balances the richness of the fried rice.
• Asian Slaw: A tangy Asian slaw complements the savory flavors, providing a zesty contrast.

Add Protein Options

• Grilled Shrimp: Serve alongside grilled shrimp for an extra protein boost and a seafood twist.
• Teriyaki Chicken: Pairing with teriyaki chicken enhances the Asian flavor profile of your meal.

Incorporate Dipping Sauces

• Sweet Chili Sauce: A sweet chili sauce can add an exciting kick to each bite.
• Soy Sauce: Provide extra low-sodium soy sauce on the side for those who love added flavor.

Use Creative Serving Dishes

• Bento Boxes: Presenting in bento boxes makes for an appealing and fun dining experience.
• Wok Presentation: Serve directly from a wok for a casual yet authentic feel.

How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Creating the perfect restaurant-style chicken fried rice requires attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips to enhance your dish.

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh ingredients and seasonings like garlic and ginger to elevate the taste.
• Cool Your Rice: Ensure your cooked rice is cooled before frying; this prevents clumping and sogginess.
• High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry over high heat for that classic smoky flavor known from hibachi-style cooking.
• Minimal Stirring: Allow your chicken and vegetables to brown slightly by not stirring too often; this adds depth of flavor.
• Eggs Last: Scramble eggs separately before mixing them into the rice; this keeps them fluffy and light.
• Customize Ingredients: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand, like bell peppers or broccoli.

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Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Pairing side dishes with your restaurant-style chicken fried rice can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls stuffed with vegetables or meat make a perfect crunchy side.
2. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame pods provide a nutritious and fun finger food option.
3. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds a comforting touch that complements the main dish well.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
5. Potstickers: These savory dumplings are ideal for dipping, adding another layer of texture to your meal.
6. Garlic Noodles: Garlic noodles bring additional flavors that harmonize beautifully with chicken fried rice.
7. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled vegetables offer a refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness of the fried rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making restaurant-style chicken fried rice, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish every time.

• Using Freshly Cooked Rice: Fresh rice tends to be too moist and clumpy. Instead, use cooled, day-old rice for the best texture.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too much chicken or rice at once can lead to steaming rather than frying. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Skipping Seasoning: Relying only on soy sauce can make the dish overly salty. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper!
• Not Letting Chicken Brown: Stirring too often prevents browning. Allow the chicken to sear before mixing for enhanced flavor.
• Ignoring Veggie Prep: Not chopping vegetables finely can result in uneven cooking. Ensure all ingredients are cut into small, uniform pieces.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Portion out servings before freezing for easy reheating.

Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a lid. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and stir-fry until heated through, about 5 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes This Chicken Fried Rice Restaurant-Style?

This restaurant-style chicken fried rice features high-quality ingredients and proper cooking techniques that mimic those used in hibachi restaurants.

Can I Customize My Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite proteins or vegetables like shrimp or bell peppers for personalized flavor.

How Do I Prevent My Fried Rice From Being Soggy?

Ensure you use day-old, cooled rice. Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture, which leads to sogginess.

What Type of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best as they cook quickly and stay tender during frying.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables while keeping the same seasoning methods for flavor.

Final Thoughts

This restaurant-style chicken fried rice is a delightful meal that brings your favorite hibachi experience home. It’s quick, easy, and versatile—perfect for customizing with your favorite proteins or veggies. Give it a try and enjoy this delicious dish!