Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful dish that brings the taste of your favorite hibachi grill straight to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this chicken fried rice stands out as a crowd-pleaser. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, all in one pan!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavors Like the Restaurant: Enjoy the authentic taste of hibachi fried rice without leaving your home.
• Customizable Ingredients: Swap in your favorite proteins or vegetables to create endless variations.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this all-in-one dish that cooks everything together.
• Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients makes this meal easy on the wallet while still being delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Provides ample space for stir-frying ingredients without overcrowding.
• Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized and safe when chopping vegetables and chicken.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures precise cuts for uniform cooking of ingredients.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing ingredients evenly and preventing sticking.

Ingredients

We took this recipe straight from the hibachi grill and our mega-popular Hibachi Chicken recipe, for a perfect restaurant-style meal made at home.

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
• 4 teaspoons neutral oil (like avocado or canola; 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon, divided)
• ¾ pound chicken breasts (cut into very small pieces, roughly half of bite-sized)
• 5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (divided)

For Flavor and Vegetables

• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)
• ½ cup diced white onion
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots)

For Cooking Rice

• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups cooked rice (cool to touch, see Notes)
• sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Cut the chicken into small pieces and dice the onion. Measure out the oils, soy sauce, butter, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and frozen vegetables.

Step 2: Heat Oils in Pan

In your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, add sesame oil along with 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Add the cut chicken pieces to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pan, add another teaspoon of neutral oil if needed. Add diced onion and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for around 3-4 minutes until they are tender.

Step 5: Scramble Eggs

Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the pan. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble them gently until cooked through.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with cooled rice. Pour in remaining soy sauce and mix everything together well. Drizzle with lemon juice and add butter. Stir until well combined and heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot with optional sesame seeds on top as garnish. Enjoy your homemade Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice!

How to Serve Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Serving your homemade restaurant-style chicken fried rice can elevate your dining experience. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these serving suggestions will make your meal even more delightful.

Plate it Up

• Use large bowls for individual servings to create a cozy, inviting feel.
• Garnish with green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch.

Pair with Protein

• Add grilled shrimp or teriyaki chicken on the side to enhance the meal’s heartiness.
• Serve with crispy tofu for a vegetarian option that complements the rice perfectly.

Offer Sauces

• Provide soy sauce and sriracha on the table for those who like an extra kick.
• A sesame ginger dressing can add a unique flavor twist.

Side Salads

• A simple cucumber salad can offer a refreshing crunch.
• Mix in some seaweed salad for an authentic Asian touch.

Enjoy Family Style

• Serve in a large dish for everyone to help themselves, creating a communal dining experience.
• Accompany with chopsticks and forks for fun and ease.

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How to Perfect Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

To achieve restaurant-quality chicken fried rice at home, focus on these essential tips that make all the difference in flavor and texture.

• Use day-old rice: This helps prevent clumping and ensures each grain is separate, giving you that perfect texture.
• High heat cooking: Stir-fry over high heat quickly to mimic the hibachi grill effect, enhancing flavor through caramelization.
• Prep all ingredients first: Have everything ready before you start cooking. This keeps the process smooth and manageable.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a large batch, consider splitting it into two pans to allow proper frying.
• Add ingredients in stages: Start with proteins, then vegetables, and finally rice. This ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.

Best Side Dishes for Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

Complementing your chicken fried rice with the right side dishes enhances your meal’s overall experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Egg Rolls: Crispy and filled with vegetables or meat, these are always a crowd favorite.
2. Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried, they bring a light and refreshing element to your meal.
3. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots provides a tangy contrast.
4. Miso Soup: This warm soup is comforting and pairs well with fried rice.
5. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame is a healthy snack that complements any Asian meal beautifully.
6. Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings add another layer of flavor and texture to your dinner spread.
7. Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers tossed in vinegar offer balance against rich dishes.
8. Kimchi: This fermented dish adds heat and complexity, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using fresh rice: Freshly cooked rice often clumps together. Always use cooled, day-old rice for the best texture.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become tough. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink and tender.
• Skipping the oils: Oils add flavor and prevent sticking. Don’t skip them; measure carefully for a balanced taste.
• Not seasoning properly: A lack of seasoning can make your dish bland. Taste as you go and adjust with salt or soy sauce.
• Adding too many ingredients at once: Adding everything simultaneously can lead to uneven cooking. Introduce ingredients in stages to ensure even flavors.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the fried rice to cool before refrigerating to maintain quality.

Freezing Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Place the fried rice in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on high in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different proteins?

Yes! Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu based on your preference.

What type of rice works best?

Day-old white rice is ideal, but brown rice can also work if you prefer a healthier option.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Simply replace the chicken with tofu or more vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I customize the vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, corn, or any of your favorite veggies for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Restaurant-Style Chicken Fried Rice is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as a main dish or side and can be customized easily with different proteins and vegetables. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors right from your kitchen!